mudbo

[mudbo]

Hello everyone,

My name is Michael and I am currently stuck on a offshore drilling rig in the gulf of mexico. Unfortunately I forgot my camera this week, so have no new pics. I have been using a low-end Oly for a few years, but am keenly interested in the upcoming Pentax K10, and am constantly gleaning the web for information and hopefully soon reviews of that camera.

I guess I am another old newbie as I have been into photography for many years and even worked in a darkroom for a time. I believe that digital is finally catching up with film in terms of quality and have once again become interested. I love working in photoshop and continued to learn something new daily, but have always had problems with composition in my photography. I want to take pics that are interesting to others, not just myself, and maybe some that I would be proud to put on the wall!

I have recently become intrigued with HDR images and have experimented briefly. I often lurk at these sites and am constantly amazed at the amount of quality imformation and advice that I pick up.

Ian, thanks for making this forum available and I will visit often.

regards,
mudbo

[Stephen]

Re: mudbo

Hi Michael, and welcome to the DPNow forums. I've never spoken to anyone on an oilrig before let alone in the Gulf of Mexico, so thats a first

If your an Oly and Pentax fan then you will fit in just fine here Will just put my cards on the table though,I'm a Canon Man

Interesting to hear you have experimented with HDR. I've done the same, here's one of mine



Out of interest what software did you use? There are a cople of us here have the Photomatix software, and the tonemapping plugin for CS2. Wondered if you used anything different.

[Pops]

Re: mudbo

hello mudbo,
first time I have seen an oilrig....was it cleaned up specially for the shot..lol
Looks much cleaner than I would have expected.

[mudbo]

Re: mudbo

Sorry, was browsing the forums. I'm like a kid in a candy store in a new forum. I like your photo. I've used the stand alone version of Photomatrix and have yet to try the plugin. It is my impression that the stand alone version offers slightly more options, but I could be wrong, and since I am an avid PS guy, will certainly try the plugin. I don't have a lot of experience with it yet, and even made my first photo without a tripod (the one that I posted, I leaned against the building for support and auto bracketed, which limited my subject choices). I wasn't aware of other software dedicated to HDR, but am always looking for tips and tricks. Thanks for the welcome.

Michael

[mudbo]

Re: mudbo

I was experimenting with HDR which enhances contrast, highlights and shadows. As you can see, it also enhances rust and dirt. Having said that, this is fairly typical of a working rig, albiet an older one, and they do get quite dirty at times. But we are very consciencious about controlling and containing the dirt, so as not to negatively affect the environment.
I do have more pics, and as soon as I figure how to post them in my new enhanced storage space, will put them up. (This is not a dig at your site Ian, more at my own ineptitude).