What’s Your Preference?

stevefizz · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2011, 08:12 PM

Hi

HDR has been on my 'to do list' for a while now but still on the look out for a decent Tripod.
I am not sure if this counts using the HDR toning but it seems to work.
Not sure why but i fell i have cheated.

Would you expect better results ?
is this still classed as HDR ?
is this cheating ?

Thanks
Steve

Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/11.0
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 400

Leaning Tree #3 inspired by SteveFizz, on Flickr

navcom · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 05:07 PM

I think your processing has added a great mood to the image. The subject is good but it could probably be composed to be more compelling. I do like the softness and the mood that you've created...whether it's "HDR" or not is quite honestly irrelevant. It works.

I personally don't believe there is a "right or wrong" technique. HDR is simply a tool to get the results you want and it's not cheating if it does. When folks classify something as "HDR", they are usually referring to something surreal looking or more "cartoonish" in appearance. But that's more like classifying fashion. Ultimately HDR is simply a tool to help increase the dynamic range of an image. How or how much you use it is up to you and your vision for the image. There is no right or wrong. Use it a little and your image has a realistic look and it works to increase details in shadows that the camera can't do on it's own. Use it a lot and it becomes unrealistic...but that might be what your vision for the image is.

I would approach your art from the vision and work backward to determine what tools you need to accomplish that vision. By approaching it from this perspective, you are less likely to compartmentalize a composition to conform to how a certain technique is perceived and more likely to create something stunning and original.

Think of it this way. If you owned a woodshop business, would you buy an expensive piece of equipment and then decide what product to make with it or would you develop your product first and THEN determine which tools you need to make it?

Photography is about vision. Start with your vision and the rest will fall into place.

Hill Country Hack · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 06:55 PM

I like the oil painting feeling it gives me. Soft, yet defined. I too may have composed a bit differently, but yours works well also. Keep it up.

Krusty79 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 06:55 PM

I think it looks HDRish, but in a good way, without the cartoony effect and halos. Your processing seems to have added the sense of depth in your image. I would think about lightening the tree and wall a little bit to make them stand out more. But overall, I like your PP and the resulting image.

The LoKW · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navcom

I would approach your art from the vision and work backward to determine what tools you need to accomplish that vision. By approaching it from this perspective, you are less likely to compartmentalize a composition to conform to how a certain technique is perceived and more likely to create something stunning and original.

Think of it this way. If you owned a woodshop business, would you buy an expensive piece of equipment and then decide what product to make with it or would you develop your product first and THEN determine which tools you need to make it?

Photography is about vision. Start with your vision and the rest will fall into place.

I have to say that this is a great critique. Well crafted and really hit home for me personally as well as I am sure for the OP.

I very much like the image and the PP work. I am a huge fan of both high contrast imagery as well as imagery with a lot of unique textures. You have manged to capture a lot of strong shades in a color image and the texture of the stone, bark, leaves and grass is great juxtaposed against the sky.

TFS

stevefizz · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 09:14 PM

At the moment I am more like a 10 year old experimenting with a Chemistry Set, sometimes they bang!

I am bowled over by the most excellent Critique Guys

All taken on-board

Thanks,
Steve