I’m thinking there is probably a middle ground. Did you use Photomatix Pro to create these? If so, there is a slider to apply strength to the effect that could be moved to the left. Actually there are many sliders that could be played around with and choices of types of processing. I believe that there’s a function for HDR and you probably went beyond what was necessary with these and it just needs to be pulled back a bit.
I used Corel Paintshop Pro 2018 and could have changed the straight.
Walt

Or? Are we ordinarily under seeing things with our limited spectra eyes? If the ophthalmologist prescribed lenses that "tone mapped" Would you say it wa over done. How about these Bifocals I ware... too much detail is another thing.. huh.

How about IR, converting a camera allows us to see what some other animals see as part of their life; Oh! Night vision goggles! Same holds for UV and a bee. With my strong 100 bulb UV flash light at night the flowers, even grass, looks different. I think the "over cooked" description sounds like food. So, is like taking some drug that allows us to taste flavors that ordinary we would not taste, is that over cooking the flavor... pass the salt please! .... OH! is that drug the flavor enhancer MSG?? yep, that ritualistic dash of salt is another.
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CO has a HDR guide that he is not sharing with us? CO, Please or is it now classified by the Trump Admin shared only with Russia?