Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

If you wanted an artsy look to your image you have achieved that in the HDR version. Its a way off a natural look and not far from a comic book type of illustration. I actually quite like it but it will divide opinion.
The original is a good photograph and Camera Raw with Photoshop would reveal all the detail maybe helped along by Nik. If your clients are pleased by the slightly unreal and enhanced look then carry on collecting the fees I would say. From a personal point of view its a case of using HRD software because you can rather than because its totally necessary. The HDR software has introduced the halos and artifacts mentioned already which would not be present using a less aggressive type of processing.

Erdos2 Loc: Vancouver, WA

My response is sort of a "ditto" of this one. The photo is overcooked. It looks a lot like older color postcards. I then looked at the gallery of images and they all have that feel. It appears to be your style just as different artists each have their own style. If I was you I would continue to do what you are doing ecause it is consistent and appears to be what your clients desire.

Jerry

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

Overcooked? Nah, I like it and I'm with the "not an expert" crew. By the way, you do know the definition of expert, don't you? An "ex" is a has been and a "spurt" is a drip under pressure.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Nice work.
#2 is closer to how I see the world.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

It's ready for a gallery, Bill ☀️🌀💞🌀☀️