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Thread: Quiver Tree Sunrise (HDR) - more natural look

  1. #1
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default Quiver Tree Sunrise (HDR) - more natural look

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    Based on mixed opinions over my previous post of this composition (http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=42382), I decided to do a bit of research on making the HDR from Photomatix look more natural. I tried a manual exposure blend in CS3 as well but it just lacked colour and depth overall.

    I created this version by running the 3 exposures (-3, -1, 2) through BOTH the 'Details Enhancer' and the 'Tone Compressor' algorithms of Photomatix, and then blending the 2 results in Photoshop to do away with the strong halo and compensate for strong saturation of the tone-compressor.

    I still like the other one as an impact shot, and as a more photo art specimen, but I think this one has come closer to achieve the end-goal of HDR without looking that surrealistic. I couldn't extract the same colours from the sky, but will work some more on it.

    Your thoughts will be highly appreciated...
    Last edited by Morkel Erasmus; 08-07-2009 at 11:12 PM.
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  2. #2
    Roman Kurywczak
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    Hey Morkel,
    You nailed this one!!! I also agree with your assesment....the previous one is more photo art and more impact....but this is what HDR should look like! Super job!!!

  3. #3
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks Roman - your feedback means a lot and has helped me improve a lot on this forum. :):)

    I assume some people will still critique the halo that is still apparent, but I will just quip that the sun is rising behind the friggin' trees, so I should expect at least somewhat of a halo :D
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  4. #4
    Ramesh Adkoli
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    Markus, to me this image has a lot of appeal. I like the rich colors of the trees and the tonal range of the sky. TFS a different take on this.

    regards,
    ramesh

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    I like the 2nd one a lot better. I think you'll find lots of different opinions on HDR, but what seems to work best for me is an image that has impact without looking fake. Nice job.

  6. #6
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    Morkel,
    Your second post has more punch, but this one really looks more natural...

    Jerry

  7. #7
    Robert Amoruso
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    Morkel, I agree with Roman, you nailed it.

    The Details Enhancer/Tone Compressed versions are a good method to make the image look more natural. Nice work.

    I too still think the original is a good arty type image.

  8. #8
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks for the great feedback Roman, Gerald, Tim & Ramesh :)
    Morkel Erasmus

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