There are some stunning images taken using HDR. Ranging from just bringing out the shadows a bit to incredibly vivid pieces. Then there are those that almost end up cartoon like, these are not to my taste but I don't think that much of Picasso either. Often HDR is only restoring to the printed image what the naked eye will see. Our eyes pick up a lot more information than a normal single exposure image. We see a lot more of what is going on in the shadows etc. than is normally shown in a basic image. I've been trying to find some shots of an old warehouse that I saw in a how to tutorial a couple of years ago. They were amazing. Can't find them though.
I am a late commer to your excellent thread and a complete photo prat. Happy snaps are my limit. One of the things i have found through the whole debate about "manipulate or not to manipulate" is that it depends on what your camera is pointed at. The landscape shots are stunning, no doubt, but knowing how shy scrub robins and golden whistlers are those 2 photos are an absolute standout. Sure, they have been hand fed etc but they are a fast moving shy target, an absolute challenge for any photographer. The ethereal question is when does photography go from representing reality (eg bird photo) to an artistic representation (enhanced pictures). This is the argument that has gone on for centuries. Impressionism, cubism, and a plethora of landscape styles. To my untrained, simplistic eye, does the photo make me want to go and take my own happy snap? If yes, it has done its job. Altered or not.
That's him..got them here too. The pic of the Golden Whistler in post #82 was taken from inside the house thru the window with my pocket Nikon, so it's a bit foggy. He comes around when called by the wife and he struts his stuff..i.e... raising his head and showing his white throat...courting ritual maybe..He is still a little timid. The Yellow Robin shot went wrong when the bird baulked at the shutter noise..the camera was focused on my tongue to get multiple shots as the bird took the food from my mouth. They are lightning fast , and will take food from mouth in full flight. Here's a pic of a Grebe in the dam...taken late arvo yesterday when everything was against a good shot..add to that I bought the camera yesterday..got home, turned it on and clicked..no idea what the settings were..or what I was doing..but I'll work on it..
