Trying a new (to me) technique

[Markel253]

I haven't really done much of this type of PP work, but it was a quiet day here and I wanted to try something I had never done before. I know that true HDR should be 3 (preferably RAW) photos, each exposed for different dynamics, but I went back to a picture I had taken earlier this year, and processed it three different ways from the RAW image. I then used those three images to create the edited version.

I did not use any automation on this image, rather I layered them and used masks. Also, I haven't cropped the final image at all - as I did in the original. Your thoughts on that?

Your comments are welcome.

The original:



and the edited version:

[Hill Country Hack]

I like what you did. I think seeing the buildings in the foreground add to the shot. The sky is much better.

The boat in the foreground does nothing for me and I feel it hurts the overall image. The downside of the brighter buildings is it brings out the bit of soft focus. We have discussed this in the past so I'll leave that dead horse lie.

As stated, I like what you did.

[Markel253]

As always, thanks for your comments.

This was shortly after I got the camera, and I was hampered by lack of knowledge at the time - since it was my first digital SLR. I did not realize then that even with decades of experience with a film SLR, there would be such a steep learning curve at first when going digital. There are many things I would have done differently had I known then what I know now.

Having a tripod with me that evening would probably have been one of them, since the main reason we were there that night was mostly for the fireworks. We are going back to Disney World (where this was taken) in a bit more than a week, and one of the things I want to concentrate on will be fireworks, so I am going to bring my tripod with me this time. (I can hear you gasp as I type this! ) But I don't think it will become a regular thing.

As for the boat on the lake, for me it is the thing that makes it different from all the hundreds of shots l have taken over the years that are very similar. In my opinion it adds something to the shot, but as I have always said, photography is art and art is very subjective. That's why I like this forum since I get to hear other points of view. So thanks for that.

[bigben6]

I think it looks real good man, it does not LOOK HDR'd but its a much more pleasant image now.

[Markel253]

Originally Posted by bigben6

I think it looks real good man, it does not LOOK HDR'd but its a much more pleasant image now.

Thanks, that was my goal. In general I prefer the more natural look, and did pull it back a little when it screamed "HDR" at first.

[carl yeomans]

This in no way resembles HDR, you could of moved the " fill " slider and done the same if not better.

[Hill Country Hack]

I now have a bruise on my jaw from reading your shocking statement of taking and USING a tripod for your upcoming shoot. Good luck with the fireworks and post some results.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by carl yeomans

This in no way resembles HDR, you could of moved the " fill " slider and done the same if not better.

Uhmmm..No.

[Markel253]

sk66 - just had a look at your blog. Enjoyed it!

And anyone who would title a blog post I HATE TRIPODS!!!! gets points in my book!

[sk66]

LOL! Thanks!