Hand held HDR

[earthian]

This was one of my first attempts at HDR ( processed in LR6). Hand held at Pearl harbour:

 

[Watchful]

I am not seeing much detail in the shadows here.

 

[manaheim]

Was this one exposure?

Also, this is not a scene you typically use HDR for. There's not going to be a ton of difference, even if you do happen to nail it.

 

[407370]

It looks a bit flat for HDR. The whole point of HDR is to expand the view that the camera took. I know the norm is to minimise the HDR / Tone mapped look but in this example I would take it a wee bit further. See below made from your posted pic and 2 brighter versions.

The fist one is a bit over the top but I like it and the second is a bit more conservative but still brings out a wee bit more of the shadows than the one you posted.

 

[Braineack]

black clouds on solid gray skies--just like real life!

Really EXPANDING what the camera can capture here:

The second edit is close, but still needs more whites. Still very flat.

 

[Rick50]

Nice photo but I'm with Manaheim on this.

 

[earthian]

Was this one exposure?
.

There were three exposures, one stop under and one stop over.
Would be interested in knowing why this is not a preferred scene for HDR. (Apart from the issue of merging all the leaves in the wind)

 

[earthian]

Thank you guys. Now that you all have mentioned it, does look a bit flat.
i rather like the one @Braineack has posted.

Incidentally, it was a dull and overcast sky!

 

[407370]

black clouds on solid gray skies--just like real life!

Really EXPANDING what the camera can capture here:

View attachment 119926


The second edit is close, but still needs more whites. Still very flat.

View attachment 119927

Yes expand! !
For me the final edit may or may not have anything to do with reality.
HDR / Tone mapping is an opportunity to make a picture look the way you choose to make it look.

 

[Braineack]

you've significantly clipped the blacks while failing to expand the whites, you reduced the DR significantly in that edit.

its disgusting.

 

[hdrbyspencer]

black clouds on solid gray skies--just like real life!

Really EXPANDING what the camera can capture here:

View attachment 119926


The second edit is close, but still needs more whites. Still very flat.

View attachment 119927

Hi there. I do like the natural version you have done here. Nice job!!