Rudolf wrote:
Shot this morning at 8 AM off the bank of the Chattahoochee river near Atlanta. ISO 400, 500 sec, f/7.8. Bracketing 0, +.3, -.3 (the minimal on my camera), onto Photomatix and Topaz Adjust.
Next, same stat as above, but the image processed through into HDR NIK Efex Pro 2 with very little adjustment.
You have discovered the essence of the light touch in adjusting for HDR photo products. When you try different scenes you will discover the ability to take your camera sensor up to it limits of exposure range, then back down 1/3 stop to increase the full exposure range of the scene.
It is a balancing act between the camera sensor and your HDR processing software.
Keep working on your photos and HDR.