This is an HDR using four images in Photomatix, then I added an "orton" layer to smooth out the halo around the sun. Shot last week on the Greg Basco, Doug Brown workshop in CR.
Dan, You went on Doug Brown's Costa Rican Trip!! You lucky dog!!! I love this image-the Orton effect I think you have mastered!! I love the sun under the tree top-just super!!
i'm envious, dan!! you framed this perfectly! it's soft and sharp all at the same time. and i like that. i am wondering what a gradient darkening from the top would do for it.
Nice colours Dan. Good idea to use the Orton effect for the banding. I might crop just a bit from the top if it were mine. I saw your hummingbird in avian, and it is was wonderful. You must have learned a ton:)