My father and I have been having an e-mail conversation about HDR photography the past couple of days. Some people seem to feel that the more bizarre they can make their photos appear, the better they are. I don't agree  and neither does Dad. To show you what I am talking about I have three photos from the same original. First is the photo as shot. Kind of bland looking but not entirely bad I don't guess. Considering it was a cold rainy day.

Next is the image adjusted just a little to darken the sky and show some of the detail in those overexposed areas.

Again, not too bad. I like this one a little better as it shows detail in the pumphouse and gives a dramatic effect to the sky.

Now for what I don't like.

This is just too much. Too unrealistic and overdone in my opinion. Some people may like it, but I prefer to go for something that just adds a little. But to each his own I suppose.