Barco en el puerto de frutos (Ship at the Fruit Port) HDR

[rc65428]

Hi, my name is Rodrigo and I'm a new member of DPS.

I made the HDR from a single RAW file (from -2 to 2, 1/2 step) using photomatix.



I'm new at this, and I really need help...
I want to know if..
Is the picture too dark?
Should I crop it?


Camera: Pentax K100D Super
Exposure: 1/500
Aperture: f8
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Thanks, and feel free to download, modify and repost the picture.

[Murtasma]

I like the tones that are working in this image. I don't think you have a whole lot of room to try a different crop. I don't think the image is to dark and personally I think it adds to the character of the image. An old boat on a cloudy day that doesn't appear to be care for.

One thing you could try to bring more attention to the boat is lighten the sky at the top just a little.

[kelticsol]

Originally Posted by Murtasma

One thing you could try to bring more attention to the boat is lighten the sky at the top just a little.

I would have to agree with this.

Is this vignette? If it is maybe try it without the burn. The boats are yellow and my eyes go straight to them anyway.

Edit: I really like this.

[xxpinballxx]

I think for a psuedo-HDR its a great one....I like the muted tones and the dark clouds as is....I think there is room for a bit more work....
I think the boats should stand out a bit more and a slight contrast increase....
I would also bring the levels in on it a tad and slide the middle slider a touch.

[sybren]

Can you post the original photo?

[rc65428]

Originally Posted by sybren

Can you post the original photo?

Here you have.

From rc65428

Let me know if you need the RAW file and I send it to you.

[rc65428]

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

I think for a psuedo-HDR its a great one....I like the muted tones and the dark clouds as is....I think there is room for a bit more work....
I think the boats should stand out a bit more and a slight contrast increase....
I would also bring the levels in on it a tad and slide the middle slider a touch.

Something like this?

From rc65428

[sybren]

The original shows me what's wrong, with it and the edit. It's too messy - the boat stands out in colour, but the lines of the masts and the ropes all mix up with the lines of the building behind it. Composition-wise the photo could be improved as well. The boat is placed dead center, which removes any dynamics and tension. Your processed version definitely is an improvement over the original, but doesn't fix everything.

[rc65428]

Originally Posted by sybren

Your processed version definitely is an improvement over the original, but doesn't fix everything.

I know, I can't do magic...

[sybren]

I don't expect anything to do magic ;-)

My point was that it's often useful to look at the original photo, if you want to know how to improve an edited shot.