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.
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!!!
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
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.