p.2 #1 · Larch Valley - Larch are Out - HDR or Not at End
First looks more natural overall. Sky color is a bit more appealing in the second. Bit of haloing or excessive lightening along the treetops left in the second.
I think the first is fine, although optimally you might blend exposures a bit to bring ot some detail in the shadows around the distant pines on the left.
MHO.
Scott
p.2 #2 · Larch Valley - Larch are Out - HDR or Not at End
Basically I like the scenes a lot, Scott; beautiful scenery and nice compositions. The look of them is, as has been commented above, spoiled by the sharpening and the HDR, which is something I've never used (though I have been "accused" of so doing ). As far as sharpening goes, it is very much a question of taste - I've seen comments saying a piture is oversharpened alongside a comment on the same picture saying it's undersharped - you can't win. There are so many different methods of sharpening that I think they all have to be used in their place; and it is an artistic, and not a scientific, thing to look and decide how much (or little) to use.
In the last two examples, posted above, I cannot believe that the second one is better. The first (single image, as you say) looks much better in contrast (imho) whilst the second looks flat and grey in comparison, with little nice contrast. Your two pictures for comparison really do make the point - but not the way you have stated it - and I cannot see any preference for the look of the second over the first! Just my opinion, of course, and only as you asked.
p.2 #4 · Larch Valley - Larch are Out - HDR or Not at End
Thanks Sbeme and MartinMcl: After I posted it with my question I looked again and concluded that 1 was better. I guess I have learned that single image is sometimes better than HDR. Thank you for your imput. Its a good learning to me.
