Totally Cool On Black
The recent storm left these smooth and cool undulations on the snow in our back yard. So as the sun set, the shadows became deeper and deeper blue. This got a kitchen sink full of processing:
1) seven frame HDR to start
2) photomatix with white point, black point, luminosity jacked pretty high
3) one original exposure blended to restore sense to the sky
4) Topaz Adjust to trick out the moguls
5) Surface blur to mellow out the distraction of the tree line at the edge of the property
6) slight (yes… slight) saturation boost to reds and yellows to make that sun just weep with sadness as it leaves this beautiful setting.

As for the Kinkade reference: my landscaper’s wife commented on some processed photos I made for his sight: “These look like a Thomas Kinkade painting.” I’m just listening to my customers…

Cathedral of St. Peter, Geneva, Switzerland, originally uploaded by TimDD.

Updated with Giorgos~ generously shared technique for creating that awesomely professional looking drop shadow.

Ken and I rose early to catch the sunrise at South Beach… prior to the beginning of a sales meeting back in Miami at the Doral. I broke out the 10.5 fisheye for this HDR.