HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Dynamic Range is the ratio of light to dark in a photograph. HDR is not suitable for every photographic situation, but can be used to make a better photo when: (1) the ratio of light to dark varies across the scene (for instance, a large landscape with many areas of light and dark); (2) portraits in sunlight (HDR can even out harsh shadows); (3) low-light or backlit scenes (HDR can brighten up the foreground).
Since HDR involves taking at least 3 photos of the same subject or area, more often than not a tripod is used to keep the camera in the same position, as well as stead. The 3 photos are taken at different exposures, then blended together to make one photograph by using post processing techniques.
The idea of using a number of exposures to assist in photographing an "all over the map" range of luminosity was pioneered by Gustave Le Gray in the 1850s. He used this method to photograph seascapes showing both the sky and the sea, which were almost impossible at the time using standard methods, as the luminosity range was too extreme. Le Gray used one negative for the sky, and another one with a longer exposure for the sea, and combined the two into one picture.
Since HDR involves taking at least 3 photos of the same subject or area, more often than not a tripod is used to keep the camera in the same position, as well as stead. The 3 photos are taken at different exposures, then blended together to make one photograph by using post processing techniques.
The idea of using a number of exposures to assist in photographing an "all over the map" range of luminosity was pioneered by Gustave Le Gray in the 1850s. He used this method to photograph seascapes showing both the sky and the sea, which were almost impossible at the time using standard methods, as the luminosity range was too extreme. Le Gray used one negative for the sky, and another one with a longer exposure for the sea, and combined the two into one picture.
I use a Nikon D800 in my photography work. It is one of the large format cameras that has a bracketing button right on top of the camera. This allows me to set up for HDR photography without too much fuss and keeps track of the number of photos I have taken in the sequence. I can also set the auto timer, so that I can simply push the button and the camera will do all of the work without my having to touch it. This ensures no movement (or camera shake) and will allow for a better rendering. A good Plan A.
However, right now with the snow on the ground, I decided to use Plan B. Plan B is one of probably many software options to achieve an HDR photo. I used a combination of Nik and Topaz to achieve the HDR look in the above photograph of Lilah and Bethy. I took this photo back in June of 2016 (and I even have four different exposures of it, but in almost all cases, one or the other dog's head has moved a bit) when I was practicing use of my remote control gadget.
There are a number of photographers who believe very strongly that HDR has no place in the world of photography. I think that is because, when overused on a photo, HDR can cause halos, take already vivid colors and make them either too vivid or wash them out completely, and cause the photo to look too contrived and over processed. I have seen some of that work, and I am not a fan.
I think where architecture or structures may be involved in a scene, HDR can have some merit and can be used in a way that does not cause the photo to look disastrous. In the photo above, I used my HDR editing software programs to bring out the texture and colors of the wooden bench and to illuminate (up the dynamic range) Lilah and Bethy.
However, right now with the snow on the ground, I decided to use Plan B. Plan B is one of probably many software options to achieve an HDR photo. I used a combination of Nik and Topaz to achieve the HDR look in the above photograph of Lilah and Bethy. I took this photo back in June of 2016 (and I even have four different exposures of it, but in almost all cases, one or the other dog's head has moved a bit) when I was practicing use of my remote control gadget.
There are a number of photographers who believe very strongly that HDR has no place in the world of photography. I think that is because, when overused on a photo, HDR can cause halos, take already vivid colors and make them either too vivid or wash them out completely, and cause the photo to look too contrived and over processed. I have seen some of that work, and I am not a fan.
I think where architecture or structures may be involved in a scene, HDR can have some merit and can be used in a way that does not cause the photo to look disastrous. In the photo above, I used my HDR editing software programs to bring out the texture and colors of the wooden bench and to illuminate (up the dynamic range) Lilah and Bethy.
One more example, the shelter dog above. When you are taking photographs at an animal shelter, there may not be ideal conditions for optimum shots during your session. Such was the case of this particular photo session, high noon, sun in all it's glory, the only shade provided by the green fence that needed Tom Sawyer and his paint brush. That sun you see shining on this cutie's back actually darkened his face quite a bit. Since I did not want to overexpose the ear left in the sun, I used post processing to gain back the shadowed facial features. The fence was not as vivid, nor as defined, so I added an HDR effect to bring out the green color and give it structure. I liked what the effect did to the fence, but not the dog, so using a brush set at 50% opacity, I brushed off some of the effect from the dog, leaving just what was required to lighten his face.
HDR can be a helpful tool if not overused or relied on for every single photograph. I am still going to try the bracketing option with my camera, as soon as I can get a dog to the park. Some nice weather is coming up next week, so that might be an ideal time to practice HDR in camera!
I can't wait to see what everyone else has done this week in terms of HDR! So I'm going to sit here with my cup of morning coffee and enjoy what the rest of these wonderful photographers have to offer. Join me, starting with Rochelle Marshall of Dark Sapphire Pet Photography in Nelson, New Zealand. AND, have a great weekend!
HDR can be a helpful tool if not overused or relied on for every single photograph. I am still going to try the bracketing option with my camera, as soon as I can get a dog to the park. Some nice weather is coming up next week, so that might be an ideal time to practice HDR in camera!
I can't wait to see what everyone else has done this week in terms of HDR! So I'm going to sit here with my cup of morning coffee and enjoy what the rest of these wonderful photographers have to offer. Join me, starting with Rochelle Marshall of Dark Sapphire Pet Photography in Nelson, New Zealand. AND, have a great weekend!
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