Tuesday, June 30, 2009

High Dynamic Range Imaging

High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) what a wonderful world it is, well at least for some photographers. HDRI or HDR for short-short is another alternate process for image processing. Some folks like it and some do not, kind of like the entire digital age. I personally think it can help to produce some interesting images. However, some folks just can not seem to except HDR as a valid process.
In my opinion HDR has had some bad exposure, no pun intended. For various reasons people have rejected HDR images, claiming they have no control over the math, and to think we didn’t think math was important. Also, I have heard the images have halos, and look animated and surreal. However, these are not reasons to dismiss the process but perhaps learn why this happens and try to make something good of it.
HDR has its place in photography just as all the other alternate processes and if done correctly the process will evolve into wonderful images. But you are not going to please everyone. So, for those that like HDRI drive on and those that want to learn more please join me over the next few weeks to explore HDRI a little more. Hopefully, I will be able to explain the process and help those that might need help with HDR imaging. Check back and remember please comment.

7 comments:

ryan tyrl said...

HDR is cool and makes for interesting shots. The manual way in my opinion is fantastic! (Film D and B included - Ansel) But when people use a program that does it for them...well...what does that say? Can you meter right or do you just use a program to fix all your problems? A 10 year old can use stuff like photomatix!

Demetrius Freeman said...

agreed, i think HDR is a great process but sometimes i come across images that go way to far with it. HDR to me is similar to those photoshop actions and requires no skill when using photomatrix.

Darren said...

Correct, HDR is simply an automated action. HDR is not really a skill in terms of software nor is tone mapping. The skill is getting it into HDR software. For instance realizing you have a massive difference between shadows and highlight details, knowing that you must average or combine images or exposures to have an acceptable image. From what I have seen most of the errors are made during the tone mapping stage. When I say errors I mean something I did not like, however, ALL images are subjective to the marker's taste. Therefore, errors may not have been errors. Sorry for the side step - I have seen some well done work and I have seen some work taken to the extreme and if you like the extreme, then drive on. But some people do not realize that extreme halos and fuzziness are not a part of HDRI, unless you will it. Tone mapping is a different horse that I will tackle a little later. New point - Letting the software do some work for you is not a bad thing. If it can make your life easier then go for it. I do not see people beating downs doors to learn programming so they can stay with manual techniques. How many people drive cars with automatic transmissions by choice? How many folks can do math in their head or on paper verses using a calculator? Using software is not a bad thing as long as you understand what the end product should look like, so if a redo or touching up is needed you can do it manually. Think about what painters probably said about photographers. Read the history of photography and you will find out photographers were not always likeable. But, the big but, if you prefer manual that is fine as well.

Amanda Gardner said...

Love HDR...There were some amazing prints at the PPI comp that were done very well..It was really inspiring

Darren said...

Yes, some of the HDR images at the IPC were very well done.

Web Design London said...

I think HDR is a great process.It makes for interesting shots. That's why i just love HDR. Thanks for the post.

Darren said...

yeap, HDR can be used to create interesting images. I have been playing a bit with it myself. I'll have to post some.

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