Minesweeper Hull HDR

[Arthur Morris]

I created the originals for this 3-frame HDR on New Island in the Falklands with the tripod-mounted Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D MIV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +/1 1 2/3 stops around +2/3 stop at f/11. HDR processing in Photomatix Pro.

Don't be shy; all honest comments welcome.

[Steve Adkins]

I'm a sucker for rust, Artie. I like the slight opposing diagonals and the grunge HDR effect is fitting. Unique and artistic.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Artie, I like this image for the colors and textures. I'm torn about the water... While it gives some "closure" to the hull patterns I'm not sure if it helps the image. You went for an abstraction here, and the water seems to pull the image back into reality, but maybe that was what you intended. For my eye, a little bit more blacks and sharpness would make the image stronger. I'm glad that my war experience was not being on a mine sweeper...

[Anita Bower]

Wonderful colors and textures! I like how these fill the frame. I would crop the water out as there isn't enough of it to make a significant statement and it is distracting. That does remove some of the lovely rust patterns, but, I think would improve the image. A slight levels adjustment to bring out more darks would be nice, but then, you might light the lighter feel. Nicely seen and captured.

[John Storjohann]

Hi Artie; Kerry and Anita both make good points regarding the inclusion of the water and the blacks in the image; I know that you are a fan of NIK's Tonal Contrast (something I use consistently as well)...did you try running the image through that filter to help enhance the image? Just a thought...to my eye, the image needs just a bit more "punch" to the darker tones to accentuate the textures and patterns. Looks like you're loving that 300mm II!

[denise ippolito]

Artie, I loved this one the minute I saw it. The colors and grunge are perfect. I do wish you ahd included a little more on the right. Cool image!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Arthur,

Love the details and the greens too. I really like the zig-zag cracking at the water's edge.

[Brendan Dozier]

Very cool, Artie, and perfect subject for HDR. Love the abstract composition to this, great combination of colors and texures. Nicely seen!

[Indranil Sircar]

Artie, this is really awesome! I am glad you decided to go HDR on this one. I like the combination of the abstract and the bit of water.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks all. Nobody mentioned my biggest gripe with this image. I should have pointed the lens about 3-4 inches to the right to include all of the big rust spot lower right and eliminate the two seams upper left.... As for the strip of water, it makes the image for me. John, I do not remember if I used TC on this one. Probably did as it looks pretty punched up to me.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks all. Nobody mentioned my biggest gripe with this image. I should have pointed the lens about 3-4 inches to the right to include all of the big rust spot lower right and eliminate the two seams upper left.... .

"I do wish you had included a little more on the right." from my post above.
denise

[Arthur Morris]

"I do wish you had included a little more on the right." from my post above.
denise

Sorry that I missed that.