Just a Tree

[RSStory]

Originally Posted by ffppro

And once again you guys proved to me that I suck at PS!

I should just hire someone to post process my stuff

I am always looking for more money...LOL Actually I do post work for a few others as well around here.

[JKlebPhoto]

Originally Posted by PhotosbyChuck

There are some limited HDR things you can do with a single JPG file. Unfortunately, the posted JPG is pretty soft -- likely due to compression, so I couldn't improve it much beyond what you posted. However, you might have luck with it if you're inclined to play with it in post.

I have the original RAW file. But I didn't think you could do HDR merges using copies of the same image. I tried adjusting the exposure values in raw once, and saving as seperate files to try a merge but it didn't work. The only HDR tool I have is the one that comes bundled with CS2.

[PhotosbyChuck]

Originally Posted by JKlebPhoto

I have the original RAW file. But I didn't think you could do HDR merges using copies of the same image. I tried adjusting the exposure values in raw once, and saving as seperate files to try a merge but it didn't work. The only HDR tool I have is the one that comes bundled with CS2.

Good news is, you can make HDR-style improvements in a single RAW. They won't be as good as a bracketed series, but should be an improvement nonetheless. You can read a bit about it here: Favorite FREE Photo Effects - HDR

[Kirk]

Adjustments look good even on this old icky laptop screen. What type of tree is it, that thing looks huge!

[JKlebPhoto]

I played with the free action, then did a little curves adjustment. I'm on an uncalibrated monitor here so there may be some color cast that I don't know about. Better?

[PhotosbyChuck]

Originally Posted by JKlebPhoto

I played with the free action, then did a little curves adjustment. I'm on an uncalibrated monitor here so there may be some color cast that I don't know about. Better?

I think I'd darken the background a bit. Especially the lower left corner where the building is. Also, I do see a bit too much purple in the lower trunk of the tree.

Honestly, it's a tough shot to improve because the sky is completely white. PseudoHDR won't be able to do too much with it. Scott's edit is the best in my opinion, but you can see his sky falls to a flat grey. Short of replacing the sky completely, not much can be done about it.