While JD was visiting her niece last week, I met a friend for dinner at the Kemah Boardwalk. We planned on taking a few sunset and night shots before eating.
The sunset was really nice, except for all the stuff between me and the sunset. I was feeling a little frustrated over all the “stuff” that was then in my frame but then decided to make the photo more about the whole scene rather than just the sunset.
I used HDR—seven photos at a range of +3 EV to -3 EV. I combined the photos using Photoshop CS5 rather than my normal approach of using Photomatix Pro. This is the first time that I have used Photoshop CS5’s HDR and, I must admit, it did take some playing around to get the image the way that I wanted it.
Enjoy.
Camera settings: Nikon D3, Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 shot at 56mm, ISO 200, f/11 and 1/40th to ½ of a second on a tripod and set white balance to tungsten lighting to bring out the blue in the sky.
Post Processing:
Lightroom—Adjusted white balance on all seven photo to be used in Photoshop CS5 to where I wanted the overall color tint.
Photoshop—Used HDR to combine seven images and added mid tone contrast to image.
I too have been in the very same situation at this location, fretting over the cluttered background of wires, light towers and signs. There is really no way around it, so I think you did the right thing by making the photo about the whole scene in front of you.
ReplyDeleteThe colors in the photo are awesome. Clouds almost always add to the drama. This shot is no exception. I also like all the color reflected in the water. Nice job.
I cannot say whether it is because you suggested that the wires, etc bothered you or whether they actually do but I am troubled by all the electrical polls. Did you consider removing them? It would be a much better pix without those eye sores.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
The power lines bother me some but I wonder if there was really that much contrast in the sky. I sometimes get it in some of my sunset photos but often do not. I thought using HDR would even it out better.
ReplyDeleteMel
Beautiful shot Patrick!
ReplyDeleteCurioius as to if you tried these same brackets in Photomatix to see how the result varied? Basically I'm curious as to if Photoshop has improved HDR in CS5 to the point where you now prefer it over Photomatix?
Cheers!
Barry
Stunning photo. I have the same questions that Barry put in his comment. Would like to see more photos like this one.
ReplyDeleteTed
Your photo does not have the usual unreal HDR look. Is that due to using Photoshop rather than Photomatix or due to your settings? I like this HDR approach better than the over the top one.
ReplyDeleteSya