Thanks, guys. Each of you have given an additional layer to the learning curve...

To show the before-and-after, I wanted to share also the three original shots. I always shoot in raw+jpg and combined the raw files in Photomatix Pro 4.2, with 'a touch' of Tone Mapping and Natural preset. The final high sharpening did the rest.

The risk of playing around with this software is being carried away and find a very cartoonish image as a final result. Photoshop was used only for a simple cropping.

I just love this forum and all the staff you can learn from it? Now ...about that focus stacking...

Francesco

: Freezing temperatures outdoor, therefore ideal conditions to goof
: around in the house, play with the camera and experiment...has
: any of the Master photographers of the house (and you know who
: you are!) found the HDR valuable for watch-shooting...?? just
: curious, on a lazy Sunday afternoon...this is a quick sample...

:
:

: Enjoy what is left of the weekend.

: Francesco