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  4. What is HDR??? How does it work?

What is HDR??? How does it work?


12 years 11 months ago #73937 by Wildgee
I know it stands for High Dynamic Range but is it just 3 bracketed pics and you use software to composite them? Does the software do all of the work or is it much more complicated than that?
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12 years 11 months ago #73941 by Eddie
It's fair to say that it's much more complicated than that. A good HDR can use anywhere between three to...whatever number of images. General rule of thumb is to meter the the darkest area and the lightest area, and then shoot properly exposed images of both the bottom and top of the range, and shots in one stop increments in between.
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12 years 11 months ago #73943 by MLKstudios
Yes. Yes. No.

:)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
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12 years 11 months ago #73945 by Wildgee

MLKstudios wrote: Yes. Yes. No.

:)


Thanks for the indepth answer. :)
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12 years 11 months ago #73947 by Wildgee
So essentially its many variations of the same shot...all composited using software? So essentially I was correct, just that it is more than just bracketed shots. So I can adjust the stops and the exposure etc. and just take varying shots and then composite them? Is HDR usually built into most software programs like Corel and Photoshop, or is there a specific program you would recommend? Thanks.
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12 years 11 months ago #73951 by Eddie
Photoshop can create HDR's itself, but it's quite limited. Photomatix is alright.

It's not really variations of the same image. What you're doing is trying to capture a range greater than what your camera's sensor is capable of capturing. The HDR post-process isn't strictly compositing; it's more complex than that because it involves tone-mapping.
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12 years 11 months ago #73953 by D5000
I did HDR once and I do mean once. So I can't give you any advice, as my one and only HDR came out like crap.
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12 years 11 months ago #73955 by chasrich

Wildgee wrote:

MLKstudios wrote: Yes. Yes. No.

:)


Thanks for the indepth answer. :)


Jah, Jah, Nien... Nein? :goodpost: :agree:
“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 11 months ago #73959 by Wildgee
I probably won't make one anytime soon. I am a total noob, I just like to learn as much as I can so when I do get around to it. I just keep hearing so much about it. Thanks.
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12 years 11 months ago #73969 by Baydream
This is only one variation on the subject. There seem to be as many opinions on where HDR is and how it should be used as their are fleas on a mangy dog.
www.photographytalk.com/photography-arti...anding-dynamic-range
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 11 months ago #74155 by ilh2009ky
The answer to your question is a bit more complex. I suggest that you read a bit on HDR to develop an understanding of it. In addition to Googling HDR, I recommend these three books:

1) Ferrell McCullough's "Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Photography"
2) Trey Ratcliff's "A World in HDR"
3) Rick Sammon's "HDR Secrets for Digital Photographers"

However, before reading these books, make sure that you have a good understanding of photography overall including exposure, f/stops, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, auto exposure bracketing, etc. To properly understand, appreciate and get themost out of HDR, it's imperative that you understand photography.

My album Backyard Visions consists of all HDR images. If you like, send me an email note with your email address. I'll send you a list of 30-40 HDR websites that I distribute when I hold HDR workshops.
Ian Leslie Harry
www.ilhphotography.com
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12 years 11 months ago #74233 by MLKstudios
Ian, some very nice color work. Have you ever used a gray card for WB?

www.photographytalk.com/photography-arti...tipusing-a-gray-card

Matthew :)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
,
12 years 11 months ago #74245 by Nikonjan
I do HDR occasionally with Photomatix, one thing I would say is you need to keep the aperture the same in each shot so it is all the same focus and use a tripod. You can do HDR "like" techniques with Topaz software or my other technique is with Photoshop CS4 in Adobe bridge,(I shoot RAW) is to move your sliders to the right, Recovery, Fill light, black, contrast and clarity.Then move them a little back to the left as needed. Also you may want to change your saturation and color tones afterwards. Just an idea and something to play with. Also the Highlight and Shadows sliders will bring out detail.
www.betterphoto.com?nikonjan
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12 years 11 months ago #74579 by ilh2009ky
I've never used a gray card for white balance.
Ian Leslie Harry
www.ilhphotography.com
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12 years 11 months ago - 12 years 11 months ago #74657 by MLKstudios
You might want to consider it. I noticed some WB variety in your "sets". Not that you must always use correct WB, but I think you'll find it a good starting point, and it will save you a lot of time in post.

Matthew :)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
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