Woodland pathway-Orton effect

[PD Jackson]

This morning I read an article on DPS about the "orton effect", something I had never come across before. I decided to give it a go.

I took 2 shots from a tripod, the first was f29 in focus and 2 stops overexposed. The second shot was f5 at 1 stop overexposed and defocussed. I then used cs4 to merge to HDR and then I adjusted a few tweaks in exposure and levels. I would really appreciate any critique/advice you may be willing to give. Many thanks in advance,

Paul.

[Chip]

Paul - I'm not qualified to comment on your technique, but the results sure look good to me! Your photo has a mystical, dream-like quality to it. Well done.

[PortraitProAlex]

Beautiful.

[JKJD]

I really love the fence and the leaves on the pathway. They look to be made of gold and copper. For me personally, it gets a little too blurred and bright at the top and on the left side. I would like to see just a little more definition between the branches and the sky. But that's just my own taste. Overall I think it's a fantastic shot. I like it.

[AnneWynne]

It is a beautiful effect. Unfortunately, my eye is _dragged_ to a spot of sky in the upper right quadrant...it is just very bright and contrasts too much with the surrounding folilage. Is there some way you could clone it out?
Anne

[PD Jackson]

Thank you very much for the critique and comments, I really do appreciate them. I have taken on board the suggestions from Anne and JKJD and below is my attempt to address the issues. I am not that good with post processing yet so the results may look a little clumsy but at least I am trying to learn. Thanks again,

Paul.

[Murtasma]

I like your second version best nice work I don't like the Orton effect usually but on this image I feel it works pretty well.

[JKJD]

That's much better. You still have that dream like quality to it, but now it has a since of mystery as well. Makes me wonder what's around the bend. My eye is drawn to the curve in the road intead of the tops of the trees. Very nicely done.

[windrider86]

What a difference in that second one!

[wal]

I dont know much about orton's effect and to which is better.. but i prefer the second one as it got a more golden glow to it and has a more mystical feel to it..