Rules, tools, and Photoshop

So I was reading some stuff last night about improving skills and getting to know your equipment. I got to thinking that there is one lens in my arsenal that I have really only spent minimal time with and that lens is also my only prime, the 50mm. So in an effort to learn what this lens can do and what it can force me to do, I have decided to leave it attached to the D90 for the next week, Atleast...
Among other things I am also going to try to focus on rules a little more.
I have also been working on new (to me) techniques in PS so I thought I would share and see what you all thought.
The best from today.

I love the perspective and sky especially on this one. Much better than what I've seen from you before. Keep it up!

That might be a great opportunity to try HDR too.

Very nice shot, love the sky! keep up the good work!

I think the 50mm will be my next lens

Eduard said:

That might be a great opportunity to try HDR too.

Click to expand...

The above is about as close to HDR as I will get. It is hand blended with 3 images just like an HDR would be in software, only I have much much more control over the outcome. The tutorial was actually called hand blended HDR, and after trying 4 other HDR solfware packages I just decided they were not what i wanted in my images The above is actually taken when most images would be flat and unattractive, hence why I bracketed in the first place. After trying this process and working on some this morning I am digging some of the outcomes I have gotten.

FoxRacer, I have had this 50mm for a few years now and probably used it 3 times a year so this experiment is actually teaching me a few things not only about the lenses ability and short comings, but about my own photography style and breaking bad habits as well. I may look into wider primes down the road as well.

Excellent composition in this shot. This something you'd be proud to hang on a wall. Nicely done, Johnathan.