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This HDR image was captured using a three exposure bracket set of +2, 0 and -2 EV exposures. It was then merged in NIK HDR EFex Pro 2 where I applied the “balanced” preset before returning it to Aperture 3 for final adjustment of the color channels, contrast, definition and sharpening.
I really like your use of HDR. Great colors in the sky and clouds!
Thanks Jack I am crazy about saturated colors and have been since my earliest days using color slide film. I saw the work of some NY fashion photographers and how they saturated their colors while I was still studying. I liked the way the colors jumped up from the photo and from then until now I have been shooting photos focused on intense colors.
Using HDR techniques I can capture a broad dynamic range and then enhance and intensify the colors that are buried there.
Are you using Photomatix at all for the HDR editing?
No I’m not. I don’t care for their algorithm I prefer the way NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 renders the merged file. I also think the anti-ghosting is better in NIK. I shoot a lot of my images handheld and I like the control the anti-ghosting gives me.
Great to hear a new perspective. I’m not particularly sold on Photomatix. I just use it for its exposure fusion settings as a Lightroom plugin.
Another gorgeous photo, Nick!
Thanks Maggie I’m glad you like it. The views from the Big Four Bridge are often spectacular and I want people to see what awaits them in Waterfront Park.
I particularly like not only the presence of near bridge but how its color complements that of some of the clouds.
Thanks erb that was what I was shooting for that evening.
Stunning image. You far better using NIK HDR FX than I am. I just don’t feel comfortable with it. I’ve been using HDR Pro in Photoshop lately sometimes Photomatix , sometimes a mixture. It’s the end result that matters. And you’ve got that spot on here.
Thanks for the kind words about my work Dave. You’re correct when you say it’s the image that matters and not the tools used to create it.
I agree it takes time and practice to develop a feel for what one hopes to accomplish with any of the post processing tools. I have approached mastering HDR imaging the same way I have my other photography skills which is through lots of practice.
I often look back to some of my earlier work and wonder why I thought it was good then yet in hindsight see obvious flaws and missteps. As with almost anything in life the key to mastery is Practice, Practice, Practice.
I’m the same. I look back at some of my early HDRs and think what a load of rubbish, but I thought they were excellent at the time. I wonder if I will think the same of what I am doing now, in a few years.