My first HDR "I am addicted now!"

[silverback888]

My very first HDR

I am using photomatix and photoshop. I know its a bit overdone, I could have spent a few hours with the coloring in the trees. Just looking for a little help with overall look and feel. Does it look fake and such. Thank you so much. (this is from 3 exposures +2 0 -2)

[data5amurai]

Well, its good to see that you are addicted. Dont let me ruin any of that! I love HDR and use it primarily so I can give you a few tips. Once mastered I believe tone mapping looks beautiful and adds such wonder to a picture.

First, yes it does look fake. Why? Mainly the color saturation is set way too high. Try to resolve yourself to starting around 60 in photomatix with the saturation. When you ask yourself if the saturation is too high then it is, back it down to a point where you are sure it is not. Never process through photomatix more then once or it will overprocess every time! Second, try to keep light smoothing to the far right radio button on every shot.

For your first HDR you did a great job, it will take lots of practice and failure to really master the technique. If you ever want pointers or have questions feel free to come my way. Im not a master by any means but have been doing it for some time now.

[silverback888]

Excellent. thank you and keep em coming. I plan on getting a few more done and will post them as well. On this one I knew it was way over done, just wanted to have a little fun and get that really dramatic look. It is great and the next one I post I will use your advise. Thank you again for the great tips, they really help!

Keep em coming

[ake_631]

Yes, the photo is obviously way too saturated to be natural. But, its still awesome!! It's like something from a fantasy world. I can't wait to see more.

I should totally try this. I've wanted to but haven't yet!

Thank you so much for sharing!!!