Hi Paul,

Brian asked me to respond to your request. I have been away from the group for almost a week, so I missed any discussion that happened. As a result, I will respond from a personal perspective if that is Ok with you.

I think the picture is interesting from an historical and world events perspective, and quite honestly I am a bit surprised that it was not accepted given the vivid colours AND what I have seen other admins look for. So I really cannot speak to what the other admins were thinking about when they voted.

But let me give you my thoughts about it. I am not sure it will help, but I will try. In my mind the colours are simply too far out of spec. I realize that what you have given us, is part of what HDR does, but it is not really an HDR image which requires 3-7 exposures of different densities. An impossibility in this kind of image because people move. So really you have used an HDR process on a single exposure. The result is colours that are far more vibrant that are produced in nature.

So it is hard for me to know the starting place of the exposure but as a suggestion have you considered not processing with photomatix. Rather, process through bridge, balance the image as much as possible for the dynamic range (ie: keep the detail within the graph) do not increase the contrast or vibrance at all at this stage and then import to CS4. Then in CS4 create a layer above the import layer and use the shadow and highlights tool. (I am pretty sure CS4 has that). This will intensify the colours and allow you to manage the dynamic range. The results are similar to HDR but without the garish colours. Then process normally, using curves to increase the contrast in the midtones and reduce it in highlights and shadows which will retain detail. If you still want more density after you are done, add another layer above the base layer and multiply it, then use the opacity slider to reduce the density to about 10%. Processing like this will give you high detains across the dynamic range but allow you to control colours better.

Having said all of that, there are many people out there Paul who really like this kind of processing. So if this is what you like to do and see, you should continue in what you are doing. Don't let a few admins in a group discourage you. You might have to submit to an HDR group but in my mind that is a very small sacrifice to make. Remember, Eyecathcingphotos is not really an HDR group. We do accept some HDR processed images, but our primary goal is to accept prime base photography with standard processing parameters. As a result, it could be that the image was just too far out there for some of the admins. It could also be that the historical significance was lost in the submission process.

So those are my thoughts. I hope they give you some ideas, and mostly I hope that you will not be discouraged in your work. Even my work is not always accepted. But I try not to let the opinions of a few people change what I do in my work. So keep doing what you feel within yourself to do, even of you are the only one marching to that drum. Your vision is true.... be true to your vision.

take care.

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"Seeing" the UNusual...EVERY DAY

You are most welcome

You would be more than welcome to join us and submit your own work if you would like to

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Founder #Eyecatchingphotos

Founder #Atlantic-Canada Our East Coast Super Group

Co-Founder#Studio-28
#Studio-28-Nature#Unframed-Nature
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Admin #Scenic-Somewhere

Proud Canadian

if you send me a link to your submissions I can get some feedback for you

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The only reason most people I know are still alive is because I cant afford a hitman.

Hello, our voting process is for three admins to vote on each piece. If you would like feedback on specific declined photos my suggestion would be to request it on the submission page for said photo. We're always more than happy to explain reasons for a decline.

Have a nice day.

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A fallen angel destined to fly; broken and crazy but too strong to cry...