Scapes

[Ghaz1]

I think there are two views to this. There would be the other camp, that treats HDR as a tool to get a higher dynamic range than what our existing equipments are capable of. There are some (not me, HDR is not something I've mastered) like Draken413o who achieve realistically looking pictures without overblowing things.

Of course, one is also free to create HDR as one sees fit, if that is to one's taste

Quite right. That's what i meant by the "complementing your view of reality" stand. I had the same person in mind as well! :bsmilie:

Either make it real, natural or unreal but unique and hopefully aesthetically pleasing as well. Caught in between is no-man's land which either flounders in technical faults such as the dreaded HDR halos or a scene which does not need HDR yet is HDRed or just falling short of reality and grand spectacle.

I'm trying out both styles but what i found out about myself and my personality is that i tend to lean towards the graphic spectacle even when i'm trying to be more natural, hence my picture "Colourful" was a result of that merging. Of course, "Bedok Reservoir 6" is my creative instincts getting full rein again. Nevertheless, i am having a lot of fun creating these "Scapes" of mine. :bsmilie:

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 7

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 8

This was as good as it got for me yesterday. Will be going down again today. Hopefully persistence pays off.

 

[Ghaz1]

Just came back with another batch of photos. What a difference a day makes. Still not perfect cloud formations but much improved from yesterday.

Bedok Reservoir 9

The first shot of the day. Was headed to my current fav spot when i saw the low-level moving cloud formation and decided to set up my gear and shoot. Moved off 30 minutes later to head to my intended destination a short walk away.

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 10

Landscaping with a telephoto lens.

 

[wildcat]

Bedok Reservoir 10

Landscaping with a telephoto lens.

This is quite nice. The buildings lighted up quite well... HDR? The trees a tad dark (compared to buildings).

 

[Ghaz1]

This is quite nice. The buildings lighted up quite well... HDR? The trees a tad dark (compared to buildings).

Nope, it's au naturale! :bsmilie:

Yes, having problem with the details in the trees. If i make them come out, the buildings become washed out and pale. I think dynamic range issues. So i was forced to make a choice and i went with the building as a more important focal point. Here's another one in a different tone but more symmetrical cropping (not the same pic by the way).

 

[wildcat]

I kinda prefer the second version, mainly because it doesn't cut the clouds at the top abruptly. Would be better to even be higher but I suppose technically, lens focal length would have been the limitation from getting a wider shot?

 

[Ghaz1]

I kinda prefer the second version, mainly because it doesn't cut the clouds at the top abruptly. Would be better to even be higher but I suppose technically, lens focal length would have been the limitation from getting a wider shot?

Exactly right! When i went to shoot the other day, i only brought my UWA so i could take until 24mm closest. I realised that it would be cool to try and isolate those building tiny structures so yesterday i brought my 55-200mm and that was the widest shot i could get. Hence i now know that i must bring my 35mm instead!!! :bsmilie: That's photography eh... lots of trial and error to get the perfect shot.

BTW, in the second picture, the building is not so crisp because the clouds had moved and obscured the directional light from the sun. Waited for a while but no improvement as the wind died down so I moved instead.

 

[Ghaz1]

My Blue One

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 11

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 12

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 13

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 14

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 15

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 16

 

[Ghaz1]

Shelter

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 17

 

[Ghaz1]

Windy Day

 

[Ghaz1]

Bedok Reservoir 18