3 shot HDR processed in photomatrix
3 handheld rapid shots at different exposure values combined for High Dynamic Range of various light situations within the shot
similar to exposure fusion
It would help to know what you were trying to accomplish with HDR. For example, at one extreme, it can be used to handle complex lighting situations but maintain a realistic look. At the other, it's used to heighten details to an almost surreal level of detail. And there's everything in between. What I assume is you were going for the hyper-detail that HDR creates. I think you've done a terrific job of blending the shots to achieve that effect. A challenge in the extremes of lighting, the sky can sometimes come out a little gray (where highlights are muted). That's the only aspect I'd tweak in this one, maybe upping the highlights or using the whites slider just in that area. The composition itself works quite well, the way the bridge and its supporting structures fill the frame.
Joseph, to me looks less of a photo and more a cartoon, I can't believe this is better than the original ( but I'm not keen on mega processing and am very naive about editting!) I like how @taffy has given her informed feedback.
As soon as I saw you asking for critique, I knew Taffy @taffy would be the best to turn to! She helped me with the likes of this several years ago! I, too, use Photomatix, but I'm using it less and less as I find other ways to deal with a blending problem in Photoshop. I would use Photomatix now to create an image that I DID NOT wish to look realistic, but more creative.
I am probably a year too late to offer a comment, but my initial question would be "Why did you feel the need to apply HDR is such a way". HDR can help overcome lighting issues by getting a balance across the photo and unless you want to take a photo from reality to something that simply does not look real then subtle changes are key. I have to try and imagine what the original is like and that to me seems fine. The only thing I would do is either crop slightly on the right to remove the flowing water on the bottom right, or clone the area as it tends to distract. I am curious, but where is this. Looks like a place for lots of photo opportunities
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