More photos
Posted by: Rich in Arizona, Digital Photography, HDR, Photo of the Day, Photoshop
I was planning on holding off on more HDR shots today. Instead I was going to write about my portable photo lab. There’s so much I can do in the Airstream’s space, and the equipment takes almost no room. Well, except those darned books…. 
I’ll write about my portable photo lab later. Instead we’ll talk a little more about the HDR shots. I know, more strange photos, right? Sure, if you want to call them strange.
Last night I walked into the Granite Dells once again (shocking). Strange wispy clouds were covering the skies once again. I thought I might find some interesting shots. Once again I set out to create a few unique HDRs that really relay what the Dells are like. See, I’ve never been satisfied with photos of the Dells. I never feel like the depth and scale of the rock formations gets relayed with standard shots.
So, I set up to do my HDRs. The first two photos that you’re seeing here today are shots that went into the first HDR on this page. One over exposed photo, one under exposed photo, and the one missing with a centered exposure. In the end, with 3 photos in hand I generated the next photo…..
As you can see, this HDR seems to be more than a sum of it’s parts. That’s why HDRs interested me in the first place. The fact you can really bring out the contrast and detail of a scene blows my mind!
What’s nice is that you can see so much more than you would with a standard snap shot. Normally, a sunset photo will yield neat skies and dark shadowed mountains. Not with the HDR technique. You can show the foreground as well, really providing the detail of the scene. Just plain exciting, don’t you think?
Creating my HDRs isn’t super time consuming. But keep in mind. I don’t consider any of these a final product yet. Give me time. These are just the first pass with little work. The next step to really get great art prints out of these is to work with the histogram, ensure accurate color, and make sure the HDR isn’t over the top.
With HDR you can do really accurate photos. Or you can create almost cartoonish images that go beyond the reality of the scene. I’d like to fall closer to the accurate scene. Maybe with a little extra “pop” that makes a viewer stop and say, “Wow!” Personally I’ve been saying that a lot lately as I learn about this craft (and it is a craft for sure).
Well, that’s it for today. Hope you enjoyed seeing the photos that go into an HDR. For your viewing pleasure I’ve included a second HDR from last night. Just plain fun!
Oh, and by the way……with these types of shots I have to ask you……….
Isn’t my back yard super cool? :) I think it is!
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I am still amazed by the fact that the pictures look so much more 3-D than just regular shots…not to say that regular pictures are not good, they just look sort of flat in comparison.
And yes, Prescott has a lot of wonderful backyards doesn’t it?
I’m amazed too. Simple technique too.
Still enjoying my backyard!
I’m fascinated by the pix you’ve been producing, Rick. Very eerie. You have turned The Dells into a science fiction world. BTW, do you have a new job that takes you down to The Valley of Death for school? Did I miss a post?
Granny J,
Glad you’re enjoying the sci-fi look. The High Dynamic Ratio photography is an interesting new hobby of mine. I’m still learning, and I think it is coming along nicely.
Ah, I started working part time months ago (you know where). Full time now, doing lots of new trainings. Most of the stuff (actually all of it) I already know, but they still want you to attend their training.
O.K. photo-man, riddle me this. Does HDR work with your macro shots… just thinking that those red cactus flowers (maybe next year) might look as surreal as the building’s interior and the scenery shots. Just a thought to get you mulling.