Train in the desert

[ptrnyc]

Trying HDR processing from a single RAW shot. I've attached a small version of the original image, for comparison.
Is that overprocessed ? In my memory the sky was definitely deep blue, and the mountains were colorful, but maybe the clouds were not so contrasty.

https://500px.com/photo/121577235/train-in-mojave-desert-by-patrice-t

[drmike]

I would say hugely over processed but it is of course all a matter of personal taste.

[ptrnyc]

Thanks. It's easy to get carried away with all these amazing tools.

[drmike]

And don't I just know it

I have to hold myself back on every B&W conversion.

[RSL]

I can get past the bad processing, but what, exactly, is the point of this picture?

[ptrnyc]

Maybe it just relates to a personal experience - but when you've been driving for hundreds of miles in the desert without seeing another soul, and then out of the blue this brightly colored train comes, with its US flag painted on it, it called for a picture.

[drmike]

Oh, I was about to say that I can't get past the processing but you could argue that the point is the contrast between the static grandeur of the landscape, the magnificence of the looming sky being burst upon by that gaudy train rushing through butt you beat me to it. I thin k my explanation is better than yours although yours is right

[brandtb]

you have great subject...but the processing is way off...and basically destroys any potential this image has. Like the other mtn shot you posted the highlights are blown out...these far more to extreme than the other. I think you need to develop some strategies for the basics...e.g., "skies without blown highlights...how do I accomplish this?"...then get to HDR this and that /B