The Never Ending Photo Thread

[JohnnyB]

On a side note, I know some people just don't like the look of HDR images, and I understand that, but sometimes I also hear people looking down on HDR images or heavily processed images as if they reflect a cheapening of the art (not making accusations here, just a general observation).

From my perspective, the more tools there are for production and the more accessible they become to people, the better the results are for the field as a whole. Art shouldn't have to be the domain of specialists who are heavily invested in tools of the trade that the average person can't access. Also, the fact that there are so many new and accessible tools available means that people can, even as a hobby, become specialized in all sorts of new forms of artistic production. While some people obviously don't dig a lot of post production work, it's a really accessible form of creative and aesthetic work that can be just as artistic as getting a great shot straight out of the camera.

It's a wonderful thing that so many people can now take an interest in producing aesthetic works for pleasure that were impossible before.

[InSutterWeTrust]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

Did you make that HDR by having layers with different exposures stacked on top of each other and then erasing spaces on the upper layers where you wanted to show the layers underneath?

I shot 3 pictures at 3 different exposures and used the HDR Merge in photoshop. Didnt come out as good as I hoped, but can only get better with practice.

[Regulator75]

Everytime an HDR image is created, god kills a kitten.

Understanding and practicing the basics of composition, framing and lighting is far more rewarding.

[JohnnyB]

I don't mean to derail from cool pictures, but even while I appreciate the joke in your post, I still think the second comment about framing, lighting and composition is just weird.

To say that a few aspects of producing an image are simply more rewarding than others just doesn't seem right to me. Some may prefer framing, lighting and composition while others prefer digital image manipulation. They have different nuances, but what is more rewarding must still be up to the preferences of the individual creating the image and the individual viewing it. It's like saying that checking and defence is more rewarding than shooting and offence. Really, they're just different components of an experience that should be enjoyable for the person doing it and which hopefully end up with pleasing results.

Personally, I like to see any kind of artistic creativity that results in a nice image, whether it's through manipulation of the image while a camera is in the hand or manipulation of the image after it's up on a computer screen. More license for creativity and more tools just seems like a great thing for the art.

I fully appreciate that not everyone will like all kinds of images, but looking down on one way of producing an image just comes off as a little bit snobby.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by InSutterWeTrust

I shot 3 pictures at 3 different exposures and used the HDR Merge in photoshop. Didnt come out as good as I hoped, but can only get better with practice.

Interesting. I've never had that kind of halo effect that's happening in your shot when using the HDR tool in PS, especially around the leaves in the top left. I'm away from my computer with PS too, so I can't go fiddling around to give any advice.
Still, looks like it will be a nice shot when you've got it figured out.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

I fully appreciate that not everyone will like all kinds of images, but looking down on one way of producing an image just comes off as a little bit snobby.

Snobby? Wow. I've been nothing but positive in this thread.
I think that people should learn the simple basics before manipulating images into an eye bleeding HDR "work of art".

HDR can be done right, but 99% of manipulators are failing majestically.

[Regulator75]

Valley View by Witty nickname, on Flickr

[InSutterWeTrust]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

Interesting. I've never had that kind of halo effect that's happening in your shot when using the HDR tool in PS, especially around the leaves in the top left. I'm away from my computer with PS too, so I can't go fiddling around to give any advice.
Still, looks like it will be a nice shot when you've got it figured out.

Thanks for the comment...I was getting frustrated with the halo effect as well...I'm no pro...I was reading articles on the net on how to do an HDR picture...so this was my first shot....had fun playing around with photoshop and getting the effect. Maybe I'll try again...maybe not. Just fun to do as a hobby on the side.

[Cowperson]

Upper Kananaskis Lake, early on Saturday. Nice day for the full walk around which is about 17 km I think. About four hours.



Pete in a marsh on the backside of Upper K lake. . . . .





Below, Pete at sunset . . . . the elk are starting to herd up for the Fall and are frequent visitors at dawn and dusk along our fenceline causing newcomers Pete and Ruby all sorts of consternation.



Cowperson

[InSutterWeTrust]

More HDR Pictures...just kidding...

[AFireInside]

Some newer ones. This is 5 shots of someone jumping from Lundbreck falls. I had one of his friend that was about 8 shots from the top of the falls to the bottom, but I wasn't quite ready and the camera was not properly focused .


Lundbreck falls jumper! by Wes138, on Flickr



High level bridge by Wes138, on Flickr


Burmis Tree - Crowsnest Pass by Wes138, on Flickr


Old Station in Stavely by Wes138, on Flickr

[Regulator75]

^^^ Sweet shots!

[Regulator75]

Okay, last shot from Hoodlum Customs (for now...)


Black and Chrome by Witty nickname, on Flickr

[ah123]

Originally Posted by AFireInside

Some newer ones. This is 5 shots of someone jumping from Lundbreck falls. I had one of his friend that was about 8 shots from the top of the falls to the bottom, but I wasn't quite ready and the camera was not properly focused .


Lundbreck falls jumper! by Wes138, on Flickr



High level bridge by Wes138, on Flickr


Burmis Tree - Crowsnest Pass by Wes138, on Flickr


Old Station in Stavely by Wes138, on Flickr

Love the effect - which lens did you use for these?

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by ah123

Love the effect - which lens did you use for these?

Thanks a lot!

For the lundbreck falls, high level bridge and Stavely gas station I used my Sigma fisheye. For the Burmis tree I was using my 35mm f/2.0

[MrMastodonFarm]

Sunflower by apeddle1982, on Flickr

[ah123]

Playing with my macro lens

Intricate Web


In the garden


Wide Open


More of my nature pictures are here

[Regulator75]

That spider is crazy!

[MrMastodonFarm]

It looks like a gummy spider.

[JohnnyB]

That spider pic is awesome! I love it.