Posted by MutantMandias I only use HDR processing when I'm too busy fucking bitches to do a proper blend job.

this is amazing.

Posted by tullo this is amazing.

Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

But yeah, I would prefer a merge of the two images. The left is too saturated, and the right has too much detail contrast.

I generally prefer letting it be dark where it is dark, but use the brackets to provide some color detail, and especially to control the detail in lighter areas.

I haven't responded much, but I have enjoyed the feedback. I tried the fused exposures technique, but it didn't quite give the results I wanted. I think tone mapping is still my preferred method of merging, though I've used a more natural light smoothing and less saturation. I managed to find a good mix of contrast, detail, and sharpening to give it a gritty feel but not end up as "clown puke" ;)
Here is my hybrid result of the first images I posted:

click to view

And while I know there's no pleasing everyone, I'm actually much happier with this result than what I had originally. So for that, thank you again for your suggestions.

Posted by Dgrau I tried the fused exposures technique, but it didn't quite give the results I wanted.

Exposure fusion works really well in scenes where the range isn't too extreme.
Though, from personal experience, the exposure fusion preview in Photomatix looks awful 90% of the time.
Give it another chance, I use it for a lot of exterior shots, and interiors with half decent lighting. Also, Photomatix shouldn't be your last step. Tossing the fused image into Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture and fine-tuning the lighting there can make a world of difference.

Exposure fusion has some advantages over tone mapping, including producing more accurate images and reducing noise.

@Swizzler:

These are some fine ass HDRs my friend!

Posted by SlimSpidey I like to use the CS5 merge to HDR it doesn't leave the 'chrome' effect like photomatix, https://fbcdn-spho...9887_5789150_n.jpg https://fbcdn-spho...8_1757231638_n.jpg I do use photomatix for artsy type stuff https://fbcdn-spho...4807_2654753_n.jpg

these look like dog cock

the art of taking a great shot is far superior than throwing it into an HDR program. taking one picture completely in manual is more skill than taking three pics with different EVs. not hating, just stating. hdr looks good here and there i guess, but it doesnt make a picture better if the subject is shit.

I also use photoshop CS3 to combine many exposures, but I prefer my HDR to not be super-over done. I love the extensive detail, but I also want it to continue to look somewhat natural.

It all really depends on the photographer (artist) to set the mood of the photo

The shot is boring to begin with, so it's hard to form much of an opinion of which HDR is superior. They're both pointless.

And this, SlimSpidey, is one of the most horrendously awful HDRs I have ever seen; it belongs in some sort of hall of fame of dickwaddery:

Can I get an opinion on these? The buckeye one is more toned than the engine (obviously) but I've been trying to get less tone crazy while still keeping it pretty realistic to please more eyes.