HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt

[theraven]

There has been much discussion about HDR lately and the use of multiple exposures and keeping it realistic. So here is my first attempt, 3 exposures, +/-2 then layer masks to keep the parts I wanted.

Thoughts and crit? Please click the image to view on a black background!


St James Church, Longton by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr

 

[HughGuessWho]

Pretty nice job. Almost realistic. But there is a bit of halos around the buildings. And it's all leaning to the left. Nice job for a first try.

 

[theraven]

Cheers, yes I see that now, how did I miss it! Luckily with masks I can go back and change it Cheers!

 

[amolitor]

Not bad at all on the technical side. It's not a very good picture, though The bushes in the foreground are just visual chaos that add nothing that I can see.

 

[theraven]

As you can see by the shot though, any other composition would have covered the church or the lampost?

 

[Devinhullphoto]

Awesome shot! I like the sunburst coming off of the light.

 

[theraven]

Awesome shot! I like the sunburst coming off of the light.

Thank you!

 

[PixelRabbit]

As you can see by the shot though, any other composition would have covered the church or the lampost?

I agree with all, not a bad job!

I would have gone vertical you are right, this is your best angle to fit the church in but the right side adds nothing and draws the eye. A more vertical comp gets rid of most of it and tightens up the shot nicely IMHO.

 

[HughGuessWho]

I agree with all of the composition comments give. I just realized that thi swas posted in the General Gallery section. My ealier critique assuming that the OP wanted critque on the processing only, based on the Title.
I do have one question, however, for the OP. How do you get haloing from layer masking? Looks more like Photomatix or HDR Pro.

 

[Ilovemycam]

Nice work. I enjoyed your Flickr. But too many to look through. I suggest you make a portfolio of your best work.

 

[theraven]

Nope, not Photomatix, layer masking. It;s not a proper halo, it's basically where I've changed the sky colour then painted the church through and caught the sky underneath. Basically like a child going out of the lines when colouring. Rookie mistake!

I will try cropping it vertical thank youi!