Author Topic: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt  (Read 1901 times)

Offline TheRaven

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There has been much discussion about HDR lately and the use of multiple exposures and keeping it realistic. So here is my first attempt, 3 exposures, +/-2 then layer masks to keep the parts I wanted.

Thoughts and crit? Please click the image to view on a black background!


St James Church, Longton by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr
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Offline Diamond Hell

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #1 on: 20 August 2013, 20:12 »
I don't know how it's possible to say it without offending you, but somehow (and I can't put my finger on it) it looks cobbled together.

Sorry.  :sad:
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Offline T_J_G

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #2 on: 20 August 2013, 21:52 »
I agree, something's wierd around the church tower. It's got a really orange WB too.

Offline Diamond Hell

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #3 on: 21 August 2013, 12:39 »
Thank heavens it's not just me.

Like many HDR shots, unfortunately it has a 'fake' look to it, but it's very difficult to put one's finger on it - it just makes me uneasy looking at it.  Really hard to explain!!
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Offline TheRaven

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #4 on: 21 August 2013, 15:43 »
I know what you mean, the light there is actually that yellow though!
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Offline mcgee9t2

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #5 on: 21 August 2013, 17:12 »
On a positive note I like the sky :)

Good attempt. Proberbly better than what id end up with

Offline Ridg

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #6 on: 21 August 2013, 18:45 »
personally I would have balanced for the street light, given you've got multiple layers you could have easily balanced the different lights (the street lights and the twilight)  Assuming you're using camera raw, simple save a version of the image / exposure with the correct white balance and then blend them into each other.

The over blue sky does nothing for me as it simple looks like it's day light but the lights are on, I've have darkened the sky and probably gone for a darker blue, so that the church stands out more against a black(er) night sky.

Also I think the composition could have been improved if the shot was from the second tree in the middle distance.  I can see what you're trying to do with the street light, the path and the church however the massive orange bush in the foreground ruins the view.

Offline T_J_G

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #7 on: 21 August 2013, 19:25 »
Good to see you still around Ridg!


Offline Diamond Hell

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #8 on: 21 August 2013, 22:45 »
Nothing worse than an enormous orange bush ruining a view....
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Offline TheRaven

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Re: HDR manual blending with layer masks - First attempt
« Reply #9 on: 22 August 2013, 10:55 »
Cheers guys! All learning! :) Plenty to practice with, I may re-edit it and give it a different crop, see what I can come up with!
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