High Dynamic Range (HDR) Digital Photography
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Transcript of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Digital Photography
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Digital Photography
Jim ReynoldsFeb 22, 2010
Example 1
Example # 2
Example #3
Example #4
Example #5
About HDR Effects
Renders the scene as the photographer saw it
Captures large range of exposure values (Ev)
Captures highlight detail in underexposed images
Captures shadow detail in overexposed images
Controls noise in shadows
Final images have wonderful color & infinite detail
General HDR Process Steps
1. Take 3 – 7 exposures at different Ev2. Load exposures into HDR Program
(file conversion may be necessary)3. Run HDR creation step
(Generates 32 bit image)4. Run Tone Mapping step
(Reduces image to 16 bit)5. Post process image for tones, saturation, etc
Camera Set Up• Camera on sturdy tripod with cable release• Set camera program to Aperture Priority• Turn off automatic settings such has White
Balance, Autofocus, flash and ISO• Set ISO to low value to reduce noise• Use Manual focus• Continuous shooting mode• Raw 12 bit files
HDR Shooting
• Compose and shoot one image as normal• Then shoot 1 image at – 2 Ev• Then shoot 1 image at + 2 Ev • Or if available, use camera’s Automatic
Exposure Bracketing (AEB) to shoot 3 rapid exposures (Canon)
• On certain Nikon models, shoot 5 – 7 AEB exposures at 1 EV increments each
HDR Programs ComparedProgram Name Platforms Batch
ProcessImage Alignment
Tone Map Operators
Process Speed
Photomatix Pro Win / Apple Yes Yes 2 Fast
FDRTools Advanced Win / Apple Yes Yes 3 Very Slow
Dynamic Photo HDR Win No Yes 6 Fast
Artizen HDR Win Yes Yes 11 Very Fast
Photoshop CS3 / CS4 Win / Apple Script Yes 4 Medium
HDR Programs Compared 2Program Name Comments
Photomatix ProConsistent results, easy to use, fast processing, only 2 tone mapping programs
FDRTools AdvancedGood control of dynamic range, Best contrast and detail, Must convert files to Tiff or Jpg, slow processing
Dynamic Photo HDREasy to use, 6 tone mapping operators provide for great many effects including “grunge”, Windows only
Artizen HDREasy, fast & Good color & contrast. Tone mapping is complicated.
Photoshop CS3 / CS4Works fine with middle to low contrast scenes. High contrast scenes difficult. May create artifacts.
Capitola Pier – Normal Exposure
Underexposed / Overexposed
Photomatix / FDRTools
Which One is HDR?
Credits
• Complete Guide to HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE Digital Photography by Ferrell McCollough