Thanks for this month's photo contest - HDR

[dballance]

I was a bit pissy when I first saw the contest about HDR because I'd never played with that sort of thing in my camera and software. I didn't even know it existed.

Then when I went about researching HDR and followed up by dragging my tri-pod out and getting exposures I was really happy I had to learn something new.

[handmade34]

1. it has been fun!

[ramapo]

2. My thoughts exactly

I've learned a lot and got a new camera out of the deal because I fell and submerged myself and my camera in a pool of water while out on a hiking/HDR photography expedition.

[dballance]

3. Ouch!

I hope you're joking a bit. Otherwise, please keep as dry and safe as possible.

My Nikon D40 is a dinosaur these days but it was so new and unique when I bought it. It has been a wonderful camera and my entry into DSLR cameras. I still have my Canon AE-1 film camera. I want to take it out along with the Nikon and see what magic I can make with them both.

[ramapo]

5. Not joking one bit

One misstep and splash! About ten feet from the end of my hike. I could've been badly hurt but had nothing more than a cut elbow. Earlier during the hike I had been talking about upgrading to the Nikon 5200. So that is what I did. Today, after nearly a week of drying, I apply power to the 3100 that went into the water. If it works, I'll see if it is worth having it cleaned. The 18-55 lens is toast. I still have my Minolta 202s. How I loved that camera. We went on a lot of hikes together.

[dballance]

7. Gees. I'm glad you are okay! I've taken a few spills here and there hiking.

Oregon is such a wonderful place for hiking and biking. I've taken a few spills in my time here. You never really want to fall off your bike. It can leave quite a mark.

I'm glad you got a new camera out of it all. The Nikon 5200 is a great camera from what I've read about it. My experience is a that a good Canon or Nikon is never a bad choice. I'm just a simple consumer so I can't imagine something high-end like a Leica. A full-format camera.

Sorry about the lens. It's funny that my friends have no clue that the lens is the most expensive thing I have. So much as important as the camera body.

[alfredo]

4. That's what it is all about.

[dballance]

8. Yes. You are so right.

Challenging me to more than I usually am is one of the great things about DU.

[alfredo]

9. I have learned that reality is not important, that a more "romantic" view of subjects

and colors has value. I am no longer afraid to push beyond reality. DU has really helped me in that regard.

[dballance]

10. That is an awesome pic.

So great!

[alfredo]

11. Thanks. This part of my ongoing war over light touch,

Heavy hand when it comes to post processing.

[Crepuscular]

6. Concur

I felt the same way about this months theme, at first I was turned off, as I had no experience with HDR but after deciding to give it a try, I'm glad that I did. Still have a huge learning curve to get to where I feel comfortable with it but it's been a lot of fun so far. Thank you PuppyBismark for pushing us to get out of a rut and try something different!