I don't know - I always found the built in viewer very lame - images seem softer when seen on it as well. Are your colours OK now with Fullscreen Viewer? I'm very glad you like it. My image managment software allows me to place a link in the right-click options to any other programme, so I can right-click any image and open it directly in Fullscreen Viewer. But if using Windows explorer, then set windows default to 'Fullscreen Photo Viewer' - images should open automatically in the new software then - there are green left/right arrows at the bottom for clicking between each image in a entire folder. Be aware it will not 'see' RAW files, so you need a catalogue-type programme for that.

No there's not - have you tried the alternative I suggested above?

Men on bikes are not really my thing David, but I appreciate the good results here ... I note the careful framing and space in front of the riders in the wider ones, and the close ups make powerful use of the frame with the followers bunching up behind. The pan looks fine to me also. Very good set!

Ralph, well done, I think its getting off to a good start, and you're well on your way towards your goal ... I hope there will be a discount code for us on PU who might need your services one day!

All good advice from the people above on poses, clothing etc ... was that the first thing you noticed about number 7 there Gary?

On the technical side, just a couple of ideas from me ... I do think you could even out the shadows a bit, I mean pull them up a little towards a more 'high-key' toning overall - I just find there are patches of dark, little 'holes' here and there where the light hasn't penetrated which are distracting.

And I don't think anyone would mind the spot healing brush on the odd pimple / spot here and there.

There's no doubt that adding background info and some technical detail to support the photography adds to the interest for more people, and will lead to greater participation - I'd recommend people make some effort with this on 'Your Photo' threads, as usually there are some extra talking points that will come out of it.

Doesn't quite sparkle like the HDR. David referred to the Fusion approach above (I wonder if his portrait shot above uses that technique?) I'll give a Fusion version a go tomorrow for your interest. I agree with John also that there are many possibilities with Photomatix - it can go wherever you take it, but can also go ways you might not want as well!

I've often wondered if it would be better to prepare both a HDR and a 'normal' version and just layer them on top of each other and play with the opacity to get a bit of both?

No 3 is sharp and has good contrast, and there's energy in the birds movement. Nos 1 & 2 might be improved with some contrast boost and a little sharpening just on the subjects.

I'd recommend just forgetting Windows Photo Viewer - try Fullscreen Photo Viewer, you'll see your photos in much higher quality ...

Link to software download - free link

I think he's still studying my explanations from above ...

Anyway David, good to have you back, was it a nice supper?

Thanks for putting those crops on Andrew. I've conceded on the overall image and effect , fair win. On those crops I do actually think the stone detail is better, as is the brightness on the window frame in the HDR, but the glass is better in yours! Perhaps we now need a combination of a fusion-style HDR from David, my one layered and blended with that at 50% opacity, with your windows blended in behind