Learning Basic HDR (picture heavy)

[LazyFrog60]

Saturday 12 January

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The following day it looked like this:

Sunday 13 January 15, 2013

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[dmunsie]

Nice photos, thanks for sharing. Still a bit noob'ish myself on HDR, but in my eyes your images look a bit heavy on grain/noise, etc. Was that intentional? What software are you using for HDR? I'm using Photomatix and understanding the micro smoothing controls has really helped me smooth out the image, especially the sky/clouds. I've also noticed that solid'ish white/grey skies are the worst to work with in HDR due to the halos it generates, especially around tree branches, etc. You definitely want a variety of clouds in hdr outdoor photos in my opinion and you've captured that well in your photos. Seems like the hdr software doesn't do much for branches with little to no foliage. The hdr photos I've taken with leaves on them this winter look sooo much better than trees without leaves.

While these photos look good, I wonder if they would have looked better in non hdr to keep the clarity or perhaps bump up the hdr effect to make them look more painterly? Seems like they're currently at a stage where you're not sure if you want them to be natural looking or full hdr? If so..I struggle with that as well. I'm leaning towards making 2 versions each of my best shots. One more natural with just a hint of hdr processing and another full out hdr, with increased tone, detail, etc.

Learning hdr is fascinating to say the least. It's amazing how one scene can look "amazing" and a similar scene just seems impossible to bring to life in hdr no matter what you do. I'm currently bracketing 3 levels. Perhaps moving to 5 or more will help on certain images.

btw...My favorite is "8". Love the contrasting temperatures! I would have loved to see a bit more of the path to the right to bring out more of the perspective.

 

[cgipson1]

Why is all the snow gray? Especially in an HDR.. that should be white (or as close to white as possible). It could be that your monitor is set too dark (if you don't calibrate it!)

At least you kept the HDR Halos to a minimum.... too many to individually critique... if you want C&C, please don't post more than three.. preferably less..

for instance..



It is still obviously HDR (and looks a little overcooked.. more obvious with better exposure). I also pulled some Cyan and Blue out of the this, as it was tinting a bit.

 

[LazyFrog60]

Thanks for the helpful comments!! You're right dmunsie, Sometimes it's difficult to decide which version you like best. I'm just starting with HDR in Photomatix, so I still have to learn about the various possibilities. I'll add a few new pictures today I think look a bit better than those above.
cgipson, agree re the photo you "rewamped" - it looks a bit better but still overcooked. (My husband liked this version)