This is the third time I've done an HDR image in my project. For the first time I have erred on what I would consider "overdone". I'm wondering what others think of the amount of "HDRishness" in this particular image. I chose HDR and bracketed exposure for this one as there was a lot of light coming off the water and the chain itself was mostly in shade. Composition wise - I wanted to try and get the "golden ratio" in there, which to my untrained eye seems to have worked.
So, what do you all think of the choices made for HDR processing, and is that in actual fact "golden ratio" composition or at least near it?
I really like the composition. I also like the glow effect but I've noticed in my shots (and after it being pointed out by Mr. HDR Trey Ratcliff that HDR on out of focus areas (like here in the water, when you shot f/2.2) doesnt really work all that well. Just something about the HDR algorithm. Anyway, its a really nice shot so take my opinion with a pinch of salt!
I like the composition, but for me, the HDR effect is a little overdone. HDR with water also has a tendency to look a bit weird as the ripples have moved slightly between each shot.
I definitely don't think it's over the top. There's no ghosting that I can see, nor is there loss of true-to-life image quality. The composition is well done. I like the placement of the dock and the piling. The reflections above and to the right add proper balance to the image. My only concern in the processing is a lack of apparent contrast between the foreground and background. I'd have been tempted to pull the mid-point level just a hair to the right to darken the details in the piling and dock just a bit. I'd like them to stand out from the water a bit more.
I am NOT a fan of HDR, and in my opinion -- and it is just that, my opinion -- once HDR is brought into a photo to the point where you can tell it's been HDR'ed, then it's too much. Or, in another way to explain it, at that point it ceases being photography and becomes graphic design/art. With all that said, this is done well as graphically generated art, but it's not really a "photo" any more. In my opinion. Composition-wise, I think it could be cropped a bit on the top and the left side...there's just a little too much "empty" space that draws the eye away from the dock and the chain and then doesn't take it (the eye) anywhere. That the chain is in there in the same range of tones and everything else in the frame is nice, in that you don't immediately see it and then it becomes a focal point, but then it becomes lost in all the rest of the space.
Personally, I like the composition. I think the empty space goes to show where the boat might tie up to the dock.
Regarding the HDR, it's getting close to too much for me. The water is fine. I like the sense of movement in the water. With the lighting, I would expect to see a bit more shadow in the area of the chain. But maybe just a smidge more. It's too evenly lit now, I think. Also, and maybe this is just my eye, the chain seems out of focus and I think the chain should be in focus as I feel it's the compelling item in the picture. The reason the dock is there, if you will.
I'm pretty much in agreement with @kennafoot but I also agree with what people are saying about the water... a different aperture (maybe f11) might have given you a better image, but it certainly isn't bad. Overall I really like it. A part of me does want to do a burn on that chain though or at least where shadow should be from the chain. I'd say, composition-wise, you have it spot on
Wow, that's a whole heap of detailed and varied feedback. I'm really grateful everyone took the time. I don't remember choosing f2.2 and can't think of any good reason to have done so in the first place. Would do at least 5.6 if shooting again.
Have made some tweaks, based on feedback, to the image - desaturated a little, burned the chain and cropped the top and left (may have gone a bit far). I'll start it again from scratch with the bracketed exposures, but will hopefully get something a little like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alpeedee/7703633642/in/photostream/lightbox/
beyond the rule of thirds i know very little technical stuff about composition... but i do like this a lot... just enough empty space but not too much to disturb the eye... and the light is lovely!
the silkiness of the water doesn't bother me... i am not a huge fan of HDR... this is quite subtle but if i had the choice, i think i would prefer it to be a bit subtler...
@alpeedee Lance, to my eye, that's a better crop. There's less empty space and the eye can find the shape and textures of the chain, the wood, and the green patch of water in the lower right. Even the concentric ripples around the post are now visible. :)
Ya know Lance -- beauty, composition and HDR are in the eye of the beholder. I think its a great shot. And I do like HDR and think that it has it's place -- if you were doing news photography -- uh no. But when you are looking for a creative element I think anything goes. Clearly if you want a more realistic view of the world -- you know what to do -- if you want a more stylized view -- bring it on. People use different lenses and filters to achieve a look or feel or create the perfect capture...why not the same in editing. After all, when using a macro lens or sport lens -- one does not capture what the natural eye is seeing. I love this shot. Of course I"m not a pro by any means...
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Again, all my opinion. :)
Regarding the HDR, it's getting close to too much for me. The water is fine. I like the sense of movement in the water. With the lighting, I would expect to see a bit more shadow in the area of the chain. But maybe just a smidge more. It's too evenly lit now, I think. Also, and maybe this is just my eye, the chain seems out of focus and I think the chain should be in focus as I feel it's the compelling item in the picture. The reason the dock is there, if you will.
Wow, that's a whole heap of detailed and varied feedback. I'm really grateful everyone took the time. I don't remember choosing f2.2 and can't think of any good reason to have done so in the first place. Would do at least 5.6 if shooting again.
Have made some tweaks, based on feedback, to the image - desaturated a little, burned the chain and cropped the top and left (may have gone a bit far). I'll start it again from scratch with the bracketed exposures, but will hopefully get something a little like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alpeedee/7703633642/in/photostream/lightbox/
Once again, thank you all for taking the time :)
the silkiness of the water doesn't bother me... i am not a huge fan of HDR... this is quite subtle but if i had the choice, i think i would prefer it to be a bit subtler...