Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

This is an interesting location. The "Hodoos" create a challenge to find individual examples of the fascinating geological formations to photograph and I think this is a good example. I chose to take a three shot image, one EV from normal, with the idea of creating an HDR image, but rather than using the Photoshop option of creating an HDR, I elected to do a photo merge creating a layered "smart object" from three exposures and then editing the layered images into a smart object processed in Adobe Camera Raw. Using this process, I think I can manage the highlights a bit better. For those of you who do a lot of HDR images, I would be curious what you think of the photo merge option vs HDR processing. I like the image, and would appreciate your thoughts not only on the image, but the process as compared to a conventional HDR approach.

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Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

I like the image, but there is not quite enough contrast between the main subject and its surroundings. And there is a small (lens dust) spot near the head of the image which is instantly distracting. As to merge vs HDR, I mostly do HDR, probably because I'm too lazy to delve into merging.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Thanks for the post and the catch on the dust. I caught later. I am new to merge vs HDR and hence the question. I continue to play with the image and yes, I agree on the contrast. I'm working on it.

Bubalola Loc: Big Apple, NY

Nice work, Nalu!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice shot.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Well done

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Nice capture