New with HDR

[Bateman70]

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This is my 1st attempt with HDR..I took this using a 450D..Took 3 pictures 1 normal 1 over exposed 1 under exposed...What do I need to improve on?

[Niresangwa]

While you've managed to get the detail into the picture, esp the earth around the tractor etc, its got that infamous halo or glow to it that usually turns most people off of HDR. If you're new to composing HDR images, try playing around with your sliders. It's easy to lose yourself in it and end up with a dogs dinner of a picture.

The devil, and often success, with HDR is in the details.

I might also suggest using different images while you practice, as looking at the same one over and over messing around while you work out your own process and feel can drive you nuts.

[abarickman]

I feel like the image lacks contrast. I would try to bump up the blacks and/or lower the exposure/brightnesss. It has become very flat looking to my eye.

[Sterling]

^^^ I agree, needs more contrast.

A problem I see with this shot is that it seems to go against the normal "laws" of perspective. That is, the eye expects that objects become more hazy and less saturated as they recede into the distance. This shot appears to do just the opposite. The tractor wheel in the background is bright yellow and the tire is nice and black while the one in foreground is faded in color and the tire is kind of hazy grey. It seems like the HDR treatment has made the field a few feet away look the same as the field hundreds of feet away.

With these normal visual cues missing, the picture looks a little odd.

[Peely22]

I've heard that saving to TIFF before merging is a huge benefit, although not had the time to try that yet!
Oh, and definately use Photomatix, not PS to do the HDR bit.

[PowerPix]

What software did you use for blending?

I know you used 3 shots, but what was your bracketing at (-2,0,+2 etc) ?

After that I think we can better explain solutions.

[PowerPix]

What software did you use for blending?

I know you used 3 shots, but what was your bracketing at (-2,0,+2 etc) ?

After that I think we can better explain solutions on how and what to improve upon.

[Bateman70]

Thanks everyone...I'm using the AEB bracketing +2 -2..I'm using Photomatix for the HDR