Extra Processing on HDR Image

[Imagebuffet]

Below are two resolutions of an HDR image that I produced. Please examine them carefully and tell me what you think:

800 pixels wide:


1600 pixels wide:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/...4c94197b_o.jpg

[PIC]

Without seeing the "normal pic" ... I would say the clouds improve
and are more detailed.
But this appears not to be the best subject matter for HDR.
HDR - high dynamic range is intended to spread the lattitude of exposure
on subjects that have greater range {ie 5 or more stops}.

[Imagebuffet]

Originally Posted by PIC

Without seeing the "normal pic" ... I would say the clouds improve
and are more detailed.
But this appears not to be the best subject matter for HDR.
HDR - high dynamic range is intended to spread the lattitude of exposure
on subjects that have greater range {ie 5 or more stops}.

Very well.

Here is the "normal" pic. This is the zero-offset photo from the same set that produced the HDR. I only used Photoshop Elements 7's RAW import dialog to adjust the lighting, color and sharpness.



I know what you are saying, about HDR being best suited to photos with great dynamic range. This photo doesn't have much range in the interesting area, just in the background. I still like the result of the HDR.

[Imagebuffet]

My main concern that prompted me to post this image here is that I used layers to create a mask around the treeline. I am wondering if the imperfections in my masking are distracting? I guess not; no one has pointed them out.

[ShaneKislack]

Nah, I think your masking is fine.