HDR - Help or hindrance?

[martha36]

I am just getting into HDR and am trying out different photos to see what's what. I took this shot of my daughter this summer. I love it, even though you can't see her face, and I thought it might look neat in HDR.

[VegasMike]

I think the HDR works with this. HDR can be very subtle and get you an image that will still look like a "normal" photo put to use the music analogy pick up the highs and the lows of the image which I feel is the true intent of the HDR process. You can also take it to the extreme creating a surreal image that to some, lose image quality as they don't look like a photograph. I guess if viewed as an art form its subject to praise and criticism.

Mike

[Adamcha]

I find HDR works best in landscapes. I have wanted to do an HDR of a person, but the kids I have worked with in the past could not keep from moving long enough to get three close (much less exact) exposures. I do like the increased contrast and movement in the background your effect creates though.

[teaking]

I think something like HDR is a personal preference as it can be considered an artistic effect like with your second shot which I think looks great.

It can also be a great help where ND filters just dont get you the results you want with landscapes and you can get a normal looking perfectly exposed image out of something that just wouldnt work.

[kgb224]

Outstanding work.

[Genevieve]

My honest oppinion, the HDR does not work for this photo. I don't really like HDR (some people do it over the top) but it works on the right photograph. Unfortunately this picture of your child does not work with hdr.