Figuring out HDR Photography and Editing for Portraiture

Steve Reeves HDR Portrait, originally uploaded by bryancrump.

Well, I feel like I am starting to finally figure out this HDR stuff. I was not pleased with the way my colors were coming out before. But I have done some recent images that I think I had more understanding of the process and was able to have a more desired result. Here is one of the images of a friend of mine and fellow photographer.

I really like the vividness and detail. A friend of mine said my HDR work reminded her of a photographer named Dave Hill.

I was not familiar with his work so I looked him up and he has some pretty spectacular stuff and a really developed style. I think my work is different that his and with HDR I still think I have a bit to go to be close to what he does. I am guessing he uses a mix of HDR and other editing techniques, which is what i have been doing as well.

I have also been made aware of some other great photographers out there like:

Gary Land, Jim Fiscus, Jill Greenburg (also known as "The Manipulator") and many others. I have had a lot of professional photographer friends, but these people specialize in the Surreal and Hyper Real look that I am sure some of it is a form of HDR imaging.

With as many photographers and people with cameras out there, you have to have a unique process with shooting, lighting, editing, and idea to stand out from the rest.

Here is a link to Dave Hill's Website: http://www.davehillphoto.com/

Here is a link to Jill Greenberg's Website: http://www.manipulator.com/

Here is a link to Jim Fiscus's Website: http://www.fiscusphoto.com/

and finally, here is a link to Gary Land's Website: http://www.garylandphotography.com/

These are some great photographers and I highly recommend checking out their work.