Having used Adobe Photoshop for many years, I’ve been able to work an image for a pseudo-HDR effect since long before High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging became popular with many photographers. This image was produced from a single exposure that was originally shot using Fuji Chrome Velvia slide film and scanned at a high resolution. After minor adjustments in Adobe Camera Raw, I loaded it into Nik HDR Efex Pro and applied the number 24, Clean City 1 preset. I’ve included the original scan at the end of this post for comparison.
As far as composition, I always like to get close at car shows for more abstract views like this one. I wasn’t totally satisfied with my first attempt (still too realistic) so I loaded the image back into HDR Efex Pro and did lots of “on the fly” tone mapping to get the image below.
This is a much better example of what lots of photogs think of when HDR is mentioned. And that’s sad since my normal use of the technology is to get a better view of reality than a camera can produce in a single shot. And this is still pretty calm compared to some of the more extreme examples that I’ve seen. Can we mention the “halo” effect? 
Here’s the original image from the scanned transparency.
Equipment used: Nikon n90s with 28-70mm f/2.8 lens.
Love this shot Mark. Wonderful composition and perfect processing.
Thanks, Len.
I love the close-up abstract look to car shots as well. Nice work.
Thanks, Steven. I never get tired of car shows. But, haven’t found any this year yet.
Excellent shot Mark. Love the vibrant colors and processing.
Thanks, Edith. Appreciated!
Love the close POV, Mark. Personally, I prefer the first version. The second, for me, appears to be a little muddled with the extra reflections. I also think the colors do not pop as much in the second version.
Thanks for the comments, Mark. Yes, the second image is a full out, over the top, extreme tonemapped image. I like them both but the first is my favorite.
Oh man, this is hot, hot, hot!
Love this image, the 2nd one is really awesome, Mark. It had great definition.
Thanks, Jimi. Well, what do you REALLY think?
I kinda thought you’d like that one.
It really goes to show how using specific technologies to produce the results you want can be so much fun to partake in. What a great image, the dynamic range you’ve captured and expressed here doesn’t need multiple brackets to bring it all out… I really enjoyed this piece, my friend!
Thanks, Scott. Appreciate your comment.
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