ashleysac

I am very new to HDR and have become totally immersed in the process.  I've read several books and blogs.   I am also very intriqued by the natural/surreal argument.  Granted, the clouds give the image a  surreal/unnatural look, but the HDR process also Greatly improved the detail in the foreground that could not have be achieved with a single shot (at least, not without a lot of post processing).  I could have processed the clouds a little less, but I honestly feel that the clouds have a tremendous positive impact on this photo.

HDR is certainly controversial, but it is here to stay. The software is improving exponentially.  Photoshop CS5 included a major HDR upgrade...in fact, this image was processed using CS5.  Cameras are improving with automatic bracketing of images as well as  higher burst speeds.  My 7D has a burst speed of about 8 FPS and brackets 3 images up to 3 stops apart...so I can shoot the bracketed images in less than a half second.  That is why I was able to hand hold the camera for this shot..

HDR, AEB +-3 Hand held

Taken May 7, 2010. AEB +- 3 stops....hand held. I used the new

Photoshop CS5 HDR

My favorite photo of the California Sequoias...not to mention Yosemite

upper and lower falls after a fresh snow

What can I say, El Capitan has been photographed billions of

times....but there's only one like this!