HDR first

[dbill27]

I'm new to this forum, relatively new to photography at all and this is the first time that I've tried hdr. I merged 5 exposures. Can you guys tell me what's good and bad?

 

[KWJams]

Nice shot.

The only suggestion I would make is on the composure and rule of 3rds.
If the camera perspective was lowered to almost looking across the water level from the bank it would be more dramatic instead of appearing like it was shot from a person standing at the waters edge looking down.

I like the way the foreground reflection blurs into mist.

 

[Rick M]

Seems a little out of focus.

 

[Ruidoso Bill]

First, congrats on giving HDR a try. What software did you use? Did you have the camera on a tripod, I'm not sure if it was out of focus or if your images are improperly aligned causing it to appear soft. Also, unless there was something significant about the foreground I would have shot this scene Landscape. Keep up the good effort and post again.

 

[fotojack]

As Bill said, congrats on the HDR shot. I personally like the portrait mode in this instance, as there are two points of interest to look at. One point shows the "depth" of the lake and far shore, and the second point is the reeds poking out of the water in the foreground. As for the rule of thirds...seems to me you have that covered, too, as the shoreline of the lake is about 1/3rd below the top of the shot. I like the softness of the shot, too. It just adds to the overall effect. All in all, I'd say this is a pretty nice shot. Good work.