Waterfall in HDR

[sk66]

My main question is, is it overbaked?
I wasn't originally "going for" the HDR look, just greater tonal range but as I developed it I decided I really liked the "paintinig" look I got.


Camera Nikon D3
Exposure 1
Aperture f/11.0
Focal Length 28 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias -1/3 EV

a bit more info on "how" I took it:
Used a variable ND filter for the first time (I can't see where it degraded image quality apreciably so I'm happy). I used a tripod set up in the stream...It was about waist deep with the camera set about 6" above the surface. Quick swag of hyperfocal distance gave 3 ft so I focused at aprox 3 ft and recomposed (wound up cropping out some of the foreground). While it was a relatively long exposure, I didn't use a remote. Bracketted 5 shots. Combined in photomatix. Then editted in PS. Added properly exposed original as a layer over the HDR....

Here's a different image of the same waterfall processed HDR, but without "that look". To me it's not as "moving/striking"...looses a bit of that "wonder" of being there, but then again the first definitely doesn't look "real"...

[Photologyst]

I like it. Doesn't look too "overworked."

For my taste, I would probably adjust the background and blown sky a bit.

[sk66]

I wasn't showing any blowouts in the sky, but a couple little ones in the splash zones...
I did a little edit to try darker background trees and I agree, I think it helps make the waterfall even more the "brightest point" and draws your attention more...
(clicking on the image will take you to the updated version)

[derekspacelewis]

Great HDR, I really like the look of the water; especially the little bit that is dripping on the right side, almost looks like ice cicles lol. And if you calmed the green down a bit, I think it will look perfect.

[sk66]

Thanks all...original post updated with current version of image.

[NgaiHill]

I agree with you that it does have a bit of a 'painted' look to it but still very pretty. Had a look at the other shot without 'the look' and think it doesn't have the same impact as this one. Lovely composition too, nicely done!

[sk66]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

Had a look at the other shot without 'the look' and think it doesn't have the same impact as this one.

That's what I felt as well....
In this case the HDR "painted" look captures more of the "feeling" of beauty and impressiveness experienced being there, at least for me.

[klam]

I'm a fan of HDR even the overcooked ones(without the halos). To answer your question, the water fall looks very HDR to me.

Nice image.

[ColoradoBrit]

Very good HDR shot, but blown sky? I see no blown sky. Great composition.

[JBK617]

There aren't many HDR that I like on here, yours however is beautiful, I like how it as you said has the painted look to it. I went and looked at on your Flickr and immediately thought that this should be printed for a sofa size print and hung.

One question I have to ask how cold was the water? Looks a little chilly