Action in the Street (HDR)

[AlphaBjerke]

I specifically went to a local street fair today hoping to get something colorful, busy, and featuring people. I had in mind from the start to make it an HDR (a faux HDR made from five RAW images).

I have always done my HDR's as close to natural looking as I could get because I have seen too many people really hate on the overly processed types. I decided to break from that this time and I used a pre-set called "grunge" on Photomatix.

My questions:

Did I accomplish what I set out to do (see first sentence of post)?

Does it work for you personally?

Does the halo or whatever it is called around the features near the sky detract too much?



EXIF INFO:

ISO 200
Focal length 17mm
F8
Shutter Speed 500

Thanks!

[AlphaBjerke]

No critiques yet so I put in a new sky. People, if you don't like it, it is OK to say!

[cphoniball]

Well, you definitely got something colorful and busy.

I realize you said you usually make realistic-looking HDR's but decided to deviate from that this time - go back to making realistic-looking HDR's. It's way too overdone on this one, so much so that I don't see the photograph, all I see is HDR. I would be interested in seeing the original photograph processed a little more conservatively, however.

[sybren]

I like it! As you, I'm in favour of realistic HDRs, but this one is done really well. You do have to look at it in large, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed by the HDR effect itself, but as soon as you can look at details I think it works out quite well.

Did I accomplish what I set out to do (see first sentence of post)?

I guess so.... *shrug*

Does it work for you personally?

Sorry, nope.

Does the halo or whatever it is called around the features near the sky detract too much?

All the halo's distract way too much.

[AlphaBjerke]

Thanks for your opinions, folks! I knew that some wouldn't like it. Like I said, I never make these myself, but for a street scene, I think it works. I really think it would be a boring picture if I just processed it straight. I appreciate hearing what you have said and am glad that you were honest about it. Just for fun, here is the first version I did before I decided to change the sky. Seems most people like this better (if they like it at all).

[windrider86]

I like the shot as a whole. Do I like the effect? Not really. For my tatse anyway there is just too much bright bright blue and the halos just dont add to it
Tone it down a tad and meet somewhere in the middle of the natural photo and this one

[shiraq]

I really like it. Love HDR

[belfyta]

I think this is one of this things that either you love it or hate it...
Maybe the problem with changing the sky is that... it didn't fit... everything is so bright and then the sky is a little dark in comparison.
I didn't like it, but ey! it's needed to try so you can know what people think ¿right? so keep trying...
I'm ok with windrider86 "Tone it down a tad and meet somewhere in the middle of the natural photo and this one"

Please forgive me with possible gramatical or ortographic mistakes... practicing english too...

[KingNothing369]

I'm a fan of it. It might be able to be toned down a little bit, but it looks like something that would be on the walls of a retro style diner especially with the prominent display of Coca-Cola. I think the clear blue sky works better also.