Submitted by Bradley Robertson on Wed, 03/19/2008 - 10:22pm
Posted in
In case you haven't heard of High Dynamic Range (HDR) images they are images that allow you to have a higher range of shadows and highlights than you would be able to achieve with just one photograph. Some people feel that HDR images are closer to what the human eye actually sees. I had been introduced to this a while ago by my friend Thomas. I didn't understand all that well how it worked, but I was impressed with the results.
For some reason I got to thinking about it again the other day and I waited until there was a day that we had some sun. Now, the following images are by no means great compsitions. I simply just set my tripod up on my deck an took some photos. Looking back on it, there probably where better subjects available in my back yard that didn't involve having a nasty power line in the way.
I'm not going to get in to the details on how to do this other than each HDR image typically consists of 3 images compiled together. Usually a photograph is taken at its normal Shutter and Aperture values for the scene and then you go two stops down and 2 stops up.
First, here is my baseline image:
Baseline
Next, 2 stops up (over-exposed):
Over-exposed
Now, 2 stops down (under-exposed):
Under-exposed
Last, the HDR image:
Notice how the background and the foreground both seem to have the appropriate exposure. It may be possible to take this image in real life by an experienced photographer, I'm not really sure. But I do know I don't know any way to do it am I am pleased with this results. If you are interested in trying this out there is a good tutorial for Photomatix as well as for Photoshop. Good luck and have fun!
HDR Crazy
It's good to see that you have discovered HDRs. I noticed HDR photos over a year ago when I was surfing flickr.com. Alot of people upload 3 to 5 exposured made HDR's. The more exposures at different levels, the more effect it gives to the final results. Also, if you tone map the phone, but changing the vividness of the colors, brightness, dynamic light direction, gamma, color strengths, and color swapping, you will get anywhere from real to eye catching beyond reality results. It is possible to take 1 photo and make two more exposure level(high/low) photos out of one to create an HDR. You can do this in Photoshop. I have quite a few HDR's on flickr. My username name is mkansas73, please feel free to look me up sometime.
Michael
Your uncle...
I've done others
I have more that I have done. I post them in my gallery. I haven't posted all of them yet, but when I go out of town I try to take a few if the opportunity presents itself. I have a few projects around town I want to do as well. I saw your photos and they look great.
Photomatix lets you tweak everything you mentioned and it's easier to use than Photoshop. I have tried both and I prefer Photomatix. It's a one trick pony, but it gets the job done :)