what kind of photography is HDR good for?

12 years 1 month ago #202476 by JM 0 DER
I've noticed a lot of HDR images on here, and some of them just look...well, a little funny. I've seen some sports cars in HDR, and they looked killer. But other than that, it seems like the technique ruined the overall image.

So what kind of photography is HDR good for? Or does it depend more on how the photographer applies the technique? In other words, is it the technique that's wrong for the image, or is it user error?


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12 years 1 month ago #202479 by Cruso
Many photographers use the technique in a scene that doesn't have enough dynamic range to warrant using the technique.

Then they process the image in a way that to them is artistically sweet.

And what you consider a ruined image, others consider splendid.


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12 years 1 month ago #202482 by Baydream
There are all levels of HDR from simply simulating what the human eye sees (in a high contrast situation) to full blown "artsy" effect.
HDR can be used on any photo but many folks do not like the "over cooked" HDR look just as they don't like "modern art".

As my late Mom used to say, "Everyone to their own taste said the old lady as she kissed the cow".

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

Photo Comments
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12 years 1 month ago #202484 by geoffellis
Its the same as non-HDR photos. Some turn out... some do not.

Some people like some things, some people do not... just because you dont like it does not mean everyone dislikes it.
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12 years 1 month ago #202485 by Henry Peach
High dynamic range techniques can be useful for any situation where the lighting is beyond the dynamic range limitations of the gear and materials being used. The commonly used technique of blending multiple exposures can be difficult if dealing with moving subject matter.

The illustrated look that is usually associated with HDR is better described as local contrast enhancement. Local contrast enhancement techniques/tools are commonly used to make a high dynamic range image viewable on low dynamic range monitors and print paper, but they can be applied to any photograph.

Any technique/style that becomes too obvious may be considered over the top depending on the tastes of the viewer. You've probably viewed plenty of images that were created using HDR and local contrast adjustment, but if it's subtle you wouldn't know unless told by the photographer. Photomatix was the first really popular software for HDR. It uses a technique called tonemapping for the local contrast enhancement. The default tonemapping settings are sort of over the top, IMO, but many folks like that look. It is possible to turn it down.
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12 years 1 month ago #202488 by bad mom
I think HDR is really rather subjective. I prefer two different types of it. The subtle ones that you have to question whether or not is was HDR and I have to admit I like some of the over the top ones as well, depending on subject matter. I saw one recently of a large castle in the mountains that was really over saturated and dramatic looking and it reminded me of good fantasy artwork. Certainly not for everyone but occasionally it can work.


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12 years 1 month ago #202497 by Darrell
I agree HDR can change a picture to what you actually see or want to see. Some HDR images push the limits and thats OK to. it is called art, some like and some do not...

You will not be judged as a photographer by the pictures you take, but by the pictures you show.
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12 years 1 month ago #202524 by john_m
I stll love doing HDR photos even though I dont do them very often. Different stroke for different folks I guess. I also happen to like the overcooked ones as well as long as it works for the photo. I have seen some killer portraits that were shot as HDR also.

Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers

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12 years 1 month ago #202546 by rmeyer7
What kind of photography is HDR good for?

Ideally, only images that have more dynamic range than the camera sensor can capture in a single exposure. I think it's a waste of time to use HDR on a shot that has nice, even lighting where you can get all the details perfectly in a single exposure. (I would definitely consider some cases exceptions -- like if you're just trying to practice and learn the technique, so you bracket your exposures just to get some shots to play with.)


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