I’ve often admired “HDR Photos” and this bank holiday weekend have had time to learn how it’s done and have a go myself! HDR stands for High Dynamic Range Imagery. It gives a greater dynamic range of luminance’s between light and dark which allows a more accurate representation of intensity levels found in real scenes.
To do this I used the AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) on my camera to take 3 photos at different levels of exposure in rapid succession. I hand held the camera but should have probably used a tripod. The computer then merges the three images together into an HDR photo. This looks kind of disappointing as it needs further mapping to look right on a screen. I then used tonemapping to reveal the details in the highlights and shadows. This can also be used to create a more artistic “Painterly” effect.
These are some images from my first attempt, I didn’t fully understand what I was doing but was pleased with the results!
This photo “Crossroads” or “At a Crossroads” is taken at the Matfield Village Crossroads. This was my favourite photo, I like the different looks of the signpost where some are much newer and brighter than others, however I do think the blue of the cycle route signs are a little too vivid. the greens and oranges of Morellos in the background nicely offset the sign. To finish off the clouds in the sky have come out very dark and black, despite it being a cloudly day. I’d love to retake this shot when there is a red sky.
This picture of Mark and Son Butchers uses a very similar tonemapping settings to the previous. I liked the way the details of the tiles and brickwork come out in the image and the vividness of the blue signage. This photo was taken as the storefront was being repainted and I particularly like the paint can with brush sticking out by the front door!
Finally a photo of a Fordson Major tractor, I’m not so sure about this image. I like the “urban, industrial” effect – the detail in the rust and green on the the tractor, but I think maybe the blue is a bit over saturated.
If you like these photos check out my Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/88958920@N00/ and see if I’ve posted any more since! Hopefully this will be the first of many. If you have any experience with HDR or any views on the photos please leave a comment, I’d love to know what you think or any advice you have.
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Very very impressive! Not something that I’ve tried yet. What software have you used?
Thanks Ben, I used Photomatrix,
I have had some comments that some people believe HDR to mean truely beautiful clear pictures – eg sunrise over a rolling mountain. Which I understand, I had a go at this without success this weekend, so I think first I need to go back to basics and learn how my camera works “What does ISO mean!” But hopefully I’ll get there one day.
That said I really like the effect of the above so may try it again sometime!