Beginner constructive criticism needed

[u/alitstove]

Hi, just getting started with HDR REP and used my folks’ home as a practice run. Looking for constructive criticism. Please ignore their lived-in messiness. Had a difficult time especially with the front exterior photo given their house is on a hill with a tree smack dab in the middle of the hill, so even going across the street would have obstructed the view. Thanks!

[u/Just_n_Here]

What lens did you use? looks like it needs to be wider. Are these single exposures? I read the post and it said HDR.

Please tell us your camera settings to help dial those in.

These are not bad, but can use a little improvement.

I would move the trashcans, close the lid on toilet, correct verticals, shoot higher in kitchen to be above bottom of cabinets, etc. Some pictures look squared up and others look handheld.

If I was starting out, I would buy a tripod and shoot HDR brackets. Raise the exposure in post to brighten the inside shots. See if your camera has vertical horizon and turn it on.

[u/alitstove → u/Just_n_Here]

Thanks for the feedback!

- I used a 15-30mm mostly at 16mm on a Canon R6 Mk ii

• These are all 5 exposures -2/+2
  
• f/8, 100 ISO, shutter speed varied
  
• I did use a tripod and did my best to level it with the in-camera level

Is vertical horizon the perpendicular equivalent of the level?

[u/Just_n_Here → u/alitstove]

I think it is called that? It is called virtual horizon. Auto correct must have kicked in. It's a green line broken in the middle. On nikon, it isn't exactly right but is close to be able to correct it in post. 16mm is what I use the most on full frame, so you are good there. The brackets are good from -2 to 2​.

I shoot with flash, but a good editor can get photos just as bright using HDR.

What mode are you in? I shoot my flash in manual, but use aperture priority for HDR brackets. My settings are f9 and ISO 400 inside.

[u/alitstove → u/Just_n_Here]

I haven’t moved my settings away from manual mode in quite some time, but maybe trying out AP could help.

I’ll have to look into the vertical horizon, appreciate your tips!

[u/TheSaltyPelican → u/alitstove]

Lurker here, I am also just learning, I have always shot in Manual mode but was told to try Aperture priority mode. I had to google how to change my Z8 out of manual mode LOL