Pink and Blue skies - My 2nd HDR

[ctdslr]

My 1st HDR was crap (took 3 shots in jpg and didn't use a tripod). I've learned since then.

This was done with a raw file and 2 exposures that I adjusted in lightroom.

It's a little more subtle and doesn't look as surreal as other people's HDRs, but any C & C is welcome!
Should I try and make it more surreal?



Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture f/2.2
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100

[milosh]

Originally Posted by ctdslr

Should I try and make it more surreal?

You should answer this question yourself. It's just a matter of personal preference. You can use the hdr technique to create realistic photos or unrealistic ones.

I personally like to use it only when it is not possible to capture the whole dynamic range of a scene in a single exposure, and to make realistic looking photos.

Therefore I think you did a great job with this one, it doesn't look unreal at all. There aren't even any halos, and colours look natural. I would probably make it a bit brighter, but that's just my preference.

Btw, what were your settings for the second exposure (you wrote only one, f2.2 1/320, I guess this one was for the sky)?

[Laurenbiz]

I have the same question - what were your exposure settings? I don't see HDR here - I see an underexposed photo.

Sorry, my two cents!

[ctdslr]

I used Lightroom and did +2 and -2 and then composited it in Photoshop. It does need to be brightened.

[EOBeav]

2-shot HDR's can work better than 3-shot a lot of times. When you're trying to get the sky like this, usually the 0EV and the -2EV gets the job done, which is what I'm assuming you did here.

[milosh]

Originally Posted by ctdslr

I used Lightroom and did +2 and -2 and then composited it in Photoshop. It does need to be brightened.

Actually, I didn't know you can do hdrs in Lightroom. Can you specify each step you did?
Did you just prepare them in LR and then merge them in PS, or what exactly?