Balance between Raw and PostProduction

[Cehashy]

Hi there, I`m a few days new to this forum but I`ll plan to earn my spot here as a common member.
I`ve been workin` on this image for a few days now. I`m allways scared of postproduction, i tend to do as much as possible right in vray frame buffer but the result doesn`t seem so convincing. It looks flat and lacks contrast - maybe i`m ussing wrong settings (gamma/collor mapping). I`m attaching the raw image straight out of vray frame buffer and one with a little postproduction.

Would apreciate any advice/critics to help me improve.

Cheers!

[simonhc]

I like the first image more. The postwork is a bit heavy and you have lost details due dark tones crash.
Dont be afraid of PS, just practice and watch a lot of photos! Keep going!

[Cehashy]

Due to work issues had to abandon that project in the favour of a firm project. Watched many tutorials and did some documentation regarding color mapping and gamma 2.2.

Here`s one shot straight out of frame buffer, have to texture some more but I`m happy with the mood.

[max3dvi]

realy nice the last image
can you post somenthing about the setting of the last images? and color mapping settings?
thanks a lot