Trying out HDR

Seeing as the weather is crap and I seem to be working constant nights, at the moment. I haven't been able to get out and take as many photo's as I would like.
I've always liked the look of HDR photographs and have done some in the past, by just fiddling about with Adobe Lightroom. But I've never really took the time to learn the techniques and do it properly.

So ...Yesterday I downloaded the latest version of Photomatix and set about learning how to use it.
First port of call was Pete Carr's website, for a refresher. He is the master of HDR photography, after all.
Hang on? The last time I read his tutorial, it seemed like a really complicated process. But, reading it again, I found it was a really simple technique. Your computer does all the complicated stuff. All you have to do is the arty stuff.
You can make a HDR image from one exposure (preferably a RAW file as it contains a lot more data than a JPG) but to get the, High Dynamic Range, to give it it's full name, you need to start with at least 3 exposures or more.

The Boat shot above is a single exposure and heavily "tweaked" in Lightroom. I wanted to take some multi-exposures and do it properly in Photomatix. But it was pissing down and I didn't want to get my new Canon 40D wet :( .
Well the rain stopped... eventually! It was about 8pm on Sunday night, and I drove around a bit looking for suitable subjects. First stop was Burtonwood Airfield. I parked up and left the van. The sky was clearing and the sun was just going down. I set my camera to bracket three shots.
The first was 2 stops under exposed,
The second was correct and
The third was 2 stops over exposed.
I turned and snapped the van. . .That was it really.
I drove about a bit and ended up at Runcorn to photograph the bridge. I waited and waited and the lights on the bridge never came on.

Luckily for me, there was somebody there with the same idea. We had a little chat about photography, but by 10 pm the lights had still not come on. So i went to MacDonalds, for a Big Mac and went home.
I had a little twiddle with Photomatix when I got in. But seeing as I had crap photo's to begin with I wasn't expecting anything. I was surprised at the results.
Well Photomatix certainly works. Even if this Photographer(?) doesen't. I know I've got a lot more to learn and I need to take some time off work and do some proper photography. When I do, I know I'll start using HDR for everything :) .
Next things on the shopping list are a decent tripod and head and a cable release with timer and multi exposure capabilities.

Links:- Photomatix - Lightroom - Vanilla Days