Taking Off to a Flying 2009 :: HDR

Highest Position - Explore #1 | 31.12.2008

(My greatest thanks & appreciation to everyone! HNY!)

(Thanks to Dino for the explore update too! :))

Explore Calendar

 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE !

 

Finally back from my long road trip ... We were initially planning to just drive to Victoria for a week however a last min decision & we ended up diverting to New South Wales. I'm really tired from the boring over 20+ hours drive split across several days however my holiday still kick on till next monday so plenty of time to rest b4 work starts :) Hope everyone is doing well & wish you all a brilliant & successful 2009 in whatever you are doing :D

 

PS: I will get to your emails in the next few days or so. Cheers! ;)

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About

 

The WWII plane monument at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

 

The Shot

 

Standard 3 exposure shot (+2..0..-2 EV) taken handheld using Sigma DC HSM 10-20mm lens

 

Photomatix

 

- Tonemapped generated HDR using detail enhancer option

 

Photoshop

 

- Added 1 layer mask effect of 'curves' to increase the contrast

- Added 1 layer mask effect of 'saturation' (yellows) to increase the sunset tone

- Added 1 layer mask effect of 'saturation' (blues) to enhance the sky

- Applied slight dodging along the side of the plane

- Stamp cloned away the stand at the bottom of the plane to make it fly!!!

- Corrected many parts of the plane with cloning, healing tools etc

- Used 'unsharp mask' (as always) on the background layer

 

You

 

All comments, criticism and tips for improvements are (as always) welcome

 

Music

 

Kool & the Gang - Celebration

 

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Done