Show me some HDR

Here are some of my HDR shots--above each is the number of exposures, program, and a bit of information.

3 exposure HDR merged with Dynamic Photo HDR, adjusted in PS. ; Probably only needed -2 and 0 exposures.


2 exposure HDR merged by hand with layer masks in PS.


3 exposure HDR (and could've used a 4th!). ; Mexico is one of the rare places in WDW where, in my opinion, HDR is absolutely necessary for a good shot. ; So much dynamic range there at night. ; Tomorrowland and Future World "neon" shots are also likely "necessary" HDR candidates.


2 exposures merged by hand via layer masks in PS. ; That AA sign blows so easily...
DSC_97891.jpg


2 exposures merged by hand...morning sun blew the left sky.


Mexico again...not really happy with this one. ; Went overboard with the processing in Dynamic Photo HDR (3 ex.).


Here I used Photoshop's merge to HDR! 3 exposures - this is the ONLY time I was ever satisfied with PS3's merge-to-HDR:


You can click on most of the pictures above for more detailed descriptions (if I discuss the processing in the Flickr caption). ; I think I have a couple others in my photostream, but generally, I just push the single RAW file and have better luck with that. ; Dynamic Photo generally makes the pictures look too grungy for my liking, and Photoshop's Merge-to-HDR makes them look very flat, and lacking any sort of blacks. ; I really only use HDR techniques out of necessity--not for "the look".
 
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Man, I cannot wait to try out some night time HDR at WDW. That just looks so cool and looks like it would be a ton of fun to shoot. Any suggestions of good places to try out night time HDR outside of WDW. Parks, amusement parks, etc.? Just wondering what everyone else is doing so I can give myself some stuff to go shoot. ; :) And Great shots as always Tom.
 
"dishippy" said:
Man, I cannot wait to try out some night time HDR at WDW. That just looks so cool and looks like it would be a ton of fun to shoot. Any suggestions of good places to try out night time HDR outside of WDW. Parks, amusement parks, etc.? Just wondering what everyone else is doing so I can give myself some stuff to go shoot. ; :) And Great shots as always Tom.
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My personal style is to use HDR sparingly, and only when necessary. ; As such, in most shooting situations, it isn't all that necessary to use HDR. ; Situations I can think of are shots with a lot of lights, shots into the sun/with the sun somewhat overhead during the day (but you're better off simply choosing a better time of day to shot). ; The big areas I've found HDR to be necessary after dark at WDW are Tomorrowland, Future World, Sunset Blvd. (neon is killer), and areas of World Showcase. ; Beyond that, if you know what you're doing, you can get much better results by pushing single RAW files.
 
"WDWFigment" said:
My personal style is to use HDR sparingly, and only when necessary. ; As such, in most shooting situations, it isn't all that necessary to use HDR. ; Situations I can think of are shots with a lot of lights, shots into the sun/with the sun somewhat overhead during the day (but you're better off simply choosing a better time of day to shot). ; The big areas I've found HDR to be necessary after dark at WDW are Tomorrowland, Future World, Sunset Blvd. (neon is killer), and areas of World Showcase. ; Beyond that, if you know what you're doing, you can get much better results by pushing single RAW files.
Click to expand...

That is incredibly helpful Tom. I really need to break down and start making a running shot list of things I don't want to miss capturing while I'm down there. I know it's not til next spring and that's why I'm going to start it now. I need something to keep the Disney in my life going since it's always way too long between trips for me. Thanks a lot for the tips! Oh, and congrats on the graduation!
 
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