Totally agree with Brad

 Not sure I'd call it an 'HDR' look, and my own processing was pretty similar originally. It's a composite, which is part of where that look comes from... This is how it looks in LR before Bob worked on it here I lit it to match the background, and then put it together and enhanced the lighting a little, and then I oversharpened an adjustment layer set to multiply and adjusted transparency til it looked how I wanted it. Bob just took that one step further with more of a sharpened look, vignette, etc...

 I'll post the 2 original images later on...

 Thanks for the details! The birds in the processed image are a little distracting, like they have halos around them. In general it has a lot of 'shadow fill' look to it, which I should have stated instead of HDR. I think you are right about the composite though. Really great image in general. Has a distinct look to it and hope to see more of these!

 Thanks, it's the first composite I've ever actually posted, big step for me. I've played around with them in the past, just never put the work in to actually do a good one. This one worked out well as we didn't have a lot of time to mess around with portraits when the weather was good, so I just snapped some shots of the background from the deck. Then went back and set up lights to match the light in the background pic and shot the actual portrait at night. So same location, similar lighting, just done at two separate times... Next will have to be some with completely different backgrounds, I've been collecting them for a while, usually with the same backlit look as that seems to lend itself well to compositing. I really like the work of Joel Grimes, he's pretty much a master of it...

 Still like the original better! Never been a fan of HDR or anything like that, your usual images and editing is where its at!

 It's an acquired taste, and decidedly...digital. You've got such a distinguishable style Ian. I can appreciate trying something new, but your ability to light natural settings is too good for false backgrounds.

 nice Ian!
Must say I agree with Brad about the over sharpened feeling & halos on the birds & cloud, but other than that this is sweet! Have a look at some of Aaron Nace's tutorials, he has a few tips that have really helped me out. I'm playing/experimenting with compositing a bit at the moment & slowly getting more backgrounds. Having quite a bit of fun.

 Looking at it again you definitely did a great job of matching up your rear light with the direction the sun is coming from in the background! Spot on.

 I agree, and I like this picture, but as previous posters have mentioned the halos around the birds and his neckline and right shoulder are not my fave. BUT, I'm still a big fan, and like you said, you're putting it out there and there's a comments section, so naturally we can have some discussion about it.

 Yeah the halo on his shoulder and right arm are all my fault, just quickly done to be honest. I'll have a proper one done in a while, just haven't had a few hours to devote to it yet.

 No orders as such, I just felt like shooting it this way, something new, and it worked better with our time frame.