When I came upon this abandoned switcher engine near Petaluma, California I knew it was a perfect subject for HDR. I used a polarizing filter to bring out the contrast in colors between the orange engine and the stunning blue sky with swiftly scuttling clouds. In preparation for HDR processing, I bracketed the exposures, changing the shutter speed each time.

Back at my computer, I processed the RAW files twice using Nik HDR Efex Pro. One the first pass I applied the Realistic Strong preset (for the sky) and on the second pass I applied the Vibrant Scenery preset (for the engine and grass). I combined the two HDR versions of the image using layers, a layer mask, and the Gradient tool in Photoshop.

Exif data: 18mm, circular polarizer, seven combined exposures at shutter speeds from 1/20 of a second to 1/320 of second, each exposure at f/22 and ISO 200, tripod mounted.