HDR - High Dynamic Range Photography

It's catching on like wildfire!  What is it?  A relatively new and ever changing technique that involves making different exposures of a scene,  then manipulating them in special software that can compress a wide range of tonal values into a single photograph and / or create a surrealistic look to your photograph.

There are two areas where this technique really shines - 1) In a high contrast scene, such as a landscape, or building interior with bright windows, and 2) any subject that you want to create a surreal, artistic look to.

Highlight Exposure

Mid Tone Exposure

Shadow Exposure

Final HDR Photo

                                                                                                                  

How does it work?  In say, a high contrast scene, your camera can only capture an EV range of 6-8 stops (more or less) in a single capture.  Some high contrast scenes, for example,  may have a range of 15  EV (exposure values) in it.  By making a series of exposures (usually 3 -5) at one or two stops apart you're able to capture details in each area of the scene ( shadow, mid-tone, and highlight ).  These photos are best shot from a tripod so that they'll be registered and aligned when you merge them later in HDR software. 

Once these images are imported and merged into the HDR software, slider adjustments allow you to control areas such as brightness, color, contrast and various other settings.  The subject matter,  as well as your personal preferences determine how these adjustments are applied.  For example, a commercial interior shot for an advertisement would need to be adjusted and processed for a realistic look whereas an old abandoned building shot for fine art purposes may benefit from more extreme adjustments that have that surreal look and feel to it.

Most, if not all images need and benefit from additional, final tweaking in Photoshop after the HDR process.  Adjustments such as color, contrast, spotting, and sharpening are usually most effective in Photoshop.

Highlight Exposure

 

 

 

Mid Tone Exposure

Shadow Exposure

Final HDR Photo

REAL WORLD HDR TIPS

•   Shoot from a tripod with a cable release to avoid camera movement/shake.
•   Shoot in Manual or Aperture Priority mode.  Shutter speed varies-Aperture does not.
•   Shoot enough exposures to ensure details are held throughout the extremes of the tonal range.
•   Use Manual focus to avoid  focus search between exposures.
•   Shoot RAW or highest quality JPEGs for best image quality.
•   Experiment with the extreme adjustments with the sliders in the Tone Mapping process for     different looks and effects.

Some of the HDR software options are;  Photomatix, Nik, and FDR to name a few.  They all pretty much work the same way and accomplish the same results.  Most have trial downloads which is a great way to run them and see if they fit your workflow and vision.

HDR has unlimited potential for creative fine art as well as real world commercial applications.  I encourage you to download some trial software, and explore this exciting process!


Happy HDR Shooting!   Michael

PORTRAIT WORKSHOP

Had a great workshop last Saturday!  Portraits on Location - always challenging - always rewarding!

People photography - especially portraiture - can be very intimidating for many photographers and their subjects.  Why?  Well, in addition to the technical choices and decisions that must be made you're also dealing with personalities, emotions, and perceptions.

How many times have you heard this ... I hate having my picture taken!  I take terrible pictures!  Instead of giving up - accept this for what it really is - these people have had an unpleasant or unflattering portrait made in the past and are not crazy about repeating the process.  Deep down they would love for a photographer to create a dynamic portrait of them!

Hey! - this is opportunity knocking!  Get past your fear!  Take it in small steps.  Study, learn, practice, practice, practice!  Trust me  - you'll improve each and every time out.  The rewards from capturing some great shots of your subject and creating a fun, easy atmosphere during the shoot is tremendous, and makes this type of photography extremely satisfying for both photographer and subject!  A favorite quote of mine..."The Greatest Risk Is Not Taking One". 

Here are some photos from the workshop - these are by workshop participant David Jaehning.  He is the co-owner of Ozarks Photography, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Visit his website,  http://www.ozarksphotography.net  to learn more about him and his business. 

David did a fantastic job of working with our models!  Here are some of his shots from the day.....

         














 When possible, work in props and environments that reflect who people are - what they do.  It's a natural setting for them.  The benefit?  They're at ease, and it's a meaningful, storytelling portrait!

                     
 REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - PORTRAITS

• Preview the location before the shoot if possible to assess technical challenges and artistic opportunities.

• Build rapport early on with your subject.  Involve them in the process - project excitement!  Remember - this is a collaborative process.

• Know how your equipment works - inside & out.  Your attention should be focused on your subject - not technical issues.

• Choose your background & props to enhance and contribute to your subject - not overpower them. 

• Posing - Show your subject what you have in mind - direct them as well as encourage their spontaneity.  Have your subject make small changes in their pose, hand placement, and expression.

• Lighting - keep it simple.  Select lights & modifiers that flatter your subject, and don't intrude on or slow down the shoot.

• Lens selection - Choose carefully-based on what you want to include - be careful of facial distortions with wide angles.

• Camera angles - shoot a wide variety.  Mix it up - high, low, etc.  Shoot a lot of exposures.  There's a natural warm up period for both the photographer and subject.  Digital is great for this - shoot, get the mood going - remember, what you're after are a few really great shots from the session!

      Alright!  Get your camera, lights, and a willing subject.  Plan a portrait shoot, experience the fun of this type of photography, and create a memorable experience for yourself and your subject!


 Happy Shooting!         Michael