POTY 2010 - Round 9 - Processing: HDR (Discussion) - Sponsored by Photomatix

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Welcome to the 2010 Talk|Photography Photographer Of The Year Competition.

The year the themes are going to based on photographic techniques. As with previous years the theme for the month will be posted in a thread similar to this which will be where you can post your ENTRIES only. There will also be a thread for DISCUSSION of the theme. The deadline for entries is the 11:59pm on the last day of the month, shortly after that a POLL will be made for you to vote for you favourite entries that month. This process will then repeat each month with a leader board created at the end of the year. The winner of each month will receive a prize (which will be shown in the ENTRIES thread). The member with the most votes at the end of the year will win the coveted TP POTY Trophy.



So on with the competition;

The theme this month, under the category of processing, is
'HDR'

Yes, HDR, I know! Some (well quite a lot) of you HATE it with a passion, but this is all about trying to get you to try something new...and of course remember you don't have to produce a garish tonemapped image to get something that can fit this theme.

Now I know some of you are thinking "I don't have any software that can do HDR" well as well as the point above (thinking outside the box) you can also get trials of many, if not all, of the HDR software packages out there.
My own personal recomendation would be photomatix with the trial version available here - http://www.hdrsoft.com/download.html. This will leave a 'watermark' on your photos, but you never know you might love it and decide you want to do more HDR and end up purchasing a license....OR you may even win a full license as this months prize is...



This Months Amazing Prize:

A full license for "Photomatix Pro" worth $99


There are tons of guides and tips for producing HDR images on the internet, could a couple I would recommend are:
http://www.vanilladays.com/hdr-guide/
http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial/

So ladies and gentlemen get your thinking caps on and have a bit of fun this month and you never know, you might like what you find :)

_____________________________________________
Please take a moment to read the Rules and Guidelines. (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=110838) before entering, also paying close attention to the following :

* Please note that any photos submitted must not be, or have been, shown on these forums before. Similar shots are OK, but if a submission is *too* similar to a previous shot shown on the forum, then we may disqualify it (Staff discretion is final).
* To disqualify an image, we simply edit the post, removing the image in question, replacing it with a Staff message. To replace your entry, you may edit the post again, putting your new image in, and removing the staff message. This must be done by the closing date. All disqualified images that haven't been sorted by the closing date will be left out of the vote and marked VOID in the poll.
* If anyone wishes to bring one of the images to the attention of the staff for this or whatever reason, then please use the RTM button under the post in question (It looks like this http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/images/custom_blue/buttons/report.gif).

This thread is for Discussion only - please use the Entries thread (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=2958025) to for other posts.

[canon_togger]

Well I didnt see that one coming :thinking:
I have dabbled in hdr before so I'm fairly happy with this topic.

[foggy4ever]

This should provide some challenging shots :D

[giantwolf]

never done HDR before.... wouldn't know where to start. I feel some research coming on!

[Lunaticsamurai]

Ooh, bring it on.

[TheBigYin]

Better dust off the digital camera for this month then :)

[Keenbfb]

Better dust off the digital camera for this month then :)


Thought you of all people would have found a way to do this using a pin hole camera, stick back plastic, an old loo roll tube and a felt tip:D

[canon_togger]

Is the max height not 800 in the new image size rules?
I thought it was only the width that could be 1024 :thinking:

[Keenbfb]

Is the max height not 800 in the new image size rules?
I thought it was only the width that could be 1024 :thinking:

To be honest I've no idea I'll have to find the thread and have a read through to find out or wait until someone removes my pic and leaves a note for me:thumbs:

LoL your right as I posted this I got the notification tell me just that will change it now.

[TheBigYin]

Maximum of 1024 pixels wide and 800 pixels high (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=2950142&postcount=250). :thumbs:

[fabs]

Vertical limit is 800 pixels

To be honest I've no idea I'll have to find the thread and have a read through to find out or wait until someone removes my pic and leaves a note for me:thumbs:

done. ;)

[TheBigYin]

Thought you of all people would have found a way to do this using a pin hole camera, stick back plastic, an old loo roll tube and a felt tip:D


Hmmm... I suppose I could try scanning the neg's at -1, 0 and +1 ev... :thinking:

[canon_togger]

To be honest I've no idea I'll have to find the thread and have a read through to find out or wait until someone removes my pic and leaves a note for me:thumbs:

LoL your right as I posted this I got the notification tell me just that will change it now.

Glad you sorted it, you dont want to end up with no image like some folk who dont come back to resize ;)

[Keenbfb]

Must admit that does baffle me each month along with the votes for the void entries

[n1kcy]

I definately think Tucker post 2 should change his image and give the rest of us a chance, that car is fantastic.

[jollyjack]

I definately think Tucker post 2 should change his image and give the rest of us a chance, that car is fantastic.

Yes it is very, very good

[Murph]

I've only dabbled in HDR a few times. A good challenge to go back to Photomatix and have another go. Just need to find a subject now!

[Tucker]

How do you put a larger pic up, I've resized mine to 1000 pixels but it still shows at 800. :-(

Sorted!

[norvic-boy]

Can I just raise a point?

What happens to the people who want to take part in this round, but don't have access to some sort of Post processing program to create the HDR image?

Are there any free downloadable programs?

Just a thought. :)

EDIT: INGORE THIS! Just seen the link at the top. :) Well covered Tom.

[Ajophotog]

Can I just raise a point?

What happens to the people who want to take part in this round, but don't have access to some sort of Post processing program to create the HDR image?

Are there any free downloadable programs?

Just a thought. :)

EDIT: INGORE THIS! Just seen the link at the top. :) Well covered Tom.

Here ia a link to free software if you need it. picturenaut (http://www.hdrlabs.com/picturenaut/index.html)

[norvic-boy]

Cheers Alby... :)

[Sectionate]

New one for me, and luckily for me, I had been to Liverpool Cathedral and tried just that :lol:

[gazmather1973]

Was gonna throw in a building of some sort but thought I would go with the Chemical Lab, only for the colours

[Ajophotog]

This theme does scream Church interior to me too, some stunning church/cathedral shots in already.

[Tucker]

This theme does scream Church interior to me too, some stunning church/cathedral shots in already.

Bit of a cliche that, Alby! HDR can be used to great effect on many subjects.

[giantwolf]

anyone got a link to a good tutorial?

[Ajophotog]

Bit of a cliche that, Alby! HDR can be used to great effect on many subjects.

I think church interiors were the first time I saw it being used George, guess it has just stuck in my mind now. :lol:

[TheBigYin]

anyone got a link to a good tutorial?

How about the 2 in the first post ? :lol:

[giantwolf]

How about the 2 in the first post ? :lol:

Hmmm, how did I miss those?!!! :D:lol::D:lol: Thanks

[Spooky]

I am going to try this... I am!

Looking at the posts already, there is some cracking work here 7 and 8 really jump out.

Marie, do You live in Balamory? If so, do you know if Miss Hoolie is single?

[andy_fozzy]

WOOOHOOO :woot:

Nice one :D

[Ajophotog]

Andy it is HDR not Cartoon :p See u later Buddy and we can try and get some. ;) I'm waiting for the welding glass comp. :lol:

[specialman]

...mmmmmm, this is a puzzling one; one one hand I don't shoot with HDR in mind so it could be a good thing to challenge myself, and on the other I don't think this is a great subject choice TBH. I'm going to mull this over.....

[Tucker]

Some of the best HDR images I've seen don't look like HDR, they look normal but with a much greater range of tones.

[Tucker]

Andy it is HDR not Cartoon :p See u later Buddy and we can try and get some. ;) :lol:

Alby, you admitted yourself that you have only ever seen HDR images of church interiors so you obviously have a very singular minded view when it comes to HDR. This thread is about HDR in general and not about the wrongs and rights of an individual image, I would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts to yourself and not try to influence other folks way of thinking.

Thank you!

[canon_togger]

...mmmmmm, this is a puzzling one; one one hand I don't shoot with HDR in mind so it could be a good thing to challenge myself, and on the other I don't think this is a great subject choice TBH. I'm going to mull this over.....

I actually think its an excellent subject choice. It gives a wide range of subjects to shoot, and you can decide how much you want to 'cook it'.
I'm enjoying seeing how folk are interpreting it so far and we already have some excellent entries.
I'm still trying to think of where to go/what to shoot for myself though :thinking:

[AshMashMash]

There are some simply stunnnig images! I must get out again and do some more HDR!

[Ajophotog]

Alby, you admitted yourself that you have only ever seen HDR images of church interiors

Where exactly have I said this? :shrug:
so you obviously have a very singular minded view when it comes to HDR. This thread is about HDR in general and not about the wrongs and rights of an individual image, I would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts to yourself and not try to influence other folks way of thinking.
Thank you!
Where have I commented on an individuals image apart from saying there have been some excellent churches/cathredrals already? Just having a bit of banter with a good friend (Andy Fozzy), have you never had a friendly banter with someone on here? I feel sad you think this way and feel the need to reprimand me in public and take on the job of a moderator as such. Not that I think I have done anything wrong. Anyone who has friend access to my flickr will see I am far from single minded when it comes to HDR BTW. Also I never said that "HDR doesn't suit Natural History subjects" which you have since removed, why? I haven't said HDR only suits church interiors. Mods welcome to look into this and remove anything I may have said out of line but can't see that I have. :shrug: Post reported to Mods.

[TheBigYin]

Alby, you admitted yourself that you have only ever seen HDR images of church interiors so you obviously have a very singular minded view when it comes to HDR. This thread is about HDR in general and not about the wrongs and rights of an individual image, I would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts to yourself and not try to influence other folks way of thinking.

Thank you!

Lighten up mate, Alby's obviously addressing his comment to a friend - hence the "See u later Buddy and we can try and get some." part of the comment. I'd hazard a guess that's it's a regular wind-up comment that he'll come out with to his mate!

Personally, I only use HDR occasionally, and usually quite sparingly - the one entry I've made this year that actually got a decent share of the votes was the panoramas round, which as a 13 shot, +2,0-2 Ev Panoramic of the Ribblehead Viaduct deliberately shot on a wide lens to turn it into a Rollercoaster ride :lol: Even on this shot the HDR processing was kept fairly subtle though. That's just how I like it. Everyone has different tastes - personally the overcooked, overbright, hyper-real, "cartoonish" HDR shots are not for me - remind me too much of an occasion at Glastonbury with a dodgy "Space Brownie" :lol:

[Ajophotog]

Lighten up mate, Alby's obviously addressing his comment to a friend - hence the "See u later Buddy and we can try and get some." part of the comment. I'd hazard a guess that's it's a regular wind-up comment that he'll come out with to his mate!

Personally, I only use HDR occasionally, and usually quite sparingly - the one entry I've made this year that actually got a decent share of the votes was the panoramas round, which as a 13 shot, +2,0-2 Ev Panoramic of the Ribblehead Viaduct deliberately shot on a wide lens to turn it into a Rollercoaster ride :lol: Even on this shot the HDR processing was kept fairly subtle though. That's just how I like it. Everyone has different tastes - personally the overcooked, overbright, hyper-real, "cartoonish" HDR shots are not for me - remind me too much of an occasion at Glastonbury with a dodgy "Space Brownie" :lol:

Hey TBY, me and the Fozzy went out yesterday afternoon and were disappointed with the final sunset so you are quite right in what you say. We tried but he was probably more successful then me in our quest. ;) Hope you are having more luck than me.

[fabs]

Alby, you admitted yourself that you have only ever seen HDR images of church interiors so you obviously have a very singular minded view when it comes to HDR. This thread is about HDR in general and not about the wrongs and rights of an individual image, I would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts to yourself and not try to influence other folks way of thinking.

Thank you!

George, I think you're getting your wires crossed a bit. I don't believe Alby is in any way trying to influence anyone's thoughts on anything. He just mentioned that church interiors are the first thing he thinks off with HDR. He has also made no comment on individual images.

Would also appreciate if you didn't tell fellow members to keep their thoughts to themselves, this is a place to share thoughts, not suppress them

Thank you

[TheBigYin]

Hey TBY, me and the Fozzy went out yesterday afternoon and were disappointed with the final sunset so you are quite right in what you say. We tried but he was probably more successful then me in our quest. ;) Hope you are having more luck than me.

I'm in the middle of a bit of a slump to be honest - haven't taken a shot I've been happy with for best part of 2 months now - probably related to only being able to get out for a 2 hour window at the moment, and having shot everything within that radius last year doing a photo-365! That's sort of why i've been doing a lot of film shots recently - I may not be able to spend long outside on my hobby, but I can spend ages developing / scanning / fiddling with the output after the shot - keeps the interest alive :)

[Ajophotog]

I'm in the middle of a bit of a slump to be honest - haven't taken a shot I've been happy with for best part of 2 months now - probably related to only being able to get out for a 2 hour window at the moment, and having shot everything within that radius last year doing a photo-365! That's sort of why i've been doing a lot of film shots recently - I may not be able to spend long outside on my hobby, but I can spend ages developing / scanning / fiddling with the output after the shot - keeps the interest alive :)

I get like that now and then Mate, you have to push through it, I find Macro is a great healer :D Have you looked at Jerry Uelsmann (http://www.uelsmann.com/) one of the finest darkroom/film photographers of our time I think. He is a bit surreal though.

[Dynax22]

Not usually overkeen on HDR, but submitted one of my favourite ones i've taken :)

[mark.carline]

just submitted my entry - its still one of my fav HDR images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markcarline/4163715473/in/set-72157615366435653/

Hope the fact that it was infact taken at the end of last year means that its ok ?

[Keenbfb]

just submitted my entry - its still one of my fav HDR images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markcarline/4163715473/in/set-72157615366435653/

Hope the fact that it was infact taken at the end of last year means that its ok ?

There is no strict rule regarding when the shot was taken, however there is a rule regarding the fact that the image must not have been displayed anywhere on the forums before hand...:rules:

Which is a shame because it's a cracking image.

[mark.carline]

....must not have been displayed anywhere on the forums before hand...:rules:

Is that *THIS* forum or *ANY* forum?

[TheBigYin]

Anywhere on TP

[mark.carline]

Anywhere on TP

ok cool - its never been posted on here before ;)

[canon_togger]

ok cool - its never been posted on here before ;)

I'm afraid it has Mark:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=185159

[mark.carline]

I'm afraid it has Mark:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=185159

darn ok thanks - i'll remove my entry.....

soz !!

[Keenbfb]

darn ok thanks - i'll remove my entry.....

soz !!

Rather than remove why not replace either with another image or take one for the competition?

[mark.carline]

Rather than remove why not replace either with another image or take one for the competition?

ok - i went out last night and got a new one - i replaced post 39 with my new entry:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=2972053&postcount=39

By the way I really think that the rules should be changed such that entries should have to be taken within the month of the comp - makes it more fun rather than relying on previously taken images.

[TheBigYin]

By the way I really think that the rules should be changed such that entries should have to be taken within the month of the comp - makes it more fun rather than relying on previously taken images.

You'd still get people trying to get around it... Pulling EXIF data from the images before posting. etc. - also for example, I shoot on film a lot of the time, and the scanner doesn't always embed EXIF's in there. Plus - who's gonna pay the staff wages for them to check every image for date information and weed out transgressors. It's a nice idea, but a bit of a non-starter :shrug:

[mark.carline]

....It's a nice idea, but a bit of a non-starter :shrug:

ok i see but if people want to cheat then they will cheat and theres nothing we can do about it. I still like the idea and think it would add to the competition.

[TheBigYin]

I didn't say I disagreed - personally, I try very hard indeed to get a shot within the timeframe. Partly because it's more fitting to the spirit of the competition, but mostly because anything I've shot already thats any good has probably already been shown on here before. This month's was a bit different, as I had an older (non HDR) shot that worked okay with the effect, as I like to use it (more like using a higher contrast paper in the wet darkroom) so I could come up with an early entry, but I'm still working on a specific shot for the competition.

[Glenn Surtees]

By the way I really think that the rules should be changed such that entries should have to be taken within the month of the comp - makes it more fun rather than relying on previously taken images.

If you believe that, why did you post one this month that was taken at Christmas?

Within hours of the announcement of this month's topic the first page of entries was full, I'm guessing most of this month's early entries are 'stock' shots from peoples' hard drives and not taken for the competition.

[jollyjack]

If you believe that, why did you post one this month that was taken at Christmas?

Within hours of the announcement of this month's topic the first page of entries was full, I'm guessing most of this month's early entries are 'stock' shots from peoples' hard drives and not taken for the competition.

And maybe they were taken in this month then entered into the comp once it was announced because the new themes are now getting announced after a few days of the new month has passed, some people i know most of their images are HDR. The very last entry on the very last page might also be 'stock' because they havent had chance to better themselves.

Rules are as long as its this year its legal, if you manage to get one in the month then :clap::clap: to the members.

[TheBigYin]

And maybe they were taken in this month then entered into the comp once it was announced because the new themes are now getting announced after a few days of the new month has passed, some people i know most of their images are HDR. The very last entry on the very last page might also be 'stock' because they havent had chance to better themselves.

Rules are as long as its this year its legal, if you manage to get one in the month then :clap::clap: to the members.

I wasn't aware that it even had to be this year, tbh... though as I've said, my personal inclination is to try and get something within the timeframe of the comp, from announcement to cut-off.

I will usually drop something in quickly, for a number of reasons, one of which is to get email notifications when people post new pictures, so I can put the names against entries in my model for the leaderboard. The odd entry every day or so is easy to keep up with, whereas keying in 90+ names (and spelling/capitalising them correctly) is a pain in the Harris. My other reason for what may be considered a "placeholder" entry is equally simple - If I've got something in that I'm not happy with, it provides a kick in the pants every time I open the thread, and helps motivate me to get out there and shoot something better.

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Rules are as long as its this year its legal

Who's rules are they then? :thinking:

[jollyjack]

Who's rules are they then? :thinking:

Thats what i was told when i asked a mod at the start of the year because i had an image taken during the christmas holidays before the 1st Jan 2010 and wanted to use it for Jan Competition, was told as long as it was taken within the POTY ie 2010 then its ok if before then could not be entered. if thats not correct then i am sorry. Lots of mixed messages going around and i am sorry for stepping out of line will keep stump in future.

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Thats what i was told when i asked a mod at the start of the year because i had an image taken during the christmas holidays before the 1st Jan 2010 and wanted to use it for Jan Competition, was told as long as it was taken within the POTY ie 2010 then its ok if before then could not be entered. if thats not correct then i am sorry. Lots of mixed messages going around and i am sorry for stepping out of line will keep stump in future.

No need to apologise, I was just genuinely interested where you had got that impression from. The official rules are here http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=110838 - and as they state the only stipulation is that the photo can not have been show on any of the Talk Photography forums before. I will now go and chase the mod in question with a big pointy stick.

[Spooky]

OK - got mine in but it may change. Have not done HDR before but then again I had not really done street until last month and look what happened there! Does it matter I have only used the trial software (hence a watermark) and have I missed the point by producing a monochrome image?

Not sure these questions can be answered...

Happy comp everyone

Spooks

[TheBigYin]

OK - got mine in but it may change. Have not done HDR before but then again I had not really done street until last month and look what happened there! Does it matter I have only used the trial software (hence a watermark) and have I missed the point by producing a monochrome image?

Not sure these questions can be answered...

Happy comp everyone

Spooks


If you're worried about the watermarks - give the software that Alby mentioned in post #20 (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=2960517&postcount=20) a go instead. And as for using HDR to produce a monochrome image, well - I do it quite a lot, to be honest, and like the effect it gives - a bit like using a hard contrast paper and Lith film like proper black and white photography :lol:

[SuperAP]

Aah, HDR. The rubbish landscaper's get-out clause ;) :D

[michael23]

well, certainly wasn't sure about this one, but I decided to have ago,

Some very impressive pics for this one. Good luck everyone. :thumbs:

[rob_c]

I’ve added my entry for the month, I have never produced an HDR Image before so I have used the trial software, hence watermarked.

It was quite a different experience to go out to take a shot (or shots in this case!) with the post processing being given as much thought as the subject... I guess that is the spirit of the competition, to get out and try new techniques outside of the comfort zone...

[n1kcy]

I think it's brilliant to see so many people giving HDR a go for the first time. That's one of the great things I've found with this forum, it really inspires you to try something new. Well done everyone.

[Virtualfunker]

anyone got a link to a good tutorial?

http://backingwinds.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-create-professional-hdr-images.html

[zeddie]

Im going to try my first HDR for this! Going to Dunstable Downs today to take some shots. excited :D

[TheBigYin]

Well - that's my "proper" entry in. Not sure if it's better or worse than the first entry - I quite liked the Black and White tower tbh, but I set out this year to try and enter a new image, shot for the comp. every month, so I'm going to stick with it!

[Golgarth]

1st entry into a proper photo comp, hope it's ok. Some of the shots look superb, and it's cool to try something a bit out of the ordinary :)

[julian_fraser]

I'm in...I think HDR can look stunning, and some entries in this comp are certainly that!

[jollyjack]

Its going to be another hard month this month, lots of good entries. Keep them coming everyone

[TheBigYin]

There's certainly going to be some competition at the top again - at least this month I've managed to find a few I like - not like last month :gag:. I've already got a shortlist of 6, and thats not allowing for late changes and all the people who've had the shots pulled for prior posting. :lol:

Good to see some more new faces having a go as well :thumbs:

[Sectionate]

What is the castle in the first page of the thread?

[giantwolf]

What is the castle in the first page of the thread?

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

[TheBigYin]

What is the castle in the first page of the thread?

If you mean Jon's its Bodiam Castle I believe :thinking:

[Sectionate]

Cheers guys :thumb

I may steal the car and go for some photographs :D

[jollyjack]

What is the castle in the first page of the thread?

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA

Until 31st Oct opening 10.30 -17.00
Nov 4th -23rd Dec 11.00 - 16.00.

Carpark £2 but if you go for morning or sunset this will be closed but there is parking in area.

[TheBigYin]

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA

Until 31st Oct opening 10.30 -17.00
Nov 4th -23rd Dec 11.00 - 16.00.

Carpark £2 but if you go for morning or sunset this will be closed but there is parking in area.

Phew - got it right... it's been a while since they let me all the way down there :lol:

[mrtoad]

got to start somewhere...as normal i go off on the wrong foot...one shot and belted to death in oloneo
i just managed to get 3 shots to merge on photoshop and tried to hold back on the halo machine
some of the stuff on the comp thread are so finely done as to believe they were etchings

[sirhoot]

I have some concerns about the image I submitted. I feel I was a bit lacking in my post production and would like to tweak it. Is it permissable for me to 'fix' my image and resubmit it?

Cheers. :bonk:

[MagicMynx]

I think so Marc, I'm sure I've seen other people change their entries.

I put my first HDR pic up - eek! I don't usually like HDR but thought I'd give it a try.

[fabs]

I have some concerns about the image I submitted. I feel I was a bit lacking in my post production and would like to tweak it. Is it permissable for me to 'fix' my image and resubmit it?

Cheers. :bonk:

Yes Marc you can change your entry up until the comp closes.

[sirhoot]

Thanks Nattelie. Thanks Marc.

:)

[TheBigYin]

Don't forget people - competition closes tonight - better get out there shooting, if you haven't already got on in the bag :)

[jollyjack]

One of the things i dont like about HDR is the possible halo effect you can get around images, I have done some fewing of the images and have seen a few have this including mine. I have tried to reduce this effect in my entrie and re-submitted.

If anyone wants to look into the removal of halos in HDR here is my google search (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Removing+Halo+HDR&btnG=Google+Search&aq=o&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=)

[TheBigYin]

I generally don't like HDR's to look like HDR's - if you know what I mean - When I'm processing the shots, if I get halo's etc, then for me, I've overcooked it, and I back off the controls a bit. If it takes anymore than that I find I'm not interested. My entry this month is probably pushed a bit harder than I normally go for, but I didn't see the point in entering a shot in a HDR themed competition for most of the people to say "thats not a HDR" :shrug:

[jollyjack]

You cannot win with this type of processing, some people dont like it when it looks to un-natural and others dont like it when its not pushed enough, so i think the votes will also go that way.

[TheBigYin]

You cannot win with this type of processing, some people dont like it when it looks to un-natural and others dont like it when its not pushed enough, so i think the votes will also go that way.

I've given up trying to fathom peoples logic behind voting in any of the months, tbh... I just post stuff that I like, and if someone actually agrees with me it's a bonus. :shrug:

[canon_togger]

I've given up trying to fathom peoples logic behind voting in any of the months, tbh... I just post stuff that I like, and if someone actually agrees with me it's a bonus. :shrug:

Same here, I post what I consider my best effort for that theme and thats all you can do really :shrug:

[jollyjack]

Same here, I post what I consider my best effort for that theme and thats all you can do really :shrug:

Its all anyone can do, I just posted link to Halo removal in HDR because its something a few have picked up with some of my efforts so went looking for a way to solve it. Posted link in case anyone else wanted to have a go, and if they think they have improved their image there is time to re-submit for close of comp tonight.

[Ajophotog]

IF you make an image not look like HDR how do you know whether it is :shrug: :lol:

[Keenbfb]

I've given up trying to fathom peoples logic behind voting in any of the months, tbh... I just post stuff that I like, and if someone actually agrees with me it's a bonus. :shrug:

Have to agree with this, I tend to stick in a place holder with every intention of going out and taking a shot for the theme most months I haven't managed it although I did this month.

When it comes to the voting I set out trying to vote for the images I feel best suit the theme but always seem to end up voting for the ones that I like and wished I had the skill to replicate.

[TheBigYin]

IF you make an image not look like HDR how do you know whether it is :shrug: :lol:

But that's it... Outside of a HDR themed competition, I don't set out to produce a HDR, I set out to produce a picture that I enjoy - HDR may well be a tool I'll use in order to get from RAW file to the Image I have in my head. Or, it could just be a little curve manipulation, or a couple of dodge and burn layers, or any combination of the above. The thing is, to me, if someone looks at the shot and sees the technique not the image, then I've failed. :shake:

[canon_togger]

Some say the best hdr's dont scream hdr at you...they whisper it ;)

[Ajophotog]

It really is a tough call this one when you start to analyse it :bonk: I guess the answer is don't analyse it, enjoy it in its full beauty. :lol:

[canon_togger]

Well thats it closed folks, good luck everyone :thumbs:

PS I dont know why Tucker removed his, I thought his car entry was brilliant :shrug:

[jollyjack]

Well thats it closed folks, good luck everyone :thumbs:

PS I dont know why Tucker removed his, I thought his car entry was brilliant :shrug:

Agree about Tuckers image, and yes good luck

[Keenbfb]

Well I'm going to be the first to ask what's Octobers theme??

[andy_fozzy]

Good luck everyone.

There really has been some AMAZING shots this month :thumbs:

[Sectionate]

Some say the best hdr's dont scream hdr at you...they whisper it ;)

And then make you question whether they have a magical camera or not :lol:

[grum]

Dang I was going to change my entry - oh well.

[TheBigYin]

Well I'm going to be the first to ask what's Octobers theme??

Okay, I'll ask when the Poll's going up then.... :lol::lol::lol:

[Ajophotog]

Pinch punch 1st of the month then from me :D
As for Tucker he got crossed lines with me a little earlier in this thread but, I too thought that the car shot was stunning and would have been right up at the top at the end of the votes. :shrug:

[TheBigYin]

I've just been entering up names etc. for this months leaderboard, and boy, does there seem to be a bunch of void entries this month :(

[canon_togger]

Well I'm going to be the first to ask what's Octobers theme??

It'd be good to have this theme up for the weekend.
This weekend I mean of course, before someone gets smart with their reply :p

[jollyjack]

It'd be good to have this theme up for the weekend.
This weekend I mean of course, before someone gets smart with their reply :p

As if we would Marie

[Tucker]

Pinch punch 1st of the month then from me :D
As for Tucker he got crossed lines with me a little earlier in this thread but, I too thought that the car shot was stunning and would have been right up at the top at the end of the votes. :shrug:

Hold on Alby, you stated that my image wasn't a HDR but a cartoon image or have you forgot. It was a HDR and I haven't the foggiest idea how to produce cartoon images, not that I would want to anyway. You have 27 'friends' or buddies on the forum most of which would of taken notice of your remark so no, my effort wouldn't of been anywhere near the top of the tree, more like the base of the trunk.

This comp has got to the point of being farsical, it all boils down to not what you know but who you know, the more friends you have the better your chances I feel.

Unless the authors ID is hidden then I don't see a fair and just result, sorry!

[Jimmy_Lemon]

The poll and next months theme will be up tomorrow afternoon, sorry....been uber busy at the moment :(

[fabs]

Hold on Alby, you stated that my image wasn't a HDR but a cartoon image or have you forgot. It was a HDR and I haven't the foggiest idea how to produce cartoon images, not that I would want to anyway. You have 27 'friends' or buddies on the forum most of which would of taken notice of your remark so no, my effort wouldn't of been anywhere near the top of the tree, more like the base of the trunk.

This comp has got to the point of being farsical, it all boils down to not what you know but who you know, the more friends you have the better your chances I feel.

Unless the authors ID is hidden then I don't see a fair and just result, sorry!

What is your problem? The "cartoon" remark was a tongue in cheek one addressed to Andy Fozzy, NOT you! He also said that the FIRST HDR he saw was a church, NOT that he had only ever seen HDR of churches so maybe some careful reading of posts might be a good idea in future.

This is the second post in here where you've made certain allegations and neither time have you backed them up. All you appear to have done is :dummy: and removed what was a very good image.

BTW, we tried the anonymous posting method at the beginning of the year and it wasn't popular.

[TheBigYin]

George - you really need to get your facts straight - Alby never referred to your image as being a cartoon - the only reference to cartoon was in a light hearted reference to a friend of his (andy_fozzy), in what I read as a gentle banter that passes between friends. That's real friends - i.e. you know them, and go out shooting photo's together - not just some "buddy system" on the forum.

For what it's worth, i'd be sorely disapointed at any friend of mine who would vote for my entry just because it was by a mate. I think my friends have a higher standard of personal ethics than that.

[TheBigYin]

...BTW, we tried the anonymous posting method at the beginning of the year and it wasn't popular.

Last years experiment with Anonymous posting didn't make blind bit of difference apart from a huge amount of work for everyone involved in keeping record of the results, both monthly and cumulative. I certainly owe a fair proportion of my grey hair to making sense of it :lol:

[Tucker]

WOOOHOOO :woot:

Nice one :D


Andy it is HDR not Cartoon :p See u later Buddy and we can try and get some. ;) I'm waiting for the welding glass comp. :lol:

I rest my case!

[fabs]

I rest my case!

I'm sorry? You are referred to where in that exchange?

[Tucker]

I'm sorry? You are referred to where in that exchange?

Put your glasses on!

[TheBigYin]

Well - all I see is Alby telling Andy fozzy that it's not cartoons, then arranging to go out and shoot for the comp? I see no reference to Tucker or George in there :shrug:

[Tucker]

Fabs, just in case you don't know what we are on about! The cartoon!

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/tucker_077/Morgan_HDR.jpg

[fabs]

Put your glasses on!

Ignoring that rather rude comment (for the moment)

I can see Andy say wohoo nice one and Alby having a cheeky dig at him saying that it's HDR, not cartoon.

Even with super strength telescopic glasses can I see any reference to you or your entry.

[Comfy]

I am confused and intrigued <grabs a bowl of popcorn>

[Tucker]

Ignoring that rather rude comment (for the moment)

I can see Andy say wohoo nice one and Alby having a cheeky dig at him saying that it's HDR, not cartoon.

Even with super strength telescopic glasses can I see any reference to you or your entry.

I give up! Hope some of the others can see further than the end of their noses! I don't really care who wins but I do care that whoever wins, wins fairly. The comp has had a lot of bad publicity lately, it seems to go from bad to worse. I've entered quite a few comp's in the past but this one has to be the most corrupt I've ever come across, you need to get your act together! I'll leave you all in peace now!

Goodbye!

[jollyjack]

This comp has got to the point of being farsical, it all boils down to not what you know but who you know, the more friends you have the better your chances I feel.

Unless the authors ID is hidden then I don't see a fair and just result, sorry!

Thats not a fact, i dont know many on here, i have maybe 2 that are friends and few more i will get to meet soon that hope will be friends and without his who you know list i have still won and so have others.

I think m8 you are just taking things the wrong way at the minute. i like the car and would have voted for it as i vote for what i like not who i know

[swag72]

.......no, my effort wouldn't of been anywhere near the top of the tree, more like the base of the trunk.

George, I am sorry that you removed your image, it was stunning and would certainly have got my vote. I wish you had kept it in, I think you would have got a large number of votes.

[Ajophotog]

I am confused and intrigued <grabs a bowl of popcorn>

Not as confused as I am :shrug:
It is Fozzy's fault for showing me some cartooned shots of the Butser Lime works just before this theme started.

[canon_togger]

George, I am sorry that you removed your image, it was stunning and would certainly have got my vote. I wish you had kept it in, I think you would have got a large number of votes.

Ditto above, but its too late now I'm afraid.
I also fail to see where Alby referenced Tuckers shot, so it looks like a misunderstanding that has got a bit out of hand.
Shame.

Anyway, moving along. We should soon have the new theme to give us plenty to think about :p

[TheBigYin]

Anyway, moving along. We should soon have the new theme to give us plenty to think about :p

I do hope so - I love the photo bits of the competition, don't mind the number crunching I've volunteered for, but the rest of the machinations are wearing a bit thin TBH.

[Jimmy_Lemon]

I do hope so - I love the photo bits of the competition, don't mind the number crunching I've volunteered for, but the rest of the machinations are wearing a bit thin TBH.

+1

[Jimmy_Lemon]

...oh and I am just about to do the poll....see you all on the other side :|

[Ajophotog]

Tom, why don't the management buy a tin of Celebrations, call the comp a draw and share them all out equally. :D Just an idea.

[Jimmy_Lemon]

haha nice idea! :)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=264339 - poll is up :) please try and not cheat this month people ;)

[Just Dave]

please try and not cheat this month people ;)

OOOh did I miss something, :thinking:

[Jimmy_Lemon]

OOOh did I miss something, :thinking:

Just some people trying to get other people into trouble and other such fun and arguments....enough to make me get a big pointy stick out if anything happens this months I think :p