Is this fused exposure overworked?

[JayBeePee]

Hey!

I've been experimenting with exposure fusing, trying to get some "pop" into otherwise ordinary-looking shots. I'm hoping for some feedback - does this finished work look to cooked, or does it jump out just the right amount? I realise it's a subjective call, but I wouldn't mind hearing what some more experienced photographers might think.

Looking at them side by side they are very different - but I feel like the worked shot could still pass for reality. :-)

Thanks!

Jason

Original image as it came out of the camera (flat, but actually quite a faithful reproduction of the dull light that afternoon...):


Wall: exposure fusing experiment (original) by JayBeePee, on Flickr

Worked image created by layering bracketed -0.7EV and +0.7EV versions with the original, then tweaking colour curves:


Wall: exposure fusing experiment (worked) by JayBeePee, on Flickr

[flygirlmeg]

Well, I'm not sure I'm a more experienced photographer but I like the 2nd/edited version.
It's gritty and expresses the texture of the brick & mortar better - at least in my opinion. The original might be a faithful reproduction but it does look dull and I think, artistically, the edited version is better.

[JayBeePee]

Thanks Meg!

I agree - the edited version does express the textures better and I think it's just short of being too over-the-top. It was an interesting process and I learnt some new Photoshop tricks trying to get it just right!

Jason