Emerald city

I agree that this is stunning, but I have to know if this is a single capture or an HDR image. One comment above said "almost HDR". I had it pegged for HDR at first sight. Was I wrong? Not trying to take anything away regardless, HDR or not, it is a gorgeous picture.

It IS HDR. There is no other way to explain the foregroung grass being so well lit, especially with the sun in the background. Still a great shot, but he would be better served to indicate it is HDR. JMO.

I don't think this is HDR, indicated by the strong shadows in the foreground, natural contrast etc. If it is HDR it is very subtle. I'd say it's much more likely an nd grad has been used or a combination of two exposures, but that wouldn't explain the rays of light. If Tomas likes he can elaborate for us :) but he says it's unmanipulated and that should be enough, I'm ok with him keeping some tricks of his trade to himself if he likes.

 

Great composition, a unique shot!

I'm less concerned with learning the tricks of his trade. Nor do I think identifying a picture as HDR diminishes the worth of the picture, any more than burning and dodging diminished the photographer's artistry. In any event, I don't want to dominate the thread. It is a GREAT, GREAT photo, and I had commented on and rated it 7/7 last year. Nothing has changed my mind. I think a picture like this should be POW because it is more debate worthy because of these issues.

This is not an HDR. It is carefully composed with use of filters to get the best result. It took me a year to get it right.