HDR sunset: first attempt

[Dave303]

This is my first HDR attempt. I have first read some critiques on the forum, and it is not that easy to find a nice balance for your picture. I used photomatix and Topaz for the noise. I didn't yet used the original image to remove the highlight clipping of the sun.
Ps: how can I put the image directly into this thread?

First HDR | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by Dave303

This is my first HDR attempt. I have first read some critiques on the forum, and it is not that easy to find a nice balance for your picture. I used photomatix and Topaz for the noise. I didn't yet used the original image to remove the highlight clipping of the sun.
Ps: how can I put the image directly into this thread?

Very nice , TFS

I'm just learning about HDR so I don't know if there's anything you could have done to make it different / better just wanted to say I like the photo. I find HDR very appealing.

To post a photo in a thread from your flickr acct. just follow these simple steps from the photo page on flickr



Make sure you don't choose the large size as DPS has a max of 740 on the long side of the photo rule. The second "medium" option seems to be the appropriate size.

One other thing I also do is add target="_blank" just before the word title=. That will open the image in a new window instead of redirecting the reader's DPS window. It drives me bonkers when links and images don't open in a new window..... but I'm just fussy like that

[Krusty79]

I'm still experimenting with HDR also and I think I'm going to post my first decent one here. I think you have a beautiful image. It just looks a bit underexposed to me. Did you take shots at -2, 0, +2 EV?

[JamesBrandon]

Dave,

This isn't a bad first attempt at HDR, very impressed!

As far as HDR processing goes, you've got a halo running above the length of the tree line. Not sure if you are well versed in photoshop, but this can be fixed by masking in one of the original skies.

As far as composition goes, shots like these need a foreground element/subject. Try not to think of sunsets as your subject but as a backdrop or complimenting element to a main subject. We've all seen sunsets and gorgeous ones at that, and they are incredibly over-photographed. Because of this, you want to use a sunset to make something else in the image look that much more beautiful. Just something to think about!

The foreground element can be something simple as well, like an old wooden fence post, or a tractor or power lines or anything.

Keep up the good work!