Photomatix

I downloaded new software for editing HDR photos. So far I've been pleasantly surprised with the effects. I need to spend more time learning how to tweak the controls, but here's an example.

The first photo is the original, and the second is the HDR photo. Notice how the HDR version brings out more details in the clouds, the house and the reeds. I've seen some examples of HDR photos online that look more like illustrations than photos. Some look really cool, and some look poorly manipulated. I guess I'll have to experiment to find the look that I want.