Sunset Final Shot

Here is my final sunset shot.

I have done a fair bit of work on it like skew, sharpness in certain areas, removing Chromatic abberations, HDR in photoshop etc.. etc..

The printed version looks very sharp and crisp. The web version below does not look anywhere near as good as the original but it gives you an idea.

Enjoy

Pete

http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/601984/large

The composition is good and the overall effect interesting, but I do feel that the whole is very over-processed. This gives an artificial look to the image, especially in the tree branches, each one of which is surrounded by a clear halo, presumably from over-sharpening.

Clearly a lot of work has gone into this and I feel that a stronger original subject with less post processing would have been more satisfying.

However, I expect that you have learnt quite a bit along the path and that in itself is very worthwhile.

Pete,

It's a nice image, but it demonstrates my main complaint about HDR images - they tend to look rather "flat". I prefer to see a bit of range from dark to light.

I've only tried HDR once so far http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/601388/large and it too, looks a bit flat to me.

Thanks for the comments guys I do agree whole hearted. It was an experiment which I had to undertake using this method in order to get a sunset shot for my grading. I dont have any graduate filters so I felt this was an alternative I had to try.

This entry had to be done within a month and although we have had very good weather finding a good sunset with good composition in my area has proved somewhat difficult.

If I had a lot more time and sunsets I would have tried several options.

I must point the printed version does not look to bad.

One final thing is to John. Please can you explain the halos sistuation and explain what I am supposed to be looking for ??

Cheers Guys
Pete

If you look closely at each branch, it is surrounded by a clear area. This sort of artifact on edges usually indicated too much sharpening. Don't forget that sharpening is only an enhancement of edge contrast which deludes us into thinking that images are sharper. If it goes too far you get haloes.

I agree, when I look at these HDRs I always think there is something missing...
I have it now
REALITY
.........OK for birthday cards tho' Sorry...

But when using HDR it often indicates too aggressive tone mapping
The main art to HDR tone mapping is moderation. When you start using it you want to include everything in the image with complete shadow and brightest highlights. You need to pull back until you can't tell it's HDR (unless you know what you're looking for).

Pete - this attempt is much better than the first, but you still need to pull back more.

I could rustle up some examples that show what I mean...

Matt

Cheers Matt

Some example would be appreciated

Pete

Pete,
This is one of mine: http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/493662

And here are some of Keith Henson's:
http://www.ephotozine.com/u14570/gallery/498144 (slightly hard tone-mapping)
http://www.ephotozine.com/u14570/gallery/482660 (probably one of the best, IMHO)
http://www.ephotozine.com/u14570/gallery/475918

It's really the St Helen's Square that should show you what I mean by "holding back" on the tone mapping.

And, as I said, Artizen is one of the only HDR pieces of software that allows you to choose the TMO (Tone Mapping Operator). Choosing the right operator is a big part of the skill... and some images just don't tone map well with any of them

Matt

HAAAA !!!!!

This is driving me insane WHY cant I produce images like this Matt ??? FANRASTIC MATE I'd be so proud of it.

The others are stunning also I LOVE EM !!!

Pete

PS HDR is new and I really am just playing at the moment. Let me know the details how you did this shot PLEASEEEEEE !

Pete

Thanks Pete
I reckon it partly comes down to nearly 30 years of photographic experience

But, on the HDR side - I mentioned the technique on the comments of that image, and have also repeated it here:

1. Take shots 2EV apart. Don't adjust the aperture - just the shutter speed. In fact, I used the K10D's auto bracket feature and used Av mode.

2. Use a decent tripod if you want it not to be blurred.

3. Processed each frame in Silkypix into JPG. I worked out the settings on the mid-exposure shot, then copied and pasted exactly the same settings to the others

4. Pulled into Artizen to merge into HDR

5. Although I could have tone mapped in Artizen, I chose to export from Artizen and do the tone mapping in Photoshop.

Once again, it comes down to self-control and knowing what you want to achieve.... and experience too

Don't get frustrated - you're learning

Matt