High Dynamic Range
As part of my ongoing escapade I have been playing with a number of photographic techniques that have caught my eye. One of these creative approaches is High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) or HDR for short. HDR is a set of techniques that allow for the merging of luminance values across several images. The range of detail in the lightest to darkest areas of an image are merged giving a wider range of detail and luminance to the entire scene. This wider dynamic range allows HDR images more accurately when representing actual scenes.
In many instances this creative process simply allows an artist to bring out details that would be lost in a scene with large ranges of luminescence such as inside a dark room looking out into a sunlit scene. In a more creative and expressive way details can be made to pop with almost an electricity and depth that is not realistic or possible without extensive manipulation.
There are numerous ways to create HDR images using standard image manipulation like Photoshop which provides an automated mechanism to merge the luminosity values with RAW images. There are also plug-ins such as Hydra and Photomatix that streamline the process and allow you to save combinations of settings so that once a satisfactory effect is achieved you can replicate and apply to future images.
Software alone is not enough to create a punchy and otherworldly HDR composition. To start it is best to have a series of RAW images. RAW images are like traditional photographic negatives and typically have a wider dynamic range and maintains most of the information captured by the image sensor. This makes RAW images the best place to start but it is possible to use JPG files if that is all you have available. With that said I’ve pulled off a few selections with only two photos as a luminous base with great results. Many cameras allow you to set your camera for Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB) which automatically produces a burst mode of images set with + and – values around your base exposure setting.
For best results the series of images must be perfectly aligned with each other so that the luminance values are able to be manipulated during the process. If an image is misaligned then the effect is lost and significant haloing and color aberration ruin the resulting final production. For this purpose I’d suggest a tripod or monopod to assist if you’ve had too many Starbucks or if you are running a slow shutter speed. I purchased my Vanguard Alta Carbon Fiber Tripod for my long exposure night exploration and am glad because now I can get more use when I’m shooting low light HDR destined captures.
For the really eye popping ultra surreal HDR images try and ensure a wide range of tonal and luminescent range in your subject of choice. Brick, Cloudy Skies, Rusty Metal, and heavily textured types of materials seem to work great for these types of creative effects.
Once the core HDR photo is created other creative methods can further be applied to generate truly magnificent works of art. HDR is undoubtedly a trend more than anything but for those that love the evocative nature of the images it can produce it is one that hopefully will be around for a while.
Happy Shooting!
If you’d like to see some great examples of HDR from two photographers that I respect for their HDR work check out Clayton Perry Photography and Andrew Kuznetsov
View my Collection of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography
