HDR

I was experimenting HDR technique for a while but never got the effect that I wanted.
Somehow I feel the HDR from PS CS3 doesn't seem to be give me the effect that I wanted. Either the PS lacks in that area or I am too amatuer to know how to harness its capabilities.
Anyway I was experimenting with Photomatix, another highly recommended software from forums. It works pretty well.
A quick summary how to create a HDR.
1) AV priority
2) That at least 3 bracketed shots. Basically what I like to do is to set to continuous shot. Set my AEB and set it on a tripod and fire away. If you like take about 5 to give it a more dynamic effect
3) Use photmatix to merge them to create a HDR
4) Use Photoshop to tune up the pictures. Bascially I generally use Curves, Contrast and Saturation layers. The Others are for a need basis.







These Pictures are a little too dramatic but I like it that way. I was trying to push it all the way to its limit.

Shy@n

Fireworks! Fireworks!

Headed down for the Firework Display Last night.
So had another crack with taking fireworks.
I did not really did my homework and find out what is the best way and what is the best setting to use. But I vaguely remembering some techniques I read a couple of weeks ago. So this time instead of using full aperture, I was trying out with F11 with 5" and other varying combinations, together with placing my cap on and off while taking the shots. Anyway, I was using the Canon EF 20-35mm lens hoping to capture more of the fireworks
I am reasonably happy with some of the results but I think there is a lot of room for improvement.
A few things I think I would probably need to find out which Lens is best for fireworks( I was thinking the fisheye lens, with 180deg field of view, I could easily capture the landscape and the full spectrum of the fireworks) The Timing to cover the lens. The exposure levels and the aperture settings.
Here are some of my best shots for that evening.

Shy@n

Hanoi!

Well finished editing most of my hanoi Pictures.

There are too many to be posted here.

Here are some of my favourite shots. The rest can be found in Flickr.

The shots was taken mainly in raw and in different exposure.

In a way I was wrong to take every single shot at -2 0 and +2 EV compensation. (Waste Memory Space)

Here they are.

Shy@n

Portraits

Taken using 50mm EF Lens.

Elaine's First Trial on my SLR

Shy@n

Henderson Bridge

These night shots of Henderson Bridge was taken close to midnight last month.
I took these pictures using Maneul Mode.

Full Aperture and shutter of roughly 10" to 20".

The post picture processing using photoshop and photomatix for HDR

I realised that for HDR pictures, I should have used AV priority and used different exposure to get the shadow and highlight details. Nevertheless, I am relatively happy with the effect.

Shy@n

Hanoi Opera House Picture

Took a break from editing other pictures to start on my Hanoi Trip.

The first batch I did was from my Hanoi Trip.

The pictures are taken on a clear blue day on one fine afternoon.

I took the shot using my 18-55mm Kit lens and 55-250mm lens.

Basically 2 filters. Polarized Filters and UV Filters. ( Polarized Filter realy helped to bring out the clear blue sky and reduce the glare from the bright sun)

I am happy with how the pictures turned out before and after editing.

Little Editing was required. Bascially I used the curve function ( to improve exposure and increase contrast), the sharpen edges and on occasion Hue/Saturation functions( to bring out certain colours). The rest are the usual Black and White technique treatment with some dodging and burning. Enjoy =)

Shy@n