I can't decide if I like this photo...

Dr.Louis

Hey all-

I don't know if I like this photo, it was my first attempt at HDR, but I kinda just used it to get a different effect, rather than trying to get a higher dynamic range...

What do you think? It's a photo of a school hallway just incase you were wondering.

majiktripp

Don't particularly like it myself, there doesn't seem to be anything different about it (ie. I couldnt tell it was a HDR shot,for the fact you mentioned it)

MooseJam

I don't like it either though I don't know what HDR is

elven

Well, those were particularly helpful contributions, weren't they?

You'd have been as well using a poll...

[/rant]

Anyway.

I read your post before I saw the shot and thought to myself, oh-oh, hdr for the sake of looking different - sounds dodgy. But you've actually managed to create an effect without it looking just like another hdr for hdr's sake. I think the thing I like most is the subtle tones - it could almost be mono, but there's just a suggestion of colour in there. Nice combination of metal and stone. And I can't make up my mind if the light coming in the door is a good thing and want to go towards it, or if it's a sign of something outside that's coming to get you! Either way, it gives quite an unsettling feeling, and I think its cool.

I don't know if it's too obvious/done to death, but a vignette might work - the bright corners at the top right and left are slightly distracting and compete for attention with the corridor in front. Don't lose the brick detail if you do, though, that's fab.

Sebzy

Like it but am missing the HDR part
Not as much shadow detail as there could be up front and blown out detail to the end.

ThOnda

Looks like good processing, but the "image" is missing. Like empty canvas. And I am also pleased that it looks different and not just overdone HDR.
So, will you show us a "picture" soon? :-D

Eirebear

I dont really know much about HDR to be honest so ill just evaluate it as an image that i can see.

I like the tones and colour of it, but i agree with elven, vignetting a little will take away the bright top corners and make you focus down the hall a little better.
I also dont like the fact that there is something (it looks like a bin?) at the end of the hall, Other than that, i quite like it tbh.

Oh! also just notived the open door on the left....close it!

5uspect

Its an interesting shot, and I do like it. HDR wise its more of an LDR but thats beside the point. As Elven says its kinda unsettling and, I think, would make a good scene in a creepy horror movie. There's something (or someone?) missing in it and thats the creepy thing for me.

Thanks for posting an unusual picture!

Dr.Louis

Hey, thanks a lot guys! I'm gona throw it through photoshop one more time and clear up a few things... I never really look at the small (but important details) in photos- like the over exposed corners or the bin lol... Anyone know how to close a door in PS haha...

As I said- I didn't do this photo as a HDR for extra detail in the shadows or highlights... More so just playing around with effects. I don't think I like it as an image so much as the mood it has I suppsoe. (I dare say it's a little eery for me because it's my old school- took it just after I finished my LC last June).

Thanks again guys!!

5uspect

Dr.Louis wrote:

Anyone know how to close a door in PS haha...

Vanishing Point ftw. Just drag a mesh over the door on the right and another on the frame on the left open door and clone it in.

jaycummins

i think if you moved closer to cut out those brick walls on either side it could look better. and if you took your light reading from those concrete thinks on the ceiling, oh and if there was someone ar the end of the hallway. that might look good. nice photo anyway

jaycummins

or if you took one of those macro photos form the floor of the hall way. they're always good

Oriel

I too couldn't tell it was HDR to be honest.
Saying that, I found elven's comment, just as unhelpful as the ones before it.
(elven, Dr.Louis asked "What do you think?", not "Do you like it?)

I like the photo, in general, purely because it reminds me of a FPS game, along the lines of Quake etc.

5uspect

Oriel wrote:

I like the photo, in general, purely because it reminds me of a FPS game, along the lines of Quake etc.

You might be onto something there! Here's a few shots from Half-life 2 (HDR lighting and all!):

Tho guns and schools are probably a bad idea.:o

Fajitas!

Oriel wrote:

I too couldn't tell it was HDR to be honest.
Saying that, I found elven's comment, just as unhelpful as the ones before it.
(elven, Dr.Louis asked "What do you think?", not "Do you like it?)

I like the photo, in general, purely because it reminds me of a FPS game, along the lines of Quake etc.

Lol, I like the way you go on to say that you too, like the photo

I think the HDR effect works in this. I'm not a fan of HDR, but it certainally has it's uses. As Steve said, it reminds me of an FPS - particularly STALKER.

elven

Oriel wrote:

I too couldn't tell it was HDR to be honest.
Saying that, I found elven's comment, just as unhelpful as the ones before it.
(elven, Dr.Louis asked "What do you think?", not "Do you like it?)

I like the photo, in general, purely because it reminds me of a FPS game, along the lines of Quake etc.

Jeysus, what is your problem?

The poster couldn't make up his mind if he liked it, and asked 'what do you think?' so I pointed out a few things that work and that might be improved. How is that not helpful?

Dr.Louis

Actually I found Elven's post very helpful and took the vignetting advice (which takes care of the nasty over exposed corners nicely).

So cheers Elven!!

Oriel

elven wrote:

Jeysus, what is your problem?

Ach, just ignore me. In the words of Gary Larson, it was late and I was tired.

Morlar

I think this might work better without the blue tinge along the middle and on the left and right - maybe as a straight black and white it would be more appealing ?