St.Lawrence River bordering Candiac (3 exp HDR)

This is a 3 exposures (+2, zero, minus 1.5) HDR photomatix processed image. I do have some problems with it (perhaps I should sleep on it) - the greenery (Grass, etc) on the left seems to be too well lit compared to the other trees in the distance. The trouble is I don't remember if it looked like that. There is also a slight halo around the trees on the left side but none among the trees in the central and right side. Any comments would be appreciated regarding this image or their own experience with HDR. My eyes are closing on me so I must turn in but I will rejoin later today (WED.).

Input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Beautiful shot and an excellent HDR (that means it doesn't look like the typical HDR). Even before reading your message, the halo effect jumped out at me, but that's a repairable item. As for the light values, I find these very real. Many times in the twilight your surroundings are more perceptible than at a distance, especially in this case where the distant trees are in natural shadow anyway.... Mike

 

I very much like your final exposure resulting from your HDR technique, the green of the grass may be over exposed considering the fading light, however the appeal of this photo is partly dependent upon the brightness of the blues and greens. From my perspective, this is the way I would like to see the world.

Thanks for the input. I will venture to see if my PS skills are up to repairing that halo especially as the specific area and the surrounding colors are so close which could help or be something that hinders me. Best regards,

I also would like to see the world this way - your input is also appreciated.

Just wondering if someone who is well versed in the photomatix settings - could one of the parameters cause halos like this?

Hi Tony. The shot is outstanding. In photomatix you will always get a halo when dark meets light. You can try either clone around the halo, or try a gradient over the whole area. Straight hdr in photomatix without p/p/ work will always give the halo. Hope this helps!? Congrats on a great image with good strong colours. The image is really crisp. Regards, Lawrence.

Thanks for the comment - I actually started working on it with Photoshop but perhaps I am too much of a perfectionist and perhaps my skills are not 'up there' as yet so I am getting results that I don't like - thus far. I will keep on trying though. best regards,

Great result from your technique. Love the final composition and technical quality.

Thanks for your nice comment. Best regards,

Tony... Just a 5 minute fix and nothing fancy. I tried burn highlights with a soft brush on about 6% value and just keep toning this area until you get the look you need. The original should work better than this reduced size (and I've lost some of your crispness by reducing)... Mike

 

 

That is fantastic - in fact perfect - thanks for taking the time and letting me know how it was done. I usually use a soft brush so I will tone it down to 6% (never gone that low) opacity. I have also been surfing the net to see if I could come up with a 'halo-less' output from Photomatix. One suggestion was to play with the "S/H - Highlight Smoothing" in the tone-mapping section. I have not tried it as yet. My PC was acting up and I am also trying to get ready for a presentation on St.Kitts and Nevis at a local Public Library next week. Best regards

Tony ,, a wonderfully done image.. Very vivid colors ,, Great composition and lighting. Congrats.

Thanks for stopping by - I had a chance to visit your portfolio of images and left a comment..

Halo or not, this is exceptional image by its perfect composition. I see it as a story of a Man that have built the river banks that leeds us through the picture. The river is no more a threath. The brighter sky behind the trees sugest there is a city in a distance...Blue colour is dominating in superb balance abowe the tolest tree. Piece of art. Cong.

I wish i could write the way you do - you have expressed fabulous thoughts. Thanks for stopping by. Warm regards,

quite refreshing to see a HDR which looks almost "natural", very good, congrats!

Thanks for the comment - my time with HDR thus far tells me that you get some really natural results. You can go down that other road with distinctive looks with HDR processing but it is a choice.

I like this image a lot. It makes for a great study.

 

I don't dislike the halo around the tall trees at left ... nor do I object to the green detail in the grass, though I do understand your concerns about whether they're appropriate.

 

I rationalize the halo as being part of the elevated lumination symmetry along the treetops from left to right. I find it pretty neat, actually. I don't mind the alternative with the halo burned in, as Mike presented for you. But again, I don't dislike this version, either.

Thanks for the visit and the isightful comments- best regards