Twinkle of Christmas Lights

[DivotMaker]

First attempt with nighttime HDR. Would like some honest critique.

Colors.
Composition.
Exposure.
HDR.
Post Processing.




Exif Data:
D90
ISO 200
f18
19mm

[milosh]

I think colours and composition are OK. So is processing. I think you used the HDR process and the overly done HDR look well here, since the glowing lights and overall look remind of the surreal Christmas atmosphere (like in Coca-Cola commercials).

[Shutterbugdeb]

Yes, it looks processed, but in a good way. To me, it's not overly done.

I like it!

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate your thoughts. I felt it turned out pretty good, but wasnt sure if there were things I could improve.

Thanks again for taking the time...

[milosh]

You're welcome.

[curelightwounds]

Personally I'm a big fan of using vertical lines so I might be tempted to try to straighten it a bit but that's a personal pet peeve.

My only serious critique is the window on the left-hand side. I'm not sure why it's in the photo. As a frame for something it's pretty bare, it isn't even lighted. The inside is pretty boring and there's nothing in there that says, "oh hey it's Christmas," except for the barely noticeable garland on the balcony. There isn't enough of a reflection of the lights outside for it to effectively serve that purpose either. It takes up half the frame and I don't see its purpose.

The rest of it is great. If those lights continued around the window I wouldn't have much to complain about.

[windrider86]

Take a moment, read the guidelines and include the information you missed. Thank you

[DivotMaker]

Originally Posted by windrider86

Take a moment, read the guidelines and include the information you missed. Thank you

windrider86, I apologize if I missed something. I attempted to be very thorough, and have re-read the guidelines, however I am not seeing what I missed. Would you help me with what I missed, so I do not do it again? Thanks.

Originally Posted by curelightwounds

Personally I'm a big fan of using vertical lines so I might be tempted to try to straighten it a bit but that's a personal pet peeve.

My only serious critique is the window on the left-hand side. I'm not sure why it's in the photo. As a frame for something it's pretty bare, it isn't even lighted. The inside is pretty boring and there's nothing in there that says, "oh hey it's Christmas," except for the barely noticeable garland on the balcony. There isn't enough of a reflection of the lights outside for it to effectively serve that purpose either. It takes up half the frame and I don't see its purpose.

The rest of it is great. If those lights continued around the window I wouldn't have much to complain about.

Thank you, I appreciate your critique. The window, has a graceful script of the the Hotels name, written in gold, that seemed to sparkle. However, the scripting did not turn out as well as I had hoped.....However, your point is well taken, and mine mute, if the viewer cant see...thank you for being honest.

[windrider86]

Always ask something more specific that you want help with. Look at your creation and decide what you like or dont like. It helps others to know which direction to go with helping you

[DivotMaker]

Thanks windrider86.

I felt something wasnt quite right about this, but wasnt sure what it was. curelightwounds made an excellent point, that I hadnt even noticed...(and probably, wouldnt have specifically asked.)

I will keep this in mind for future posts, thanks for the clarification.