This is a High Dynamic Range image (HDR) of my backyard in North Carolina. We’ve moved back to the midwest but sometimes miss the beauty. I spent many hours planting dozens of plants, laying patio stones and rock paths.
The above image was produced with Nik HDR Efex Pro 2, Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CS6. I created the version below with Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.
Architectural monochrome in beautiful Jacksonville produced with Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.
Got a new phone the other day. One of the Nokia Lumia versions, the 920. The camera with an 8.7 MP PureView sensor is supposed to be one of the best features. Well, having used a Windows 7 phone for a while, I really like the upgrade to Windows 8 but the camera is not as great as I had hoped. Even though it has a higher megapixel rating, it’s pretty noisy and not as sharp as I expected, what with the Carl Zeiss Tessar lens and all. But even so, it’s not too bad. Still as good as my old Samsung and iPhone.
This rather silly shot was taken with window light and the one thing that I appreciated was how the camera actually gave a very good balance between highlights and shadows. Almost a High Dynamic Range (HDR) effect. I took the original image and did modifications with Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop to increase sharpness and luminance and adjust the vibrance and clarity. But even with the modifications, I couldn’t save certain parts of the image.
I’ve included the original, straight out of the phone, image for comparison. 
For quick shots when I can’t carry my DSLR, this new phone camera will be a pretty good alternative.
Here are a few snapshots from my first day out with the new phone. Really saturates the blue. Looks like Kodachrome. 
A photographer’s dream location. If you ever visit the island of Oahu in Hawaii, don’t pass up a chance to tour the north shore beaches. Pure beauty!!
The fine photo art of vegetables.
I shot this image a few months back at or local produce market. The texture and natural design features caught my eye. I used my phone camera for this one and enhanced the image using Adobe Photoshop CS6 for modification to add depth and light and dark tones. And finally I added a slight curve and burned some shadows for a more rounded, 3D look.
I decided to move the color version into Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 for this monochrome conversion.
A High Dynamic Range (HDR) image re-post from last year with a bit more grittiness. All compliments of Nik Color Efex Pro 4.
