Firenze Flare

[andrewlo13]

Here's my first attempt at a HDR image, using Photoshop.

What I'd like criticism on:

1.) Composition: does this composition work for you, or should there be less business in the foreground?

2.) PP: is the sky ok? Does the left side bother you? Does the lens flare bother you (I like it)?

3.) Focus: is it too soft (better to view large size to judge this)?

Any other general criticism/comment is very much welcome!



EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Aperture: f/20.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
ISO Speed: 100

Thanks for looking!

[barabe]

I am no expert at HDR but i think your shot is lacking the whole purpose of HDR that is to get a few shots together at different exposure to have a nicely exposed sky and foreground. Right now your sky is blown out and your landscape is too dark. For the lens flare, i try to go without but if you like it it 's your picture.

[andrewlo13]

Thanks for taking the time to look at and think about my picture barabe.

I'm not familiar with HDR at all, I just used the automated HDR tool in PS. It seems to have taken a completely washed out sky and a well-exposed sky and averaged them out to a half-blown sky (and done the same for my landscape). Do you have any tips on how to manually combine the multiple exposures together for maximum effect? I appreciate any suggestions!