First Attempt at HDR

Here's my first attempt at a high dynamic range photo. I downloaded a trial version of the software - hence the watermarks, but I think I'll lash out and purchase the fully registered version.

 

That looks really good Dave! I have no idea about HDR - never heard of it, or seen it before - but there is a real sense of depth, almost a 3D quality. I am intrigued! Can you tell me what it is/how it does it in laymans terms?

 

Thanks JarBax!
Well, I'm no expert. In fact I'm still a the bottom of the nursery class, but HDR images record a wider tonal range than can be normally obtained from a single image and are nearer the range that can be perceived by the human eye.
The image above was made by combining three photos of the same scene - one optimised for highlights, one for mid-tones and one for shadows. I set the camera to "auto-bracket" +/- 2 stops.
I think I should have used a remote release cable as the image isn't quite as sharp as I think it should be - though perhaps I could correct this with the software.
Still much to learn!

Cheers
Dave

 

Great image Dave,just be aware of the blown out sky.
If you want tips/advice etc for using photomatix,just ask.

These were done with a single photo.





Hdr is an art form of its own,there is a knack to it.Soon you'll know what will,and what wont work.

Regards,
Joe.

 

Thanks Joe. Seeing some of your HDRs helped push me along the HDR route.
I've lots and lots to learn about Photomatix and am also still trying to come to grips with Canon DPP and EOS Utility, let alone the new camera!!
I'll probably be picking your brains before too long!

Cheers
Dave

 

I dont use DPP etc.I use capture 1,it suits me better,so cant help you there.
What camera have you got?
Feel free to pick my brains whenever.
Joe.

 

How do you do it with a single picture? Great pics both of you by the way:thumb:

 

Great photo Dave:thumb:, we have so many good photographers in this forum, even I'm getting the urge to get a bit more into it. 02

 

EOS 450D Joe

 

How do you do it with a single picture?

In photomatix,load 1 image 3 times.
HDR-Generate-OK in the pop up box-select desired exposure values in the next box-OK-check only align source image in the next box-ok-HDR-Tone Mapping-select your settings-Apply.

In the settings select
circa 40% for white point
circa 10% for black point.
In light smoothing,i always use the second from highest.This helps cut down haloing.

Sounds complicated like this,but its easy to do.

Dave,450 is a decent camera,i use canon as well.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a go!

 

A few of my early HDR's showing how easy it is to get it wrong. These are over saturated as the controls in Photomatix are quite sensitive. Care should be taken with the settings or else you end up with noise, halos, unrealistic scenes, oil slick skies etc etc. Too many HDR's exist that scream out to you.."I'm an HDR" When the basic principle behind the programmes conception is to capture a greater range of tones (that which the eyes see's normally) to what the camera cannot capture.







Steve...

 

If you don't want to pay for HDR software there is a free open source alternative here (http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/) its called Qtpfsgui

 

Thanks Joe for the tip about HDR from a single jpeg. I tried it with this and finished it off in Paint Shop. I know there's a bit of halo, but I deliberately left it in.