Hidyn Gems

April 10, 2008 HDR Thriller (scenery)

2008-04-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

Kurobe Dam, into Flickr uploaded by /\ltus. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

There is a kind of power in super-engineered structures like dams, and this shot of one in Japan certainly brings that out. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

April 9, 2008 HDR Thriller (wave)

2008-04-09T22:13:00.001-07:00

Don´t cross, uploaded into Flickr by caese zzZ (in moving). Click on pic to see it in FLickr.

Pretty neat shot here. Despite the noise mush that sometimes happens in HDR processing, the detail enhancement still makes for a very watchable scene. GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK for best effect.

April 8, 2008 HDR Thriller (pleasure)

2008-04-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

Life's luxurious pleasures..., originally uploaded by maapu (ignorance is bliss). Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Back from a vacation...but definitely not from the above spot (I wish though)!

Tha above is from the Maldives. GOTTA HAVE A LOOK IN LARGE ON BLACK...the lush textures and colors for a completely meditative spot. Add this to the list of places to go, and that list is getting rather long.

April 1, 2008 HDR Thriller (honeymoon)

2008-03-31T22:48:00.001-07:00

Day 13: Cinque Terre - More Manarola, uploaded into Flickr by aaronsigfin.

This great shot (HAVE A LOOK IN LARGE ON BLACK) came up with the search word "honeymoon"...chosen while listening tonight to Aimee Mann's Red Vines (link to listen below)...cool song with both a hook AND classic Mann poetry:

Red Vines (Listen Here)
They're all still on their honeymoon
just read the dialogue balloon
everyone loves you--why should they not?
And I'm the only one who knows
that Disneyland's about to close
I don't suppose you'd give it a shot
knowing all that you've got
are cigarettes and Red Vines...

March 30, 2008 HDR thriller (almost)

2008-03-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

the path throught the arcades HDR*. Uploaded into Flickr by David Giral. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

This shot isn't much UNTIL YOU SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. It's a collection of trendy shops today, but with HDR photography like this, it's not hard to imagine Monpazier, France from centuries ago. The town was founded in 1284, evidently, as the photographer says on the Flickr page, by the King of England as a fortification to defend conquered lands. In large it almost puts you right there.

March 29, 2008 HDR Thriller (texture)

2008-03-29T20:48:00.001-07:00

Half Dome at Sunset, uploaded into Flickr by Mellard. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

I have seen a lot of shot of Yosemite's Half Dome, but this one is pretty unique...especially the light, which you've GOTTA SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 27, 2008 HDR Thriller (thread)

2008-03-27T20:32:00.001-07:00

HDR Group Challenge, originally uploaded by slinky2000. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

"Thread" is the word today...thought this was the best by far...cool composition showing relationships of light and dark on many levels. GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 26, 2008 HDR Thriller (pure)

2008-03-26T17:47:00.001-07:00

Far Cry, uploaded into Flickr by Lumase. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Yowza...like a photo with some depth? Stop right here in the Italian Alps for a second. GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK. No way to know for sure if it's true, but the photographer said:

"Years ago a young hiker disappeared in this valley.
No traces of him. Neither backpack, nor any kind of object. A pure nothingness. Disappeared. Just as if he went through a door to somewhere else"

March25, 2008 HDR Thriller (strange)

2008-03-25T20:27:00.001-07:00

Sunset reflecting in the windows, originally uploaded by Amundn. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Quite an HDR shot here. TRULY AWESOME IN LARGE ON BLACK.

As the photographer, Amundn, tells it, the orange windows are refecting a sunset, and there is no inside illumination (nor fire!). Eerie and wonderful colors.

March 24, 2008 HDR Thriller (peak)

2008-03-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

Yakima Peak Fake Miniature - HDR and Tilt Shift, uploaded into Flickr by Kell Bailey. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

This is an HDR processed image, and a good one at that, but it's also a tilt-shift processed one too. That's what gives this shot its miniature look. I kinda wanna know where the model train is, but this is a real place...but you might not believe that if you SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

Need proof? Here's the mountain, and just about any other you want to search for, on peakware.com.

March 23, 2008 HDR Thriller (Tibet)

2008-03-23T20:40:00.001-07:00

HDR - On the way to Lin Zhi, originally uploaded by koolgary. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Tibet is high and beautiful. I hope things can be resolved there peacefully. Great depth in this HDR shot, and that's from the composition as much as the HDR processing. To gain the full effect, you GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 20, 2008 HDR Thriller (painting)

2008-03-20T20:07:00.001-07:00

Quiraing HDR. Uploaded into Flickr by aleatoric_yersinia. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

I once mentioned in a previous entry that HDR photos sometimes look like Bob Ross paintings. Now I get a remarkable number of visitors who get to this site by Googling Bob Ross or the Joy of Painting TV series. I don't know if this one above looks like a Bob Ross or not, but it surely looks like a painting. A real Jawdropper that MUST BE SEEN IN LARGE ON BLACK to be appreciated.

But for you Bob Ross fans...HERE'S A POST that shows a challenging Bob Ross-like image that you can use as a model. Also...Ross videos are very hard to find on the web...must be a copyright thing...but here's one real Ross video I did find. And thanks for coming by.

And for the rest, some more fun...here's this shot without HDR processing, so you can see what effects HDR has had on it. A pretty big difference I'd say, particularly the sky.

March 20, 2008 HDR Thriller (mind)

2008-03-20T06:12:00.001-07:00

2007-08-07 Whitby HDR, uploaded into Flickr by sayzey. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

I am back from a brief trip without posting ability, so its nice to get back to it.

Noise can result from HDR processing, and it can be a two edged sword...it can give a shot a dreamy look, but also make it appear too artificial. I think the photographer on this one admits to some noise problems with this shot and the halo next to the flagpole, but, on balance, it is still compelling and has that gaze-grabbing quality to it. I like it. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 16, 2008 HDR Thriller (chaos)

2008-03-16T20:05:00.001-07:00

Chairs in Boats, uploaded into Flickr by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

A remarkable shot that exemplifies how HDR can result in photos that have the character of an oil painting. GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK.

Boats rafted up just after sunrise in Naples, Italy. It's going to be a good day. I love how the chairs are stacked two to a boat. I can picture this scene later in the day when everybody is there for the fun. If this is chaos, let me have some.

March 15, 2008 HDR Thriller (preparation)

2008-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Pizza. Uploaded into FLickr by Bill Strong. Click on pisc to see it in Flickr.

At a street fair in Toronto. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. I really like how a well-done HDR shot treats a scene like this, both foreground and background, and the combination of multiple exosures make the flags in the breeze a look like they are...well, snapping in a breeze.

March 13, 2008 HDR Thriller (Sombero Galaxy)

2008-03-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

M104 Hubble Remix. Published by Astronomy Pic of the Day. Click on pic to see it in APOD.

I kinda keep touch with a cool photo site, Astronomy Pic of the Day, which is exactly what it says it is. I was just going through it the other day I SAW THIS PIC ABOVE POSTED ON APOD and said to myself, you know that galaxy...it has..well...look at the dust ring detail...it looks kinda like and HDR image. I was curious and found sure enough, it is processed in HDR! But to get the best effect, click the link at the end of this sentence, and then click the image that comes up to really superzoom it....LINK.

I know, I know...not real exciting, unless you blog HDR shots everyday...then it's sort of a tiny personal Carl Sagan moment.

Pretty cosmic...in HDR.

March 12, 2008 HDR Thriller (you and me)

2008-03-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Finnigh_HDR - 12041. Uploaded into Flickr by finnigh. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Been listening to the new Kathleen Edwards album just out...Asking for Flowers. Great songwriter, haunting voice. She is categorized by some as post-alt-country (whatever that is)...but I kinda think she has invented a new genre with the last song on the album Goodnight, California. Takes "post-alt-country" right into 6:28 of "post-alt-country-chill".

Have a listen here...Kathleen Edwards - Goodnight, California. Borrowed today's search word from the opening line.

Couple of good listening porches in the photo above. HAVE A LOOK IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 10, HDR Thriller (pink)

2008-03-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Sunset. Uploaded into Flickr by zachwsu. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Trying out a color search today that yielded a terrific HDR shot of the Golden Gate here. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Refections on sand, the headland on the right, and the bridge all make this look so much like a painting instead of a photo.

March 9, 2008 HDR Thriller (storm)

2008-03-09T09:40:00.001-07:00

Winter is Coming, uploaded into Flickr by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Another HDR jawdropper from StuckinCustoms. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Where is it from?...a place called Stadarskali, Iceland. The Icelandic landscape, so recently (at least in geologic terms) wrought by volcanism, is so...so..out of the ordinary. The earth at work.

March 7, 2008 HDR Thriller (glimpse)

2008-03-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

A glimpse of the bastide through the arcades IV HDR*. Uploaded into Flickr by David Giral. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

This one is calming for some reason, at least to me. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. The archetype of an old town in Europe, Giral's photo here is from Monpazier, France. I could stare at it a long time. The colors. The history. The search word is quite ironic today, because if I were here, I could sit in this place or under that veranda on the right, with a good cafe, for hours.

March 6, HDR Thriller (unfinished)

2008-03-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

The Ka'baa... (HDRi), uploaded into Flickr by _Nomad_. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Astounding, this one is. I know very little about Islam, but I am aware of the Hajj to Mecca that moslems are required to partake in some time in their lives, if they have the means. Thought this was a terrific shot of the Hajj's centerpiece that gives a dizzying perspective of the faithful whirling around the Ka'baa shrine in the middle of the Grand Mosque. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. And what you see here is just a very small part of the mosque. To see it in relation to Mecca itself, DEFINITELY HAVE A LOOK AT THIS (another HDR shot by the same photographer). Now that's a mosque!

While there is something very intriguing about a religion where all the followers at some point journey to one place on earth, you might think by looking at the photo it could get a bit dangerous, and you'd be right.

March 5, 2008 HDR Thriller (scenic)

2008-03-05T21:58:00.001-08:00

Cliff top village., uploaded into Flickr by tassie303. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

First, this is a great HDR shot...YOU GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK. Do you think all of the folks who live here appreciate it? I mean REALLY appreciate it...every single day...are they getting up just to see the damn dawn...every day of their lucky little lives? I don't want to know for sure, but I suspect there's gotta be one sniveling, sorry-ass Tuborg-drinking reprobate who doesn't value this place. As for the people who do appreciate living in this town and have an extra measure of joy added to their day because of it...I salute you!!!

March 4, 2008 HDR Thriller (stone)

2008-03-04T19:24:00.001-08:00

ayutthaya-B-head_0204. Uploaded into Flickr by Water Bowl. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Just your average ancient stone Buddha peering through a banyan overgrown temple. Part art, part history, and all eerie. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 3, 2008 HDR Thriller (ominous)

2008-03-03T23:03:00.001-08:00

Church ..., uploaded into Flickr by asmundur. Click on pic to see itin Flickr.

An easy selection today. There are a lot of elements here beyond just HDR processing, but HDR really allows asmunder to take advantage of an amazing lighting condition. And, of course, it's from Iceland. When am I ever going to get there already! A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK.

I think other shots from asmundur have popped up before, too...Like this one.

March 2, 2008 HDR Thriller (wave)

2008-03-02T21:16:00.001-08:00

Nova Scotia Coast, uploaded into Flickr by Tim Moffatt. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Pretty cool view of the Nova Scotia sea coast. A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK.

March 1, 2008, HDR Thriller (fair)

2008-03-01T21:01:00.001-08:00

Wheel of Doom, originally uploaded by NY_Doll. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Back after a brief time away. Here's an unusual shot that mesmerizes. Like it either ON BLACK or LARGE ON BLACK.

February 25, HDR Thriller (enjoy)

2008-02-24T21:33:00.001-08:00

Weekend ahead! Enjoy it!, uploaded into FLickr by Giorgos ~. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

The Greek Islands are on the "go to" list for sure. HDR processing here really does a pretty remarkable job enhancing the detail in the rock texture. I know some geologists who might really like ths one for that reason. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK for the full effect.

February 23, 2008 HDR Thriller (lookout)

2008-02-23T21:26:00.001-08:00

Rock City, Tn-B&W HDR, uploaded into Flickr by Web Cowboy. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Wow, that black and white can up and grab you sometimes. A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK. A very cool shot, but I am not sure what the waterfall is actually falling "into" or "onto".

February 20, 2008 (flu)

2008-02-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

And then the night comes, uploaded into Flickr by Nina_999. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

The Flu bug has hit me hard, so this will be a quick one. Liked this shot (from Finland), but am sorry there is not large verson available.

February 19, 2008 HDR Thriller (inside out)

2008-02-19T21:44:00.001-08:00

Japanese Cooking, a Flickr upload by /\ltus. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

I've not done this before in 238 posts...I am reprising a photo. This one appeared in a post from the very first month I started this blog using the term "warm". It showed up again in this search, and I somehow regard sort of like an old friend. So I am going to post it again for those who may not have seen it the first time around. Definitiely A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK. I think this is just a sensational shot that shows so much of HDR's positive qualities. Look at the soil texture, at the wood grain, the embers, the pot texture, the pot shadow. It's all very real and very zen.

February 18, 2008 HDR Thriller (light)

2008-02-18T18:14:00.001-08:00

chasing shadows, originally uploaded by tudor tigau. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Magical. Every now and then a true jawdropper comes through that is a perfect example of why I do this blog. This shot is definitely in that club. TRULY AWESOME IN LARGE ON BLACK! Where's it from?...from Romania in the Transylvania region. A perfect use of HDR and extremely well done...thank you, tudor tigau.

February 17 HDR Thriller (Kosovo)

2008-02-17T19:20:00.001-08:00

when sun comes up, uploaded into Flickr by azem. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

It's one of those days where a search word presents itself...today it's because Kosovo declared its independence. I have no special connection to Kosovo, but I figure that there are a lot of people for which this is supremely important and who are doing some heavy celebrating tonight. The search produced just one pic, but, boy, is it a good one...and good for Kosovo. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE to fully appreciate it.

February 16, 2008 HDR Thriller (hallelujah)

2008-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's raining light, Hallelujah!, originally uploaded by Paco CT. Click on pic to see its Flickr page.

Sometimes you see a photo, and you are just glad that someone was there to capture it before it was gone...VERY POWERFUL IN LARGE ON BLACK.

The search word tonight came from listening to the late great Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" (the now defiinitive version of this Leonard Cohen classic ). Embedded below if you care to listen. It'll have to hold you a couple of days too, because I am heading out of town...likely w/o access to the web for a bit.

Jeff Buckley-Hallelujah.flv
Uploaded by Rock-90s

February 15, 2008 HDR Thriller (busy)

2008-02-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Guildford..24 Nov 2007, uploaded into Flickr by strussler.

Missed a day, but back today with a quick post...one with an unusual perspective. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Usually there is extraordinary depth in HDR photos. For some reason, this one seems foreshortened...appearing to bring the background right up into the foreground. I think it's because the level of detail does not recede with distance in this one. I like it.

February 13, 2008 HDR Thriller (country)

2008-02-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

Foggy winter morning, Broughton, Cambridgeshire, England. Uploaded into Flickr by mmayson.

Very well done image here. I really love the light and the sky. HAVE A LOOK IN LARGE ON BLACK, and see the rather odd placement of the cemetary stones all over. The combination of HDR treatment plus the fog gives the church the look of an illustration rather than a photo.

February 11, 2008 HDR Thriller (sea)

2008-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

Haystack Rock. Uploaded into Flickr by johopo (John). Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

With all of the closed-in shots I've been selecting lately, I was really needing a majestic landscape. Got a nice one here, I think. But you really HAVE TO SEE IT IN LARGE TO GET THE HDR EFFECT. I have been to Portland (a nice place), but never got to Cannon Beach to see this, so this will have to do for now.

February 10, 2008 HDR Thriller (alley)

2008-02-10T19:33:00.001-08:00

Day Or Night... Uploaded into Flickr by Orcinus O.. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

A "twofer" of great HDR Photos today...from the same photographer. Both were taken in the old city of Hvar, Croatia. The textures look almost too real...like they are part of a movie set. And as usual both are much better large:
PHOTO 1 (Above) IN LARGE ON BLACK
PHOTO 2 (Below) IN LARGE ON BLACK

Walking In The Wind... Uploaded into Flickr by Orcinus O.. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

AND...about Hvar, I found out that they are so proud of their weather that they guarantee it:

When it snows, accommodation in Hvar's hotels is free.
Also, from November to March, hotels offer special discounts:
-when it rains for more than three hours
-when it's foggy; or
-when the temperature is below 10°C (50 deg F)

I think that's a slap at London.

So just for fun I checked tomorrow's forecast for Hvar, Croatia:

Monday Feb 11: Scattered Clouds. High: 42° F. / 6° C. Wind NE 8 mph. / 14 km/h.

Looks like lunch could be on the house tomorrow.

Februrary 10, HDR Thriller (sweep)

2008-02-09T21:23:00.001-08:00

Old Man Willow, uploaded into Flickr by Mark Grealish. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

This photo conjures things from dark corners. It may be one of those rare HDR shots that I prefer in a regular size, but it definitely needs a black background. Here it is IN REGULAR SIZE ON BLACK, and here it is IN LARGE ON BLACK.

February 8, 2008 HDR Thriller (square)

2008-02-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

Another model of our local square, uploaded into flickr by stevacek. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Here's a pretty cool treat that comes up from time to time in these searches. FIRST, HAVE A LOOK IN LARGE ON BLACK. This is not a model with play figures. It's a real town square that is post-processed in both HDR and "Tilt-Shift" fake model processing. The Tilt-Shift processing artificially shortens the focal length, tricking the eye into thinking it's a short-focus toy model. Thanks, stevecek.

Makes me remember this previous post, my favorite Tilt-Shift HDR Shot.

February 7, 2008 HDR Thriller (landscape)

2008-02-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

Grand Teton, uploaded into Flickr by James Neeley. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

There is a world of difference looking at the above shot and the LARGE ON BLACK VERSION. Definitely an entrancing gawker in large. And here's another related shot, also by James Neeley, that really shows HDR at work...just look at the incredible detail in the shadow area on the left side...I find it totally amazing that there is such detailed information stored in a dark (virtually unexposed) portion of a photo that only comes out when the HDR software teases it out.

The search word today was inspired by a pretty cool photo blog I saw...French Landscapes.

February 6, 2008 HDR Thriller (dramatic)

2008-02-06T20:17:00.001-08:00

The Church... Uploaded into FLickr by gastronauten. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Pretty cool shot here of a church in Norway. MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK. Getting a sky backdrop like this can make a huge difference between a good and a great shot. I like this one a lot, but I actually have a slight preference its sister shot because of the surreal foreground.

February 5, 2008 HDR Thriller (ray)

2008-02-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

A ray of light, uploaded into Flickr by Giorgos ~. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

"Inside-the-church" shots are a frequent HDR subject. I am not always partial to them unless they are very well done. This one is obviously one. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Just terrific detail enhancement going on here.

Tick mark for that trip to Rome...but still I think Iceland is first on that "go to" list.

I am Somebody! I am Somebody!

2008-02-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Just a note to let you know that this blog is now being picked up via RSS feed by W3streams.com as their HDR Pic of the Day Blog. It's a pretty cool site of various categorized pics of the day. Check it out. Kinda makes me feel a bit like Navin R. Johnson...

"I am not a bum...I'm a jerk"

Februrary 4, 2008 HDR Thriller (spirit)

2008-02-04T21:40:00.001-08:00

cote d'azur bormes-les-mimosas, uploaded into Flickr by delmez92. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Wow. One of those shots you just have to stare at....AMAZING IN LARGE ON BLACK! So many cool things about this photo, and the HDR processing hardens the detail to an amazing degree.

February 3, 2008 HDR Thriller (18-1)

2008-02-03T20:07:00.001-08:00

Mystical station, originally uploaded by Jsome1. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Sorry, Pats. I was rooting for ya to finish 19-0, but it just didn't happen. Liked the results of the search though...just 37 pics came up, and this was clearly the best, especially the arching girders above the train. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK FOR FULL EFFECT.

Of course, maybe 18-1 was better for me because there was just one pic that comes up with a "19-0" search.

February 2, 2008 HDR Thriller (blue)

2008-02-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Falling up through reflections, uploaded into Flickr by WarzauWynn. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

With multiple reflections involved, I'm not sure I fully know everything that is going on in this photo. Pretty neat. Please have a look: ON BLACK, and LARGE ON BLACK

The confusion it creates is a little reminiscent of this one from the archives.

February 1, 2008 HDR Thriller (green)

2008-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Green lake. Uploaded into Flickr by wili_hybrid. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

A mountain Lake near Uyuni, Bolivia. Pretty neat. A REAL SIGHT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Don't know much about Bolivia, except it's the place where Butch and Sundance went to start over. One of many memorable scenes in that movie has them getting off a train in Middle of Nowhere, Bolivia...well whad'ya know....a train, in the middle of nowhere in the same Flickr photoset.

Looked into this a bit more and found out that this train is from a strange Bolivian train cemetary...and it's located on the largest salt flats in the world (100km x 120 km).

Butch: Sheesh, all Bolivia can't look like this.
Sundance: How do you know? This might be the garden spot of the whole country! People may travel hundreds of miles just to get to this spot where we're standing now. This might be the Atlantic City, New Jersey of all Bolivia for all you know...
Butch: You'll feel a lot better after you've robbed a couple of banks.

The real story?

January 30, 2008 HDR Thriller (Save Me)

2008-01-30T22:16:00.001-08:00

The Outpost, uploaded into Flickr by Kevin Macleod. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

It's one of those evenings to search for what I am listening to....Aimee Mann's "Save Me". This pic came up, and I was pretty mesmerized. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. I think its best to quote from the Flickr caption to explain the shot:

"This photograph was taken from within an old military outpost in the Marin headlands. The outpost is part of a bunker installation set up during the second world war, designed to watch for Japanese ships coming from the east towards San Francisco. Ever since the end of the war, these bunkers have been all but abandoned, save for the taggers whose marks adorn every inch of this photograph."

And lastly...I could not resist embedding Aimee's live performance below. She is such a songwriting talent. Hope you enjoy it!!

January 29, 2008 HDR Thriller (glare)

2008-01-29T20:19:00.001-08:00

The Secret Ukrainian Underground Restaurant, uploaded into Flickr by Stuck in Customs. CLick on pic to see it in Flickr.

Pretty cool shot here. Shows that characteristisc HDR dream-like vision so often achieved by stuckincustoms. REALLY COOL IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 29, 2008, HDR Thriller (unite)

2008-01-28T21:02:00.001-08:00

Chapel, uploaded into Flickr by iceman9294. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

This is the United States Air Force Academy Chapel. What a cool building!! GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK. While this HDR shot is pretty oversaturated, the walls of the Chapel evidently do take on this violet color inside because of blue and red stained glass windows (see other pics of it from iceman9294 HERE and HERE).

Quite the architectural statement for the AIr Force I'd say. Designed by Walter Netsch and built in 1958 (I am mildly surprised by that date), it is now a National Historic Landmark. I would guess it's Mr. Netsch's most enduring masterpiece, but it is very unlike his usual designs...I found out that he was a prominent brutalist architect, and I realize now that I pretty much despise brutalist architecture, as it's the reason there are so many screwed-up, cold, concrete monoliths on various University and Government campuses....like this Netsch design for the library at Northwestern University...ugggh!!

January 27, 2008 HDR Thriller (beach)

2008-01-27T21:19:00.001-08:00

Pebble Beach, uploaded into Flickr by michaelstano. Click it to see it in Flickr.

I suppose the Lone Cedar is quintessential California. I have not seen it in person because darkness fell before I could get there one day...the only day I could have done it. Oh well...this will have to do 'til I get close again. WELL WORTH IT IN IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 26, 2008 HDR Thriller (moonlight)

2008-01-26T23:39:00.001-08:00

Bergamo... Cappella Colleoni... Evening..., originally uploaded into Flickr by egold. CLick on pic to see it in Flickr.

"Moonlight" yielded huge numbers of great HDR photos. Had to narrow it down though, and chose the one above. It's nearly flawless (And it's EVEN BETTER IN LARGE ON BLACK).

But I was so struck by the one below (though it has some noise and other imperfections), I just couldn't eliminate it, and I am posting it as an honorable mention. I believe it's also better at this size. So I will leave it be.Reading by Moonlight. Uploaded into Flickr by 3rd foundation. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

January 25, 2008 HDR Thriller (Brugge)

2008-01-25T20:33:00.001-08:00

Brugge @ Night, originally uploaded into Flickr by avdstelt. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Still reading Bill Bryson's Neither Here Nor There, Travels in Europe. Brugge, Belgium sounds like an amazing place that's like stepping backwards in time. And this is a high quality HDR shot that really shows what HDR can do in challenging exposure conditions. Puts you right there. SEE IT LARGER ON BLACK.

January 24, 2008 HDR Thriller (heavy)

2008-01-24T18:26:00.001-08:00

Another World, uploaded into Flickr by Further to Fly. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Through many searches I've seen several HDR shots of this same slot canyon located in the Navajo Nation in Arizona, and they are usually unimpressive. You'd think it was a perfect venue for HDR, but it must be a tricky place to get a good one for some reason. However, this one is an exception and appears to be very well done. Like most of these posts, YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 23, 2008 HDR Thriller (need)

2008-01-23T18:33:00.001-08:00

Memory Lane in Sepia, originally uploaded into Flickr by LynchburgVirginia.

Yes, HDR processing works well in black & white and sepia. I have ended up selecting a number of LynchburgVirginia's shots in past posts. This is a nice one, and is, as typical of his shots, a mixture of calm with a tinge of uncertainty. GOTTA SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 22, 2008 HDR Thriller (Central Park)

2008-01-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

Stormy City. Originally uploaded into FLickr by griffsflickr. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

I'm a J.J. Abrams fan so I had to see Cloverfield over the weekend. It wasn't bad...better than most in its genre, which I suppose is almost limited to the The Blair Witch and Godzilla. You'll definitely fare better if you go in with the mindset that you're there to roll with the "adrenalin of confusion" rather than having to understand what is happening.

Anyway...the final scenes are played out here in Central Park. Here's the Cloverfield Monster taking out a building. Yeah, well maybe not, but his hair is pretty scary.

But I digress...back to the above photo...I was pretty impressed by it. It's definitely one of those HDR shots that comes out looking more like a remarkable oil painting than a photo. A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK!!

January 21, 2008 HDR Thriller (surprise)

2008-01-21T19:53:00.001-08:00

The two towers, originally uploaded in Flickr by grantthai. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Very cool perspective on the Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which were at one time the tallest buildings in the world. Really comes to life when you LOOK AT IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. For more on the Petronas Towers and other large buildings try this link.

January 20, 2008 HDR Thriller (Hammerfest)

2008-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

Melkøya by night. Uploaded by Ingus. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Been reading Bill Bryson's Neither Here Nor There, Travels in Europe. A really fun read, and I was particularly taken by his hilarious account of his 34-hour ride from Oslo to Hammerfest, Norway on the "Express 2000" bus. Once onboard, it all made sense to him as he read the bus' brochure that the trip to Hammerfest was 2000km...nonstop.

Hammerfest, by some accounts, in the northernmost city in the world. Bryson's description is best read, rather than described...

"We were now as far north in the world as you could get by public transport. Hammerfest is almost unimaginably remote. 1,000 miles north of the Shetlands, 800 miles beyond the Faroes, 200 miles north of the northernmost tip of Iceland...I was closer now to the North Pole than to London. The thought of it roused me, and I pressed my nose to the cold glass....We approached Hammerfest from above, on a winding coast road and when at last it pivoted into view it looked simply wonderful--a fairyland of golden lights stretching up into the hills and around an expansive bay. I had pictured it in my mind as a village-- a few houses around a small harbour, a church perhaps, a general store, a bar if I was lucky--but this was a little city. A golden little city. Things were looking up."

So "Hammerfest" was the search word today because I really wanted to see this town. I figured I'd see HDR photos of the town center, the harbor, some snow, but what came up was exactly ONE pic....the above pic (A MUST SEE IN LARGE ON BLACK)...and it appears to me to be exactly what Bill Bryson described. So to say I am satisfied with this search is an understatement. One pic...and I see exactly what I had been reading. I think I'll take it.

January 19, 2008, HDR Thriller (icon)

2008-01-19T22:38:00.000-08:00

Glowing Icons of Gesu Nuovo. Uploaded into Flickr by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

From a church in Naples Italy. Stuck in Customs does it again...with an eerie one (note the skulls). To get the effect, you GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 18, 2008 HDR Thriller (style)

2008-01-17T21:29:00.001-08:00

Lago di Braies - 1. Uploaded into Flickr by diedm. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Very cool composition here, and the exposure range necessary to simultaneously bring out everything in the light and in shadow is huge. Without HDR techniques, I think this would be an impossible photo. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE.

January 16, 2008 HDR Thriller (empty)

2008-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

A Night At The Opera. Uploaded into Flickr by lightgazer. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Amazing detail pops right out of the walls, trim, and stage production in this old theater in Victoria, British Columbia. Please have a look at it IN LARGE ON BLACK. Vay nice!

January 15, 2008 HDR Thriller (sky)

2008-01-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Megeve calvaire. Uploaded into Flickr by delmez92. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

No intro or discussion needed here...it's tme to just gawk. AWESOME IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 14, 2008 HDR Thriller (kingdom)

2008-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

Darkness invades the kingdom. Uploaded into FLickr by joiseyshowaa. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Lot's of great pics came up with this search, but I chose this one because I have been to this castle, Hohenschwangau, in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany. Gotta see it IN LARGE ON BLACK It's one of many that the Kings of Bavaria built in this area in the 19th century. This one is unique though because it was rebuilt the ruins of a castle that dates to the 12th century. Certainly an ideal spot for one. The HDR really enhances foreground detail, and, of course, the cloud treatment it renders creates mood.

January 13, 2008 HDR Thriller (unwind)

2008-01-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

Wine, Dine & Unwind. Uploaded into Flickr by _uncommon. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Yeah, I think could unwind here (I believe it's the western coast of Sweden). But when I saw it IN LARGE ON BLACK, I knew I could.

January 12, 2008 HDR Thriller (rush)

2008-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

angels come. Uploaded into Flickr by LynchburgVirginia. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

LynchburgVirginia always has those pastoral shots with a calming effect. Even better IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 10, 2008 HDR Thriller (secret)

2008-01-10T17:28:00.001-08:00

Secret Passageway. Uploaded into Flickr by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

What can I say?...simply another fine HDR from Stuck in Customs. Gotta see it IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 9, 2008 HDR Thriller (sepia)

2008-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

The search word today was "sepia". It made a great change of pace from all the scenics lately. But it led to so many good shots, I decided to put up a slide show...

But here's my favorite from it IN LARGE ON BLACK.

January 8, 2008 HDR Thriller (explore)

2008-01-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hvalneshorn 3. Uploaded into Flickr by omarrun. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

Anyone who reads this blog a lot knows of my love affair with Iceland (great shots of it keep coming up), even though I have not been there. You can see and feel the misty chill ferocity in this one. HDR really make this photo pop, as it almost seems to move. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Kudos to omarrun on a great capture here. Every time I see another great pic from Iceland, it steels my resolve to someday go and see it first hand.

For kicks, I think I will reprise a couple of Icelandic posts, and you'll see what I mean:
March 8, 2007
March 21, 2007
May 18, 2007

January 8, 2007 HDR Thriller (slip)

2008-01-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

Boat Row. Uploaded into Flickr by worldwidewandering. CLick on pic to see it in Flickr.

Sat down to blog tonight, and in listening to The Slip's Eisenhower CD (a really super CD by the way) I suddenly knew what to use as a search word. This pic came up and stopped me in my tracks. Pretty darn neat, this one (TERRIFIC IN LARGE ON BLACK). Takes me right back to my youth, and fishing with my father in Southport, NC. He painted scenes like this in oils. I miss him. And now I'll remember him fondly whenever I listen to The Slip. That's pretty neat, too.

From The Slip's
If One Of Us Should Fall
I will always carry
the words of your prediction with me
Even though they harbour
some grave obscurity
They haunt me like some willows do

And nothing has revealed itself to me
The half of the world that I can see
is just a memory

And I will
be here
to respond
so clear
to that word, that sound,
that I have found
in you, in me, in us....

January 6, 2008 HDR Thriller (maroon)

2008-01-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Maroon Bells. Originally uploaded into Flickr by jcastle1343. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.
As you can see from the archive of search words, every now and then I use a color as the search word. The search word today was "maroon." Evidently nobody takes HDR photos of anything maroon except a mountain range in Colorado named Maroon Bells. Almost every shot in this search was a view of them. Its a good thing it's a lovely view. I liked the doublet yesterday, so it's two pics again today... both from virtually the same location. Above is a color shot and below a black and white.
Enjoy them more in large on Black...
PHOTO 1 (above) IN LARGE ON BLACK
PHOTO 2 (below) IN LARGE ON BLACK

I often think Black and white HDRs are superior, but the black and white shot below has some noise in the shadows and clouds, but I like the foreground and the contrasty mood. The color one above has amazing reflections. The ripples on the water are interesting because the mountain itself has ripple like patterns. It seems almost as if the real mountain "reflects" the ripples in the water.

Contrasting Simularities. Originally uploaded into Flickr by jaylarson. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

January 5, 2008 HDR Thriller (Saturday)

2008-01-05T17:34:00.001-08:00

The bridge. Originally Uploaded into Flickr by Wolfgang Staudt. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.
"Saturday" was the search word of the day, and what a word it turned out to be. I usually have to wade through a bunch to find the cream, but many of the pics that came up today were fantastic. Way too many good ones to choose just one. But in the end, I believe it was fate that I found these two thematically similar shots, similar even down to the time of day....but one is very comtemporary and the other is of an historic building in Paris. Enjoy them both...even more enjoyable in large size...
PHOTO 1 (above) IN LARGE ON BLACK.
PHOTO 2 (below) IN LARGE ON BLACK.

Do you have a preference?

Contemplation at the "cour d'honneur" HDR. Originally uploaded into Flickr by David Giral. Click on pic to see it in Flickr.

January 4, 2008 HDR Thriller (change)

2008-01-04T16:51:00.001-08:00

The Moulin Rouge. Originally uploaded by Dimitri Depaepe. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Thought "change" was an obvious chioice for the word of the day. Amazing how every candidate worked that word into their speeches last night afte the Iowa caucus...over and over. The pic above that resulted is a mill in Brugge, Belgium. Gotta see it IN LARGE ON BLACK. It's a bit mysterious, and it sorta makes you want to know more about it...kinda like the candidates.

January 3, 2008 HDR Thriller (snow)

2008-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

Snow! Originally uploaded by mabufeu. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Had flurries here today just as a tease. We need some real snow. Found this terrrific shot taken in the Swiss Alps. Not really all that impressive UNTIL YOU SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK, then the mountain really looms. Great lines of perspective too.

January 2, 2008 HDR Thriller (New Year)

2008-01-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Cisarska chodba/Emperor's Passage - Prachov Rocks, originally uploaded by stevacek. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

After a long uninterupted run, and then a long hiatus (sorry for the extended absence), I resolve to return to keep this thing up again. I am in good cheer, though this pic does not exactly exhibit that characteristic. My mood is more like this pic, which is classic valpopando, but alas, it is not one that is available in large size. So the above, while not the cheeriest, was the most striking of the bunch for today's search word, especially in large on black...and as a wintry alternative, here it is in the snow. Thanks, stevacek, for helping start the New Year with these shots. Here's wishing everyone a great 2008!!

August 29, 2007 HDR Thriller (strong)

2007-08-29T21:00:00.001-07:00

Aonach Dubh in HDR, originally uploaded by Mark Turnbull. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

The detail enhancement at a distance really makes this one pop. HDR and tonemapping gives it almost a 3-D character. As with most of these, it is BEST VIEWED IN LARGE ON BLACK. The photographer, Mark Turnbull, has also prepared a black and white version. I find my eye drawn to different things in it. In the color version my eye goes right to the back mountain; but in the black and white shot, the mountain competes for my attention with the foreground rocks on the right. Interesting how that works.

August 28, 2007 HDR Thriller (old)

2007-08-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

The old bulls. Originally uploaded by ajschroetlin. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Great pic in a great place...Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course the elk make the shot, but love that light too. You HAVE TO SEE THIS IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 27, 2007 HDR Thriller (coast)

2007-08-27T21:18:00.001-07:00

Positano, originally uploaded by Mor (bcnbits). Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Wow. I could go for being here. But, to really see how great this photo is, you HAVE TO SEE IT LARGE ON BLACK....then pick yourself out window or terrace. I've already got my little blue beach hut right on the beach. Positano, Italy...I've got it marked down.

You know I love the twilight, and for some reason, I just seem to gain energy from scenes like this one.

August 25, 2007 HDR Thriller (history)

2007-08-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

Reflected Visions Of The Past, originally uploaded by thepres6. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Here's one that just made me scratch my head a bit. IT HELPS TO SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Makes you think about light and optics.

As said by the photographer, thepres6, on the Flickr caption:

"This is not photoshopped, or layers of different scenes and does not have any other effects applied. It is a dirty window reflection looking into an old building at sunrise. You can also see the sunrise sunlight coming through the 5 front windows in the building."

I say, estupendo.

August 23, 2007 HDR Thriller (pyramid)

2007-08-23T20:42:00.001-07:00

The Ancient and the Modern, originally uploaded by graspnext.

After yesterday's rather remarkable pic, I thought I'd use "pyramid" as a search word and see what came up. I present two today. The one above I find has remarkable composition and theme with the modern high-density Cairo in the foreground set against the ancient pyramids in the background. Not only does it say a lot about the endurance of the pyramids, but it's just cool to think about all the history and span of time in between. Kinda raises the question...This is progress? MUST SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

And below is the glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre. Pretty stunning technical HDR work. IT, TOO, NEEDS TO BE SEEN IN LARGE ON BLACK to see remarkable detail in the stonework on the building among other things.

pyramide de nuit. Originally uploaded by coolmonfrere. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

August 22, 2007 HDR Thriller (black and white)

2007-08-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

Pyramid in Black and White, originally uploaded by Foto Blitz Color. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Not too many man-made things really deserve true awe, but the pyramids probably qualify. I hope I get to see them for real some time. Very cool choice to put this in black and white...much drama is added. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. And not that it deducts anything from this amazing shot, but the sky is photoshopped, and there's a definite giveaway to that if you look hard.

And Damn...that "go to" list is getting longer and longer as a result of writing this blog....Iceland, Venice, the Canadian Rockies, and even the end of the earth. Oh well, at least I can see them all in HDR.

August 21, 2007 HDR Thriller (macro)

2007-08-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

Karluv most macro, originally uploaded by mexikanec. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

This pic above is pretty neat, but you GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK to get the most out of the effect. It is an HDR shot, but it is also "tilt-shift" processed to artificially narrow the focal length in order to trick your eye into thinking it's a tiny model of a city bridge. This is a real city though...and here's the "normal" HDR pic without Tilt Shift processing.

Ironically, I used the search word "macro" to see if I could get a good closeup on a miniature subject. In a sense I sort of got that, but not in the way I was expecting.

I've found and posted other tilt-shift shots before...here's my fav from way back in March.

August 21, 2007 HDR Thriller (karma)

2007-08-20T21:05:00.001-07:00

Peace of mind, originally uploaded by h.andras_xms. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Needed a change of pace and thought this was interesting. I very much like the composition, and I think it shows how HDR processing can add something to this genre of art photos. GOTTA SEE IT LARGE ON WHITE.

August 20, 2007 HDR Thriller (decide)

2007-08-19T21:21:00.001-07:00

Schwabacher Morning - Thanks Jeff Clow!, originally uploaded by James Neeley.

Have you ever seen that Joy of Painting show on PBS where Bob Ross takes a painting from blank canvas to finished product in 30 min? This pic is clearly reminiscent of the quintessential Bob Ross painting...but in photographic form. Gotta see the finished product IN LARGE ON BLACK.

If you haven't see the show, I recommend it for when you are feverishly ill in bed...because there's just something about it that puts you right to sleep before he finishes the painting, without fail. Here's an example...in just 12 easy steps, except I am zonked out by step 5.

August 17, 2007 HDR Thriller (source)

2007-08-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

TONNERRE : FOSSE DIONNE IMG_0617_8_9Enhancer. Originally uploaded by dirk vde. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

An historical artesian water source in France that became a town center. While it looks a bit still in the tank, the free flowing water can be seen emerging from the lower left. The Flickr caption says it is actually somewhat bluish in color when it emerges from the spring, so I think the colors are pretty authentic. VERY TRANQUIL IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 15, 2007 HDR Thriller (worry)

2007-08-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Cadair Idris 4, originally uploaded by Geoff Edwards. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

What can I say about this one? Very surreal shot. However, Geoff Edwards the photographer said something in the Flickr caption about "it was just him and the sheep" in this photo above, but I didn't see any sheep. Made me curious, so I dug a little deeper and found the sheep in another one of his photos. I present it below. Both of these are pretty stunning HDR images that kinda show what kind of detail enhancemant HDR is capable of. And although it is time to turn in, I don't think these sheep are going to be much of a sleep aid. You GOTTA SEE THE TOP ONE IN LARGE ON BLACK....

And I have to say, even after all the HDR images I have seen, the sheep one below, WHEN VIEWED IN LARGE ON BLACK, still blows me away.

Cadair Idris 13. Originally uploaded by Geoff Edwards. CLick on Pic, see it in Flickr.

August 15, 2007 HDR Thriller (different)

2007-08-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Queen and her commoners HDR. Originally uploaded by David Giral. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Sorry Gang for the lack of posts. Away for the weekend. But have returned with a couple today to make up for it. Turned on Rhapsody and was inspired by Aimee Mann's "How am I Different" for today's search word. This led to two totally different pics. SEE THE ABOVE ONE IN LARGE ON BLACK.

And the pic below has amazing illusory reflections (MUCH BETTER IN LARGE ON BLACK). That has caused me to think much about reflections and if they are always this illusory or not. To some degree I suppose they have to be. It's a Zen principle that to speak of a thing is to miss the mark. But isn't to reflect on a thing the same? I suppose the only time you don't miss the mark is to experience a thing in the moment.

Hall of mirrors II. Originally uploaded by rustyjaw. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

August 10, 2007 HDR Thriller (snow)

2007-08-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Teton Fire, originally uploaded by James Neeley. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

I was trying to cool off from this intense heat with a snowy picture search and found this jawdropper. What amazing colors!! From the photographer's note on Flickr, it's all very real taken at sunrise with just HDR tonemapping, which means it essentially really looked like this. As James Neely the Photographer said in the Flickr comments..."I didn't do much of anything else since the image was so naturally intense." Yes...and very cool Mr. Neely, especially so on a hot summer day. And even COOLER IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 10, 2007 HDR Thriller (summer)

2007-08-09T21:31:00.001-07:00

Mer de glace, Mt. Blanc Range, originally uploaded by VeloManiac.

A cool glacial scene like this helps on such a hot day. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Incredible depth, incredible detail...in the large version, seeing the boulders on the mountainside shade near the center where the glacier bends would not be possible w/o HDR.

August 10, 2007 HDR Chiller (summer)

2007-08-09T21:21:00.001-07:00

万寿山 - Tower of Buddhist Incense, originally uploaded by stoicviking. CLick on pic, see it in Flickr.

I have not done a Chiller in a while, but it seems fate brought me this photo so I had to post it. My reasoning?...it was 104F here today, and the only hotter day that I have ever experienced was when I visited the summer palace pictured here. That day in June 2005 in Beijing was 108F with incredible throat-peeling, bird-strangling smog. However, I can assure you even with the thickest of Beijing smogs, the sky did not quite look like this (well, maybe it was closer than I initally thought).

I have a personal distate for this heavy a hand on the HDR...need to increase the light-smoothing to neutral and back off the strength setting. Hey, but maybe that's just me.

August 9, 2007 HDR Thriller (evening)

2007-08-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

Washington Monument, Twilight, originally uploaded by Foto Blitz Color. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Often these perspective shots come out a bit disappointing, but this one is pretty darn good. The HDR processing lends excitement and realism by bringing out the stonework detail, the contrast in the sky, the color saturation, and even the blurred flag. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 8, 2007 HDR Thriller (spirit)

2007-08-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

A Walk in the Light Green, originally uploaded by damian 78. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

A very striking photo that is obviously processed beyond just HDR (and very effectively!). I wasn't sure what it was all about, until I saw it IN LARGE ON BLACK. Evidently the red gates line the entire 4Km of this trail near Kyoto, Japan. That's pretty neat.

August 7, 2007 HDR Thriller (subtle)

2007-08-07T21:38:00.001-07:00

Crescent Lake, originally uploaded by Lyle Krannichfeld. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

A relaxed fitting picture for the search word, "subtle"...partly selected though because I have been to this lake and it is a cool place. HERE IT IS IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 6, 2007 HDR Thriller (ancient)

2007-08-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

Corfe Castle, Dorset, originally uploaded by Mr Jam. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

So much to say, so little space. A very eerie shot that will now be in my dreams. First...YOU GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK. Kudos to Mr. Jam, the photographer.

I was compelled to look up some history on this castle and found it to be almost as interesting as the shot. King Edward II of England was assasinated on his horse (stabbed in the back) near this spot in 978 (from Wikipedia: "the body of the murdered king slipped from the saddle of his horse and was dragged with one foot in the stirrup until it fell into a stream at the base of the hill upon which Corfe Castle stands." The Castle was evidently constructed in the 11th Century after the King was made a saint. If you want to know more you can check it out here.

So many pieces come together in this shot...the lighting on the foreground hill, the wispy sky, and the cross-embossed left edge of the castle falling away...so mesmerizing.

August 5, 2007 HDR Thriller (hot)

2007-08-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong from The Peak on a Summer Night, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Wow...nice cityscape and definitely a unique perspective on Hong Kong. I had no idea that the city was up against such abrupt wooded hillsides like this. The way the hillsides flow down into the city it does have that jungle-humid look. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK.

August 4, 2007 HDR Thriller (barn)

2007-08-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

Morning Moulton, originally uploaded by James Neeley. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Great HDR shot here, but maybe even better composition. This barn can be shot many ways, but in the shot above the mountain's peak really mirrors the barn's. GOTTA SEE IT IN LARGE ON BLACK for the full effect.

August 3, 2007 HDR Thriller (colors)

2007-08-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Colors of Buddha, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

Well, I was thinking that yesterday's shot was gonna be hard to top, so why not just at least go for some color today. Selected this rather cool shot of a buddhist monastery in Thailand. GOTTA SEE IT LARGE ON BLACK. The search word was pretty broad today as 8,660 photos showed up. I hate it when that happens, 'cauz I can't look through them all, but I think I found a pretty good one.

August 2, 2007 HDR Thriller (view)

2007-08-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

"Red Mountain View". Originally uploaded into PBase.com and copyright © 2004-2007 by Albert Yanowich Jr. Click on pic, see it in PBase.com

Here's a fun one. I found this HDR shot on a search of Pbase instead of Flickr. It looks nice, but nothing special because it's a bit small. But now...CLICK HERE TO SEE IT IN LARGE PANORAMA MODE....

Yeah, it's okay...I nearly fell out of my chair too. Scroll around a bit. Look at the detail in the foreground...and the background. Yikes!

August 1, 2007 HDR Thriller (Turn Turn Turn)

2007-08-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Burn On Big River, originally uploaded by griffsflickr. Click on pic, see it in Flickr.

"To every thing, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven..."

Hello blogosphere. I am making a humble return from a cathartic memorial service for my sister, Karen. We played Turn!, Turn!, Turn! as the recessional song. It'll be sticking in my head a while and I don't mind. I somehow feel freer to speak of her now that she has stepped out of this world into the next. She passed from liver cancer. She was a wonderful person and a dedicated physician, and many of her patients paid their respects at the service. After great difficulties in this life, I do feel she is at peace.

This shot is lovely, and it just happened to be from coastal Connecticut near where Karen spent her childhood and learned to love the water. What a sky!! But that's not all there is to this shot, because it also has a real sense of neighborhood to it.

Unfortunatey, I cannot post the above shot in large on black, so today you get a bonus second shot that I can post IN LARGE ON BLACK...

Clouds over Tahoe HDR #2. Originally uploaded by Bill Strong. Click on pic see it in Flickr.

2007-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

My sister has passed away. I am in hiatus to focus on her memorial. She was a great person, doctor, and friend to so many.

July 16, 2007 HDR Thriller (jewel)

2007-07-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Where the land ends and the sea begins.... Originally uploaded by luispraiameco.

These two shots of the same subject are also both HDR shots. The main difference is how they were processed. It's the differences in the HDR processing settings that are the major difference the outcomes (maybe not the only difference because I suspect that the lower image also has a filter tone applied to the sky). Here's the TOP IMAGE IN LARGE and here's the BOTTOM IMAGE IN LARGE.

While both have that look of a painting common in many HDR shots, their moods are really different. The lower one is superior technically....it has far less noise (especially noticeable in the sky comparison in the large size) and fewer tell-tale HDRtifacts, like the slight halo around the large sea rocks in the top image. What's the better shot? I think if it's just used in small size on a web site, the top image has greater impact; but when its to be used in large size, then the bottom image is better. What's your preference?

Also...I would not have guessed this was from Portugal. In fact, the bottom one has such an "artist's rendering" look to it that I might have guessed "science fiction book cover" instead of actually being from somewhere on earth.