HDR attempt at sunset

[KeithT]

This is one of my first HDR attempts, 3 images blended using Photmatix and then some Lightroom adjustments.
Keith

[JeffSmith]

HI Keith, looks like it's hand-held rather than using a tripod. I say this because it looks like the images are not properly aligned - did you choose that option before creating the HDR?

Also, you've not said what you're trying to achieve here. The building is either too dark because there's no detail, or if it's meant to be a silhouette, then it's not quite dark enough. The sky is unnaturally orange, but is that what you want?

First attempts at HDR are often difficult as you have to get to know what all the settings and sliders do the the image - took me quite a while and a lot of pain!

Any chance of posting the best of the 3 exposed images you took, I'd quite like to see the before and after. Also say if you're happy with your HDR pic or not

[KeithT]

Hi Jeff, no, it was using a tripod. Sorry I can't post one of the 3 original images because once I'd merged to .tif, I deleted the originals. I agree the barn is a little dark but what I was trying to create was a sort of an 'unreal' sunset.
Keith

[JeffSmith]

I'd keep your originals in the future because you might want to have another go at merging and tonemapping. As I learn, I often go back and have another go to see if I can improve on things.

[FocalFrenzy]

The sky looks very Post-Apocalyptic. It's like Armageddon strikes the mid-west. If this is what you were after, you did very well.

[GroovyDude]

I like it. The barn is a bit dark, but the sky and flower colors look great!

I imagine that's what it'll look like when the meteor hits and a wall of fire is making it's way across the earth.

[fullframefotos]

very interesting colors. I especially like the foreground and the orange glow from the sun.

[xcrisscrossx]

Originally Posted by KeithT

This is one of my first HDR attempts, 3 images blended using Photmatix and then some Lightroom adjustments.
Keith

the flowers in the foreground look fairly artificial, but other than that, i really enjoy the unreal colors