Sunbeam HDR - C&C, please!

[Hartley]

Hello all,

I took a bunch of pictures this weekend in Arizona's high country, including several HDR sequences, trying to get the sunbeams right - without going too far..

First, centered sunbeams:

Then, a wider shot showing the valley below.

I don't think you can call these "realistic" - because our eyes don't expect a photograph to look like that - but they sure look a lot like what my eye saw.. (well, except for the "horizon glow" in #2..:blushing: )

Just for fun, here's some sunbeams that are not HDR..

Hartley

 

[edouble]

I like #3 the best. If it is possible for you to Photoshop the mountains in to look more realistic that would look fantastic.

 

[pbelarge]

Your first images remind me of the Catskill Mountains during a hot, hazy summer day. The indians called the Catskills the "blue mountains". Although, your rendering is a little more blue.

 

[myshkin]

I like #1 but its got a few spots of odd color and processing, overall cool pic. #2 is a little too strong for me.
#3 is the most realistic but the least interesting composition wise

 

[Provo]

I like #3 the best

 

[Hartley]

Thank You, all who've commented!

I went back and re-did #2 again, to eliminate the "horizon glow" and to see if I could make it a little less blue.

Well, it's still blue, but at least the glow is gone.. I'm using FDRTools - I have a feeling that I'm not getting the best out of it, tho I keep trying. Is there something easier for an HDR newbie like me?

Hartley

Edit to add - I like #3, too - maybe I shud quit fooling with HDR..

 

[Provo]

This is my take at your image

 

[Hartley]

Hi Provo,

Sri - was away for a few days..

I like the high-contrast, saturated look, too, at least for a while - but what I really was trying for was to get as "real" a look as I could and still capture the HDR range of intensities. I am still trying to get the blue out, which is what happens when you pull up the hazy parts - it really IS blue, but the eye doesn't perceive it, so I think I shud work it down a bit.

Notice how bringing up the contrast made the "horizon glow" worse? that is an HDR effect I really don't like, especially when I'm shooting for "realism".

I get the feeling I should try some of the other HDR programs out there (well, the cheap ones, anyway!)

Thanks!

Hartley

 

[Mendoza]

I love those desert skies. Your final image is pretty brilliant; I think it would look awesome at a very large size.

 

[Mtalicarox]

Really nice pics.. beautiful scenery.