High Dynamic Range Photography

High Dynamic Range Imaging is a technique that lets you to portray a much greater range of tonal detail than a given camera could capture in a single photo. Utilizing HDR in Photoshop makes for some spectacular photos. Let’s take a look

I’ve become engrossed in the new book, A World in HDR by Trey Ratcliff, and am now infatuated with HDR photography! Below I’ll show just a few examples of what can be accomplished using this technique.

High Dynamic Range Imaging is a relatively new technique that allows you to portray a much greater range of tonal detail than a given camera could capture in a single photo. Utilizing technique and leveraging the merge to HDR feature in Photoshop can help you make the most of your photography experience.

HDR at its best

HDR at its best

As shown above, the works of Ruben Seabra, at his Flickr photostream (atrium09). This is one photographer who best illustrates some of the awe-inspiring work you can create using HDR technologies. Unfortunately, Ruben doesn’t tell us much about himself, as is typical of Flickr artists.
HDR at its best HDR at its best


Broadhaven Sunset - HDR and Tone Mapped, by Pemb Dave

Broadhaven Sunset – HDR and Tone Mapped, by Pemb Dave

Pemb Dave’s photostream on Flickr offers some wonderful HDR photography, along with straight photogralphy from some pretty breathtaking landscapes.
Broadhaven Sunset - HDR and Tone Mapped, by Pemb Dave Broadhaven Sunset – HDR and Tone Mapped, by Pemb Dave


Barcelona HDR By MorBCN

Barcelona HDR By MorBCN

MorBCN is from Barcelona and has created some fabulous photos — like the one shown — created from 3 exposures – f/8 – 1/160s – ISO 100 – 14mm Nikon D80 with Sigma 10-20. His web site is in Spanish, so follow his photography at Flickr

Barcelona HDR By MorBCN Barcelona HDR By MorBCN


Go Ahead by Ageel

Go Ahead by Ageel

Ageel Alluhaibi is a Freelance/Fine art photographer located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Born on 26 oct 1978, photographer since 2003. see: FaceBook and his fine arts site www.ageel.net
Go Ahead by Ageel Go Ahead by Ageel


Midsummers Play Fake HDR ... clever shot by Mescon

Midsummers Play Fake HDR … clever shot by Mescon

Spin, spin, spin around – then RACE to the finish! This Fake-HDR from 1 RAW, shot handheld with a Nikkor 80-200/2,8 on a D300 body. … see it huge, enlarged
Midsummers Play Fake HDR ... clever shot by Mescon Midsummers Play Fake HDR … clever shot by Mescon


Faux HDR Tutorial by Christiaan Leever

Faux HDR Tutorial by Christiaan Leever

If you want to delve into the HDR look, read this excellent tutorial by Christiaan Leever from Hengelo, Netherlands. Learn how to create a faux-HDR image from a jpeg original. christiaanleever.com
Faux HDR Tutorial by Christiaan Leever Faux HDR Tutorial by Christiaan Leever


Casa Comalat, Barcelona by MorBCN

Casa Comalat, Barcelona by MorBCN

We’re seeing a lot of spectacular photography coming out of Spain, like this visual feast showing the window of the Casa Comalat (1906-1911) by the modernist architect Salvador Valeri i Pupurull. morbcn.com
Casa Comalat, Barcelona by MorBCN Casa Comalat, Barcelona by MorBCN


Bremen Muhle am Wall HDR by Peter Gorges

Bremen Muhle am Wall HDR by Peter Gorges

Peter has presented an inspiring array of photos that I guarantee you’ll enjoy! This one was particularly dramatic, but he displays a wide variety at his Photostream
Bremen Muhle am Wall HDR by Peter Gorges Bremen Muhle am Wall HDR by Peter Gorges


Time travel in color by Kris Kros

Time travel in color by Kris Kros

This is some superb stuff … note the depth in this shot! And don’t miss Kris’ blog: kriskrosgallery.blogspot.com Watch for his upcoming book … which we’ll talk about in the Designers’ Bookshelf
Time travel in color by Kris Kros Time travel in color by Kris Kros


It’s HDR Photography

coverIn image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic range imaging (HDRI or just HDR) is a set of techniques that allow a greater dynamic range of luminances between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than standard digital imaging techniques or photographic methods. This wider dynamic range allows HDR images to more accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to faint starlight.

You can learn a lot more about high dynamic range Photography at the Wikipedia. And if this dramatic technique appeals to you, then I highly recommend A World in HDR where photography expert Trey Ratcliff shows you just about everything you need to know about this wonderful technique. A unique blend of practical and inspirational, this book features a breathtaking collection of HDR photographs along with engaging explanations of how Trey achieved the image. You’ll also get foolproof HDR tutorial and software recommendations — which is essential if you’re going to get it right.


thanks for reading

Fred Showker

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