Two Combined: I processed three images, with +1, 0, and -1 exposures and I didn't like either results, (with photomatix), as the sky was more dramatic than the default, but not as...

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I processed three images, with +1, 0, and -1 exposures and I didn't like either results, (with photomatix), as the sky was more dramatic than the default, but not as dramatic as the deep compression setting in PM. The foreground was too dark in the deeply compressed image. So, I processed the same three images, twice using photomatix, saving the two different images, and then combined these two again using PM, and here are the result. I did just a tad of touch up in PS5.

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

Love #3. I think it needs to be straightened a little. Nice colors though!

MadMike Loc: SALT LAKE

I know it sounds silly, but the first time I did HDR I thought it looked strange. Later I took a copy of my picture back to where I took the image, and realized it was almost perfect. We get used to what regular images look like, and now we have a new tool to see it as we saw it. Great picture, I agree that it needs straightened a little.

Wanda Krack wrote:

I processed three images, with +1, 0, and -1 exposures and I didn't like either results, (with photomatix), as the sky was more dramatic than the default, but not as dramatic as the deep compression setting in PM. The foreground was too dark in the deeply compressed image. So, I processed the same three images, twice using photomatix, saving the two different images, and then combined these two again using PM, and here are the result. I did just a tad of touch up in PS5.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

Thanks for the reminder about straightening you-all, I didn't even notice as I was looking at correcting the tones! I've never done that MadMike, but I know what you mean!

DonTX Loc: San Antonio

Wanda, #3 is great! So you merged the 3 images using Details Enhancer, and again using the Tone Compressor? Then took those two and merged them?

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

That's right DonTX. I started out with three images, merged them, and kept one (processed it) from the default setting in photomatix, pulled the same three up again, and processed it to be deep compression. Then, took these two and merged them again in photomatix, and kept the one I like the best, and then dodged and burned and sharpened a tad in photoshop in order to get the third image like I thought it should be.

This is the first time I've done this, so thought I would post it here.

I'm glad we have a heading HDR's. Thanks for starting one MadMike!

DonTX Loc: San Antonio

That is excellent Wanda. I never thought about merging multiple merges together. I always thought it would overdo it. The first couple I tried looked really horrible.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I really like using photomatix as it now gives you sliders, various lighting changes, and more control over the output. It also has a variety of ways of merging the images, that you can choose from. Originally, it was limited, but even then did a good job with merging. So, you might discover it does a better job now.

The main thing I did not satisfy with the above image is the blue sky......I would like to have kept the original true blue of the sky. I might be able to affect it some in ps, but haven't spent much time trying yet.

DonTX Loc: San Antonio

Skies are tough for me. The sky did turn out nicely with great colors. The foreground really looked spot on.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

Thanks DonTX

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

looks straight enough to me, the ground isn't always level.

GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.

I too see it as you are standing on the side of a hill. The top of the barn is only very slightly out of level. Looks good.