"Sandbags"

I wanted to write something about this image because, I felt it important to mention how important HDR is today.  In the past, we took bracketed shots metered for highlights and shadows.  Using the digital darkroom to layere and blend for an ideal image.  Even earlier in the processing of photographic images,  we dodge and burned to increase highlights and shadows.  Now, with HDR we bracket our shots and use some sort of plug-in or program to convert the image for better shadows and highlights.  So, why is a composited image frowned upon today.  This wonderful photo of one of my favorite places in Inverness, CA is a composite!  Why...I added the clouds to improve the original image.  The original digital image was over exposed in the sky area.  And, somewhat in the rest of the image.  Making it look like a washed out photograph.  In the wet darkroom, I could dodge and burn to improve most of the picture, but the sky probably would still been lost.  With HDR I expose multiple images to get all the information.  Acceptable!  Yes, today it is!  So if we find an old image, like this one, will it be frowned upon because I added the clouds.  Might be.  It's a composite!  But it's the same principle.  I really didn't have to mention that it was a composite and no one would have known.  Well, maybe some.  But to be honest, I have to say it's a composite.  I like it...I hope you will too.  Enjoy!

"Sandbags"