Playing with HDR

[Renowilliams]

Lately I have been playing with HDR and the possibilities it has to create interesting looks. Here are a couple examples.

[theantiquetiger]

What are you using for HDR process, Photomatix?

[Renowilliams]

Yes that is what I used.

[theantiquetiger]

HDR is meant to enhance the darks and lights, better definitions of dark areas, etc. The first one just does not work for me, it's too cartoon-ish (I am guilty of doing the same thing sometimes). HDR should still look natural (for the most part). I just started messing around with it as well and I am still learning what to do.

Here is a HDR I did today. The HDR basically brought out the marble in the walls Louisiana State Capitol Grand Hall
The second one is nice, maybe a tad on the yellow side.

[Renowilliams]

Thanks for the feedback. The first one kind of reminds me of turn of the century advertisements. Either way, HDR does give interesting looks to photos. That said, some of those looks, like the first, may not be to evryones particular taste.

I like what you did in your shot.

[asnow]

The second one I like but as theantiquetiger said it does appear to be a bit yellow.
The first one is too over done for my taste. As you said some people like it and some don't.

[Renowilliams]

What is your thoughts on this retouch of the photo?

[theantiquetiger]

1000x better IMO

here is the image i took that i said looks like yours

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/9...d08753b8_b.jpg

[Renowilliams]

Thanks again for the feedback. I agree, it looks better. I really like the sharpness in your picture. What lens and camera did you use?

[theantiquetiger]

What lens and camera did you use?

Canon 60D with a 17-50 Tamron lens. it was a long 30 sec exposure at f/22. its not a HDR