Thanks! Yes, it’s real. It’s actually three photos taken at different exposures, combined. The process is called High Dynamic Range (HDR), and the idea behind it is that the human eye takes in a far greater light range than a camera lens, so combining several photos of the same scene at varying exposures can (potentially) reveal more of what the eye sees than your average single snap.

If you’re interested in finding out more, the HDR master Trey Ratcliff (AKA StuckinCustoms) has a detailed tutorial on his wonderful photoblog. He has also just released a book.

– Paul Ryan

Thanks Sinisa.

– Paul Ryan

Cheers Scott. Appreciate it.

– Paul Ryan

Many thanks.

– Paul Ryan

It certainly was, Liz. I have another panorama shot of this scene with an old man off to the right on his balcony reading his paper in the shade. What a charmed life. I wonder if he realises, or whether it’s the way it’s always been for him… except for all the tourists with cameras. ;-)

– Paul Ryan