Monday, April 11, 2011

Project 52 - Week 15


A photo a week...for a year.  Fifty-two weeks; 52 images, minimum.


This week I came upon an exotic car show in the parking lot of a local mall.  One of the first, let's say the second, car I encountered was this vintage Mercedes Benz Sedan.  Below you will find two versions of the same image.  The first has received minimal post production manipulation, mainly to make adjustments to exposure, contrast, brightness, those sorts of things.  The second has received post production manipulation to give it some HDR  pop.  What I'd like for you to do, dear viewer, is to tell me which version you prefer.  How hard can that be?

#1 - Mercedes Benz Sedan - Minimal Manipulation 



#2 - Mercedes Benz Sedan - HDR pop
Posted by PhotoGrunt

7 comments:

  1. CaitApril 11, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I love the first one! I think the HDR is totally unnecessary, here. :) The lows in the grille and windshield in the first shot really balance out the photo visually.

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  2. Le Vélo NoirApril 12, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    I prefer the first one as well--there's more «life» to it. I like how the car seems to have that satin finish. The second one looks too «banal» or a bit harsh as if the car's paint has been stripped.

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  3. UnknownApril 12, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    I agree, the first is better. It has more depth and life. The one thing I would try is selecting the grill on the first one since it so dark and bringing it out more. Great exposure and composition.

    Cheers!
    Julie
    Julie Magers Soulen Photography

    ReplyDelete
  4. PhotoGruntApril 12, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks for your input, gang! I believe I'm going to have to agree; I prefer the natural look myself. I find the HDR effect appealing, but there seems to be a fine line between enhancing reality and coming across as fake. In this instance, I think image #2 takes a giant step over that line. It looks "real", but in a CGI sort of way.

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  5. Celtic CatApril 12, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    I like the first one the best!

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  6. MaryApril 14, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    I say the first one. I agree about the "satiny" look. I thought about it and I think it's because the HDR look would be more fitting for an old, rusty car with a lot of low-contrast detail because it brings that out more. But really, they're both pretty cool!
    ~Mary

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  7. photosofetsyApril 28, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    I love the artistic, sometimes painterly look of HDR, but here, I like the liquid-feel of the first image. Plus the contrast of the grille, the X-lights and windshield add a nice depth to the image that works well for the shot. Both I'm sure would appeal to many.

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