My (sort of) first HDR (C&C)

This is the type of image that HDR shouldn't be used for. Instead, a graduated neutral density filter (grad) should have been used. It's basically a filter that's clear on one half, and 2-3 stops on the other half. The idea is to darken the sky or whatever half is significantly brighter.

They come in two varieties:

1. Screw-in: http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-Graduated-Neutral-Density-Filter/dp/B00004ZCAT/

2. Rectangular: http://www.adorama.com/CKP121M.html

The screw-in is easier to use, but often you don't want to put the horizon in the middle, in which case you'll want the rectangular filter.