Stockers Canal Lock

[Rich]

This is a HDR image taken @ -2, 0 and +2 stops and processed using photomatix. HDR has recently become a swear word at my local camera club ever since a HDR obsessed judge went a bit overboard in critiquing images that failed to use the method where he felt it would have been a benefit.
I'll wait until the dust settles before I display it at the camera club.

I took this shot back in August this year and it's my first attempt at HDR. I feel I got a bit of beginners luck.

[Stephen]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

This is a HDR image taken @ -2, 0 and +2 stops and processed using photomatix. HDR has recently become a swear word at my local camera club ever since a HDR obsessed judge went a bit overboard in critiquing images that failed to use the method where he felt it would have been a benefit.
I'll wait until the dust settles before I display it at the camera club.

I took this shot back in August this year and it's my first attempt at HDR. I feel I got a bit of beginners luck.

If I understand you correctly, you used 2 exposures with a 4 stop difference. I'm wondering if this is the reason your picture is so obviously an HDR. The sky and shadow detail give it away, along with the over vivid colours. Its my opinion that Photomatix can be used to greater effect and with more control when more images are used and with less of a difference. Also when tonemapping, use the sliders to give a more natural look.

It is of course often possible to create something resembling the effect of an HDR prog with a single exposure and creative use of Lightroom and Photoshop. I'm not wanting to hijack your thread but this shot of Bingley 5 rise locks was taken at -1/2 stop, but using Lightroom only I was able to control highlights and lift shadow, essentially what HDR and tonemapping is doing

[Rich]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

If I understand you correctly, you used 2 exposures with a 4 stop difference. I'm wondering if this is the reason your picture is so obviously an HDR. The sky and shadow detail give it away, along with the over vivid colours. Its my opinion that Photomatix can be used to greater effect and with more control when more images are used and with less of a difference. Also when tonemapping, use the sliders to give a more natural look.

It is of course often possible to create something resembling the effect of an HDR prog with a single exposure and creative use of Lightroom and Photoshop. I'm not wanting to hijack your thread but this shot of Bingley 5 rise locks was taken at -1/2 stop, but using Lightroom only I was able to control highlights and lift shadow, essentially what HDR and tonemapping is doing

It's 3 exposures 2 stops apart (-2, 0, +2). It's interesting the different feedback one gets. On flickr I was given a well done for using just the right amount of processing and not going over the top. I was trying for a painted type of look.

You've have got me thinking about the colours being too vivid and it would not take too much effort to re-do it from the RAW files and try for a natural look. I may get time over the weekend.

Cheers

Rich

PS, I like your image very much

[Rich]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

OK, here's a re-edit and I'm glad I've done this, I think it's an improvement.

[Stephen]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

OK, here's a re-edit and I'm glad I've done this, I think it's an improvement.

So do I Rich, its less contrasty with less in your face colours. The sky though still dramatic has a smoother tonal range

[Rich]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

Thanks for your comments Stephen, they have been very helpful.

[Patrick]

Re: Stockers Canal Lock

Thanks for your comments Stephen, they have been very helpful.

I'm a bit of a fan of HDR, but usually desaturate a little, Greens become particularly strong so I desaturate these separately.
A natural look is very possible but with the extra detail HDR can give, Ive even produced pastel effects using HDR.
Some types of image do of course respond very well to the OTT approach.

I use the three exposures but a friend uses five, its down to the cameras we use, my Canon will only bracket 3 shots, I'm told it can bracket five but I can't find out how without doing two separate bracketed sets. My friends Nikon will bracket 5 in one set.

HDR can work well shooting into the sun to avoid a silhouette, but an extra exposure just for the sun itself is a good idea.

Patrick