First HDR-type photo

[khamilton611]

Hello!

I took this photo without any HDR or effects, then used Picnik in the Flickr application to add an HDR effect, a vignette, and a border. I asked (on Twitter) for people to comment on how they liked it...I've gotten a lot of picture views, but no comments.

I'd really like to know a) if this is a good example of taking a photo and adding an HDR effect, b) if the effects combined together work well, and c) any comments on the composition of the photo.

This was taken at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco at sunset/twilight time.



EXIF data:
Nikon D60
Exposure: 1/100
Aperature: f/4.0
Focal length: 28mm
ISO: 400 (that's usually as high as I go)
Flash: No flash

[EOBeav]

Well, compositionally it's not a great picture. I might focus on on the details of the pier leading somewhere first, then worry about post processing. Generally speaking, HDR 'effects' in Piknic (and elsewhere) don't offer much in the way of improving a picture. If you want to learn HDR, get a tripod, take three (or more) exposures at different EV values, then combine them in software designed for that purpose. There are a lot of tutorials right here on DPS that show how to do that.

[ki_user]

I think the reason for the lack of feedback is the pic doesn't really work on a lot of levels. The horizon runs down to the right and there doesn't seem to be much of a focal point to it (just my opinion of course) The processing is OK but it kind of feels like it's been added to cover up a pic you didn't really like. Sorry to sound harsh, but you did ask.

[khamilton611]

I want to say 'thank you' to the 2 who have replied. I've been looking at this picture, and at the original picture before I tried processing it so much.

I was really trying to capture the docks with the adjacent pier and city in the background. When I look at the original, it seems to be missing some sort of movement or vibrancy I want it to have. It could have been that the sun had pretty much set and the colors I remember just aren't there...so I was trying to force an 'energy' into the picture that it didn't really have.

I thought I had a good picture, but when looking again after the critiques, I understand what the critiques are saying.

Again, thank you very much!

[ki_user]

Do you still have the original I could take a peek at?

[curelightwounds]

The red vignetting is a little weird.

Compositionwise ki, pretty much said everything I was going to. Straightening it would go a long way to improving it and I like it as a shoreline photograph with just lots of little bits to look at instead of one central focus. It's post-cardy but in a good way.

I'm also curious about the border and why that's there and also vignetted.

[khamilton611]

Here is a link to the original:

DSC_0250 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks!