Ashland Clock

I would appreciate comments on this one. I'm new to HDR, not sure

it's something I want to learn more about.

I like it, Liz, but why you would ever need HDR is beyond me.  Your natural work is what I come to see.

--Lannie

No need for HDR here, I think.

Great point of the view, the other way for beautiful season, exquisite composition also, Liz, lovely piece!      Best regards

Brava Liz, like usual, a very well done work!

Thank you all for your comments. I admit I am intrigued by HDR, just not sure it's a direction I want to go in.

Liz, HDR can add to the effect and be very pleasing, but you need to adapt it to the specific image. In this case the effect has been over-cooked, and there are some tell-tale signs of that. First, if you look around the clock and observe the effect on the background behind it, you will see that there is an apparently brighter space, generally called a halo. When you get that you know you need to adjust the editing. You cal also see that the bit of sky is too dark and somewhat unnatural, same reason. On the other hand, the colours of the leaves are somewhat washed out, rather than striking.

To correct some of these issues, you should have another look at the settings in Photomatix (if that's what you used), In particular, try different settings with 'light smoothing' and 'micro-contrast'. Also play with saturation a little.

I'd be happy to offer more advice of you need it.

Liz:  I like the photo, but not sure it's really HDR.  Did you use multiple exposures say 1EV apart?   I just don't the see the full range of exposure I'd would expect.  Tom

Thank you, Ferdinand and Tom for your thoughts. Ferdinand, I really don't know HDR, but thought I'd try it on this image, since I felt it wasn't a strong enough comp standing as it was. I admit I like some of the richness of the details it brought out.

Hi dear Liz,

Nice POV,nice tones and great composition,too.

Best regards(Bobby).

very nice and original. great colors, seems an hdr. thanks for your kind words

Thank you, Bobby and Niki, for stopping by. Yes, Niki, I was playing with HDR.

Very good composition, Liz. Well done

I love the POV you chose for this image Liz, most effective.  You made the most of the elements within the area you wished to emphasize and it is just beautifully played out. Always great to see more fall colors while they are forecasting up to 40 inches of snow in many parts of Southern Ontario....luckily we are not effected as badly. I find this image most cheerful and uplifting. Warm regards, Gail

Thanks for your comment on my orange juice in the glass photo. You were adventurous here, as well. The leaves look unnatural here, but I like it. It is a surreal feeling that makes it appealing to me. If this were a modern clock, it wouldn't work as well. I like it a lot. Very good.

Thank you all for taking the time to comment. I'm not sure what I wanted to show here, I just enjoyed playing with "techniques".

Nice shot, Liz.  I have never bothered with HDR either.  I have too much to learn in just getting a good result I am seeking the natural way.  I don't think the bridge adds anything here.  Could the DOF be greater?  The trees look a bit out of focus.  In this case I think their detail adds to the image.  You have a good eye for capturing your subject artistically.  

Thank you, Larry, for your comments. This one was a trial run with HDR. I haven't bought the program yet. Maybe when I get time.