New to HDR - my first photo post

[Jarrod268]

I've been shooting now for about 7 months (got started at the beginning of February).
I think this shot turned out pretty well other than the sky - 5 exposures, 1 step apart.
This is the first time I had been to the location so went while I had a good amount of daylight. Granted, the next time I go will be about 2 hours earlier.
The sun was way too high I think but the shadows were nice. I realize I have a little banding in the sky.
I think the sun being too high contributed to this but it could also be my software. I'll work on it.

UPDATE: I've corrected some of the banding and uploaded a new file.

 

[pathoulihan1]

I think you might want to try one when the sun is lower. You'll get a much nicer sky and it'll help bring the shot together. Your processing is nice but again the sun is a bit harsh. As for composition I think it's obviously a very surreal place to spend time, I wouldn't have included so much of the rock in the foreground but thats just me. Certainly an interesting subject especially with the fog.

 

[Jarrod268]

I think you might want to wait until the sun is lower. You'll get a much nicer sky and it'll help bring the shot together. It'll also be interesting to see how you expose the darker foreground in your second attempt.

Apologies - I didn't state that this was a morning shot - so 2 hours earlier would be pre-dawn. I'll be using reverse grads on the next visit.
This was a scouting visit and mostly a test shot to see how the scene looked framed. I wasn't worrying too much about the sun but thought I'd try an HDR with. Conditions were pretty harsh.

 

[pathoulihan1]

Oh ok then yes earlier would be the better idea. Is it a difficult location to reach? I know myself, I would spend a lot of time there if it was accessible.

 

[Jarrod268]

It's about 30 minutes from my house. It's about 1/3 of a mile hike up to this point. There are some very steep points on the trail but it's not too bad. It might be more challenging with less light but it's a well maintained trail. I've been watching to visit here for a long time and I'll be going back many many times.

 

[Bynx]

I like the shot just fine. The banding can be fixed in Photoshop. Other than that I like the processing, color and composition of this one. Nice job for a scouting mission.

 

[cgipson1]

nice shots.. and you didn't over do the HDR.. looks good! I like the rocks... nice detail on them. Look forward to seeing some more....

 

[Bram]

Everything that was already said I agree with. I agree with trying to get this shot again but then with the sun lower in the sky.

 

[jake337]

Next time bring a model and plant here arse on that round stone in as many poses as you can!

 

[edddial]

Great photo! I like it.

 

[itBurns]

As a complete newbie, I like it a lot. Looks like a very peaceful place to be. Good job, I think the HDR is very well done.