I LOVE these!! Awesome!! My fav is the first one, but the other one is awesome too!!

What do you see in the second image as "over processed"?

Beautiful pictures! I have to learn how to do HDR!

I agree. The halo effect in the second image is distracting. Of course, it may have been in the original images. But haloing is characteristic of over done HDR.

Travis: "What do you see in the second image as 'over processed'?"

I guess the problem I have with HDR Imaging is its heavy handed overuse. Originally intended to make up for the reduced dynamic range of sensors (compared to the human eye), it's become the darling of "artists" who use it as a plug-in to distort reality. Too many HDR photos resemble illustrations imho. Used correctly, the technique provides missing detail. An HDR photo lacks nothing. But overuse makes images appear unrealistic.

The haloing in the second image could well have existed in the originals or been a result of over saturation. It's a great image, don't get me wrong. And the first one is spectacular in part because of the great subject (neon lights and converging lines) and composition without any of the problems I mentioned.

It's subjective, of course. Others may hate the first one and love the second.

Doug

I like the second one best. It is calming. The first one makes me dizzy.

Because you have to take 3-6 identical images, I guess that means no people can be in shots like these since they would be walking or moving and appear blurred when you merge the images, right?

Here is a site showing HDR imaging using Photomatrix Pro to create the HDRs. I am not sure it is the same thing. The images look nice, real, not overdone as you say. They have lots of detail but lack the "dynamic" that I would rather see.

http://nick-s-photoblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/red-brick-mosaics-angels-and-marble-in.html

The second shot was at night and the far sky may have included fog which might account for what you are seeing as haloing. The foreground is clear and sharp.

I tried using the first picture as my screen saver but its too busy, I lost my icons in all the lines :p

WOW they are absolutely beautiful!! I wish I could take pictures like that!!

I agree with Doug, HDR is only an effective tool when you can’t tell that its HDR.

I’m not a fan of HDR. I understand that others appreciate the abstract look of HDR but to me too many look like overworked cardboard cut outs. These are not bad however. I am speaking of the recent majority use of the process to achieve a surreal or abstract look.

Though HDR is not my cup of tea either, it is as valid a form of art photography as any other. In that respect, these are fine examples of that art form.

Ohhhhhhhh, the first one reminds me of college days, trying to get back to the dorm.....

Good thing you were driving....you would never have been able to make it home walking.

(ba-Dum-bum)