Sunsets!

[B_Real45]

Gabriel,

That's a great shoot.. can you give a noobie some pointers on HDR? I tried using the "Merge to HDR" option in CS2 but it keeps saying "Not enough exposure differences to create HDR". Here's what I did (since I didn't take 3 different exposure snaps when I originally shot):

1.) Edited exposure in CS2 to about -2.0 and saved as a different file.
2.) Edited exposure in CS2 to about +2.0 and saved as a different file.
3.) Attempted to use "Merge to HDR" in CS2 and selected the 3 files (third being the orginal shot)

This didn't work.. I've never done HDR before so any tips would be helpful. And no, the original was not shot in RAW.. but I heard you don't need to shoot in RAW for HDR.. am I mistaken?

[Geoff Chandler]

Here's another sunset HDR. From single RAW file.

Well - I love the look of this photo, but it doesn't look real - is that because of the HDR - or was it actually like that>?

[GabOrcinus]

@toriaj: You're right, and as much as I tried, I couldn't get rid of that in tone mapping. Perhaps masking it over a brightened layer?

@Rob: Not only am I an HDR newbie as well, but I've never used CS2, specially for HDR. I'm still using good ol' CS and Photomatix. Check this Guide, hopefully it will help you.

@Geoff: I tried to replicate what my eye saw. Any tips on improving would be appreciated though!

[Geoff Chandler]

Here's another sunset HDR. From single RAW file.

Maybe the way I imagined it is quite different from reality - often stuff I have done is prefered altered by others..
I imagined it darker with a bit more colour.
I have attempted a quick twiddle in curves - selecting a few areas to tweak and reduced some of the contrast at the same time.
I would be interested to see how you think it looks on your screen.
as far as HDR - I haven't a clue - I haven't got to grips with layers yet!!
Of course - I try NOT to change things too much usualy - more a minor tweak here and there. But I love this shot and so I am merely offering a different viewpoint, most definately no criticism meant.

[hankbeblazin]

My First HDR



My Second HDR

[Mr.Shutterbug]

I took this shot in Fiji at least half an hour after 'sunset'. One of my favourite sunset shots.



Canon Eos 400d
EF-S 18-55 II @ 18mm
F3.5
30 sec
ISO 100

[zmikers]

I took this shot in Fiji at least half an hour after 'sunset'. One of my favourite sunset shots.



Canon Eos 400d
EF-S 18-55 II @ 18mm
F3.5
30 sec
ISO 100

Sorry M8, all I see is the little red X

[ooverdrive]

one from me....sunset near pallom light house.

[Mr.Shutterbug]

Sorry didn't attach it properly. Second time lucky hopefully

[tfa8rva]

I can't decide if I like the pp on this one, but here's one from Yorktown, Va.