...as I am seeming to have some issues posting images on here. If it doesn't work this time, could someone please chime in and give pic posting advice. Anyways, been exploring for pretty much all of my life, but the photography side of my explorations is fairly new. Here are a few from this year so far..

A power plant to a factory


Some peeling paint from cupboards


A very popular urbex site


My favorite door photo to date


An old blueprint room


Thanks for looking and I hop the images are visible!! LOL

It worked but belongs in a photo or regional forum.

"It worked but belongs in a photo or regional forum."

UE Photography isn't a photo forum?

Aha, you made the fix to the sizing. These are good as I suspected. I would dial back the HDR a ways and I think you'll great have keepers as you've really managed to bring out the defined grains and grit of the wood, paint and surfaces with it. Nice location.

Posted by inacron Aha, you made the fix to the sizing. These are good as I suspected. I would dial back the HDR a ways and I think you'll great have keepers as you've really managed to bring out the defined grains and grit of the wood, paint and surfaces with it. Nice location.

Thanks. Ya....Photoshop HDR Pro is ok but I do think I am going to get Photomatix pro soon. I have been reading that it is a really goo program for HDR material...

Your stuff is not bad.

I have to reign myself in a little bit, because my first kneejerk response is to crap all over your use of HDR. And that is not constructive criticism at all.

Your images are good, specifically the compositions.

But ditch any and all use of HDR except for rare occasions when you're specifically creating a really interesting shot intentionally for HDR.

A lot of people use HDR as a first instinct, because of the dramatic color and sharp contrasts it produces.

This is understandable.

Unfortunately, most audiences of general exploring photography are interested in the subject matter more than the photographic effect. They don't want to see an otherwise-conventional shot in HDR.

If you're going to present an HDR photo, be picky about it, and make sure the HDR image you pick is showcasing something that otherwise wouldn't be seen. If the HDR is used as a general filter effect, people will be turned off by it.

Keep up the great work.

I shoot both normal and HDR. As I like them both. As with the HDR, I find there are a lot of audiences with that.... those that cannot stand it, those that love it, and those that love to see the cartoon looking versions of HDR.

Funny thing is, me and the GF were just talking about shooting a little less HDR with urbex. I do think that there is something to be said with "too much HDR" Here is a recent piece- non HDR.

Posted by Clockwork Your stuff is not bad. I have to reign myself in a little bit, because my first kneejerk response is to crap all over your use of HDR. And that is not constructive criticism at all. Your images are good, specifically the compositions. But ditch any and all use of HDR except for rare occasions when you're specifically creating a really interesting shot intentionally for HDR. A lot of people use HDR as a first instinct, because of the dramatic color and sharp contrasts it produces. This is understandable. Unfortunately, most audiences of general exploring photography are interested in the subject matter more than the photographic effect. They don't want to see an otherwise-conventional shot in HDR. If you're going to present an HDR photo, be picky about it, and make sure the HDR image you pick is showcasing something that otherwise wouldn't be seen. If the HDR is used as a general filter effect, people will be turned off by it. Keep up the great work.

^this^

We all puke for HDRs...
it detracts from what otherwise could/should/would be a killer shot.
HDRs always sound like a good idea but rarely come out as such.
They waste a lot of time as well both at the shoot and then if you decide to process them.
That time lost at the shoot costs you keepers.
Like a fish eye lense, HDRs are best used sparingly and only for niche shots.
Worse of all you need to use the most dangerous piece of equipment known to shooters... the tripod.

Maybe post the crisp straight stuff and let us have a gander at the real thing...

Lol, to each their own. Tripod as a dangerous weapon? I'm not sure what you mean by that but I think my tripod is staying right where it's at- in the backpack. I get the impression that this site is more attuned to the documentary style of photography than other styles. Fair enough, I can acclimate to that preference while I am test driving this site out. like I said, I shoot more than one style.

Posted by swiftone I get the impression that this site is more attuned to the documentary style of photography than other styles.

Not. More like a lot of n00bie shooters who can't shoot.
There are good shooters here if you look.
Tripods are invariably more trouble than they're worth 90% of the time.
They also resemble a rifle to the layman as more than one person has learned the hard way.
I wuv those stories... carry on.

Um.....ok. Wow. Do you not carry a back pack out of fear of it being mistaken for a backpack bomb? Seriously though, if that has happened, I would have to bet that is a highly rare occurrence in the world of rational thought. Test drive so far........meh.

Posted by swiftone "It worked but belongs in a photo or regional forum." UE Photography isn't a photo forum?

You might not understand how moderator skills work but I moved it from Main.

Posted by swiftone Um.....ok. Wow. Do you not carry a back pack out of fear of it being mistaken for a backpack bomb? Seriously though, if that has happened, I would have to bet that is a highly rare occurrence in the world of rational thought. Test drive so far........meh.

It happens more often than you might think. Though I don't use a tripod myself, I've heard more than a couple stories about explorers who were mistaken for gunmen. There's one user on here (though I forget who, exactly) who was nearly shot by police because a neighbor thought his tripod was a rifle.

Ouch, glad I dont live in Anerica. One of my funnest adventures this year involved a pretend carjacking and an arsenal of toy guns at an abandoned factory.

Use your skills to process without HDR, you'll thank yourself in the future.

Tripods are not the devil, despite what some people say on here. It's saved my shots more times than not. But to each their own.

Posted by swiftone Thanks. Ya....Photoshop HDR Pro is ok but I do think I am going to get Photomatix pro soon. I have been reading that it is a really goo program for HDR material...

That is a great choice. I use Photomatix a lot. Some photos don't need HDR, some do and I would always use it sparingly. I've been torn up a bit on here due to some past HDR usage and have found the best HDR is when nobody can tell it is HDR.

Posted by inacron That is a great choice. I use Photomatix a lot. Some photos don't need HDR, some do and I would always use it sparingly. I've been torn up a bit on here due to some past HDR usage and have found the best HDR is when nobody can tell it is HDR.

Ya, My buddy's HDR shots (Photomatix Pro) does have a more "natural" look to it while still bringing out detail. Do you use the pro or regular version? True enough on not all photos need HDR. I don't shoot everything bracketed for that very reason. And, like all forms of art, HDR is one style even when used sparingly is not for everyone. Much like Graffiti. It's hard for me to not photograph a good graffiti piece. But, that too is not for everyone.....

I can't think of anything dumber than someone claiming that "tripod use" is a bad thing but hey, by all means... enlighten me about how much I suck!

Awwwhh shit, well I just remembered it was more an ego thing for "Blackhawk", because he got to talk more about the past, (Again) OOOPS!"

Also, I really like Clockwork's advice on this thread. If you have something to say say it, no need to be here acting like you are the special professional that none else could never be.

Posted by General Zod I can't think of anything dumber than someone claiming that "tripod use" is a bad thing but hey, by all means... enlighten me about how much I suck!

I've told the story 3x here. No clue for the link(s).
If it happens you will understand implicitly why not to carry exposed tripods into sites.
Cost me $1200, a dozen* pissed off cops, and the ever popular 12 gauge pump shotgun take down.

You never know just how look through someone else's eyes...






*I never asked them the exact number as it seemed an insensitive question to ask.
They had a roughly 2x3 mile perimeter set up, and a command center complete with a EMTs.
Hell they probably had hot dog vendors there too.