Single Shot HDR

[newfoundlander61]

i guess you can call this a single shot HDR, played around a bit on my MacPro Laptop with IPHOTO/Preview/HDRtist to get this single shot result. This is my first attempt with this technique, it appears to be HDR like

[Michael Tam]

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is all about exposure latitude in digital photography.  It has the most application in landscape photography where the differentials of EV between various components of the picture are much greater than what the camera sensor can record.  Whereas in the conventional method with the use of split neurtral density filter system to control the contrast gradient, in the post-processing route with the use of HDR software by blending of bracketed exposures into a single photograph.

I found this article most illuminating in understanding the use of HDR based on Ansel Adams' (the greatest landscape photograher) work in tonal exposure in the Digital Zone System:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how- ... ystem.html

Good birding and photography.

[Moira]

It gives the lettering a cool effect - almost embossed.  I like it.

[Michael Tam]

For those who want to explore the depth of the HDR application to Landscape Photography, I came across this handbook which may be very informative:

http://www.hdrlabs.com/book/index.html

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

HDR is an invaluable post-processing tool for landscape photography where the dynamic range exceeds that of the sensor capability.  There are many softwares available in the market to assist with this process.

The following article is very informative to learn the best use of the HDR post-processing tool:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how- ... f-hdr.html

Good birding and photography.

[denis]

excellent advice and tips here,and i,m sure going to order the book.i,ve started dabbling in HDR myself,and i see the possibilities are endless. here,s one taken over the winter.the boardwalk at lyndy shores.taken at about 6.30-7.00 a.m.
processed in photomatix.

3 exposures bracketed with 1 stop.sure is fun especially when birding slows down.

[Michael Tam]

For those landscape photographers who wish to indulge themselves with the HDR possibilities, this is the "ultimate" step by step Free Tutorial to help one through the process, except for the software that processes the photos, that is not free  :twisted:  :

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial

Good birding and photography.

[lovemypt]

not to take away from Paul's picture but Denis's picture is awesome and would make a great blowup for the wall

[Michael Tam]

There are different HDR software in the market, with Photomatix being a popular choice amongst landscape photographers:

http://www.hdrsoft.com/index.html

The following website offers review of various software currently available:

http://hdrsoftware.com/hdr-software-reviews

Good birding and photography.

[newfoundlander61]

Wow Denis, great shot. Perfect subject for HDR.

[denis]

thanks for the comments guys.excellent tips and links,michael.paul: i,ve tried several software programs,and photomatix seems to work best for me anyhow.i,m dying to try nik,s version,soon i hope.i havent had any sucess,with single image HDR,as i found it cant pull out the full dynamic range without introducing all kinds of artifacts.i always have a sturdy tripod with me and,and a cable release to facilitate things.the thing for me to do now,is to take several images at 1 or 2 stops apart to combine to get the full dynamic range especially if the image has a lot of contast in it.

[Michael Tam]

As a proponent of the filter system, I adopt the shooting discipline from the film days, that is "do it right the first time".   It has been said that much of the contrast gradient issue can be corrected during post-processing with HDR software such as Photomatix, dependent on one's preference in the use of time in the field vs in front of the computer.  For myself, it is the field.

For example, during a one week photo workshop in Arizona & Utah, one could cover in excess of 48 GB of memory card, producing over 4,000 exposures.  Since it is all landscape photography with frequent contrast gradient issue, one could envision the strain on the cervical and lumbar region during the entire process in front of the monitor

This further article will assist in creating a filter system for Landscape & Nature Photography to augment the HDR post-processing:

http://singhray.blogspot.com/2010/03/es ... lling.html

Good birding and photography.

[denis]

absolutely right on michael.i have a set of ND graduated filters in 1,2,and 3 stop,and filter holder,which i,m hoping to experiment with,if i can only stop birding for awhile. LOL

[Michael Tam]

For further understanding in the issue of a filter system, please read a thread with extensive discussion in this forum below:

http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/v ... 03&start=0

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

To further understand the capturing of the darker tonality of shade area of an image through the HDR processing, the following article is very helpful to explore this issue:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how- ... raphy.html

Good birding and photography.