Let me first thank Siper for providing me with a copy of his "Urban Exploration Photography: A Guide to Shooting Abandoned Places". I think he would be modest enough not to post a link here, as UER isn't about commercial promotion. But at the same time, his book is so well-written and interesting that I think it merits a link for anyone interested:

http://www.peachpi...oned-9780133816761

I've been poking along (probably much to Siper's chagrin!) reading the book very slowly - literally a chapter at a time with explorations in between. But that is because I'm trying to utilize suggestions a little at a time so that I remember them all and don't just get hit with information overload.

Thus far, he is the very first person to provide me with a quick and easy explanation of the photographer's trinity: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I know there are about a trillion websites out there that attempt to do the same, and I've read them. But something about Siper's approach finally just made it click.

In particular, I've so far tried to completely eliminate using programs like Photomatix to combine exposures. The following three shots are from a recent explore of Washington Mills in Niagara Falls. Each of them are technically HDR, since there are combined portions of exposures. But I'm finally satisfied with the fact that they don't have that ridiculous glow to them. Am curious what others think and what further criticisms can be pointed out?


A New Guard on Duty by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Classic Steel by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


Equine Decor by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


If interesting in seeing what else this location had to offer (and I hope that you are!), please allow me to humbly supply a link back to the narrated exploration thread:

http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=119819

Great photos as always Ground State. I picked up a softcover of this book back around when it was released in January. A lot of people grumble about how basic the book is and how heavily it relies on fish eye shots but like you I enjoyed the watered down basic explanations and tips. I would recommend this book to anyone in the hobby as I can say with certainty it's helped in the HDR department big time.

Thanks for the review, Ground State! Your shots look great! Very subtle use of HDR; I dig it. Glad you're enjoying the book too. I've got a few more promo copies if anyone else is interested (PM me).

Getting better man! I do think the trick shot could be a bit stronger if behind it you could see into the room on the left more, giving it some context.

I absolutely love that second picture, any picture that have shadows cast like that from a light slightly off the edge of the frame gets me off. And these don't have that ridiculous look that most HDR pictures have.