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Japanese Garden (HDR)

Discussion in 'Landscapes, Architecture, and Cityscapes' started by digitalzed, Sep 20, 2008.

  1. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    My first attempt at HDR. To "cartoony"?

    2873387691_466a39abac_b.png
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    digitalzed, Sep 20, 2008
    #1
  2. gnagel

    gnagel Subscribing Member

    23,475
    Oct 17, 2007
    Orland Park, Illinois
    Jeff,

    It's very easy to over-do early HDR attempts. Personally, I think this image is too "cartoony" and lacks enough contrast. I would suggest using HDR with with diminished strength.

    Glenn
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 21, 2008
    gnagel, Sep 20, 2008
    #2
  3. Bob Coutant

    Bob Coutant Moderator Moderator

    12,616
    May 17, 2005
    Pleasantville Ohio
    I don't know what "cartoony" means, but, if you look at the histogram, the tones have all been pushed to the middle and above. If you keep the upper tonal levels where they are and spread the lower and middle levels downward a bit, this becomes a nice image. [might add a touch of vibrance too]
     
    Bob Coutant, Sep 20, 2008
    #3
  4. Jon Neely

    Jon Neely

    360
    Sep 1, 2008
    Fresno, Ca
    what HDR are you using?


    Jon
     
    Jon Neely, Sep 21, 2008
    #4
  5. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    Thanks Bob. I let Photomatix do it's thing. Cartoony is my made up word to say the picture has the look of a cartoon, like many HDR images I've seen. This can be fun sometimes but also not right depending on what you're trying to do. I did not want a cartoon look to this picture.
     
    digitalzed, Sep 21, 2008
    #5
  6. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    Photomatix. All automatic. Any tips?
     
    digitalzed, Sep 21, 2008
    #6
  7. Sapiro

    Sapiro Guest

    I think its a cool shot.............so here's a good question...whats HDR?
     
    Sapiro, Sep 21, 2008
    #7
  8. murreywalker

    murreywalker

    588
    Mar 25, 2005
    Any tips?

    What version of Photomatix are you using?

    What kind of bracket did you shoot?

    Please post your best original.
     
    murreywalker, Sep 21, 2008
    #8
  9. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    Is this better?

    2876792058_08493beb04_b.png
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    digitalzed, Sep 21, 2008
    #9
  10. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    3.x

    -3 through +3

    This is the best original in terms of the histogram. Converted from RAW to jpeg, no other PP

    2877081778_ea75baabc6_b.png
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    digitalzed, Sep 21, 2008
    #10
  11. murreywalker

    murreywalker

    588
    Mar 25, 2005
    Photomatix

    You do know that Photomatix will process RAW images, don't you?

    I think your latest post is a great improvement over your first post, but not yet there.

    Personally, as a rule of thumb, I try to use HDR software (I use Photomatix 3.0, also) only to ENHANCE visually. And I have found that most images shot in situations where contrast is greatest, produce the best HDR images.

    You're on the right track. Be patient. You'll get there.

    Here are some of mine:

    http://www.pbase.com/murreywalker/highdynamicrangephotography

    Good luck!!!!
     
    murreywalker, Sep 22, 2008
    #11
  12. Bob Coutant

    Bob Coutant Moderator Moderator

    12,616
    May 17, 2005
    Pleasantville Ohio
    Jeff, with just a little shadow recovery and some other minor touchup, your "best exposure" is, by far, the best image. Just my opinion, but I don't see the need for Photomatix in this case.
     
    Bob Coutant, Sep 22, 2008
    #12
  13. digitalzed

    digitalzed

    341
    May 14, 2006
    N. Cal
    Thanks Murrey and Bob. I did convert the RAW images in Photomatix. So when should you use HDR if not for shots like this?
     
    digitalzed, Sep 23, 2008
    #13
  14. jlangiew

    jlangiew Guest

    Jeff,

    The Halo effect is an HDR thing, too... I'm battling this as well. Not sure how to make it go away, other than post processing further.
     
    jlangiew, Sep 24, 2008
    #14
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