HDR Experimentation

[Jeff D. Welker]

I recently downloaded the lasted version of Photomatix Pro's HDR software. I've been experimenting and wanted to get some feedback. These two images show what I consider to be two ends of the HDR spectrum. That being said, you can walk on the wild side way more than I have here. My efforts thus far have been to explore high dynamic range post processing to see if I can enhance a "normal" image and keep if from looking HDR. I also wanted to feed the 1960's side of my brain and explore a more radical approach to see what artistic possibilities exist. I'd love your feedback. As the scientist say, more study is required

Quasi Normal


Wild Child

[Joe Copalman]

The halo-ing on the "wild child" shot is pretty severe, but that seems to come with the territory on extreme HDR images.  Other than that, both are strong, compelling images made even more interesting through the processing. 

[BillOz]

I really like the Wild Child image more, with the understanding it was meant to be an image, not so much a photo.  I think people get too caught up in the "it doesn't look realistic" with how some people alter what is meant to be an HDR image.  I don't have an issue with that.  In fact, more and more, I'd rather see some level of image manipulation, because otherwise everything looks the same from all five guys lining the fence, and I'm pretty bored with that, even being one of the five guys at the fence.

To me, these aren't what HDR is about, but more of complex image manipulation.  To me, HDR is more just getting a much larger range of exposure, through combined lower and higher exposure shots.  Not that it really matters how one gets to where the image is, just an observation of interpretation on definition.

One question though.  Are these mutli-frame shots combined, or simply a single frame manipulated?

[Chris V]

I like them both, #2 the most! Jeff I am assuming you HDR'd this off a single shot correct? That would explain the halo effect on #2. Shooting a moving target isn't really the best for a bracketed burst but if shooting a static object then you can shoot a manual bracket sequence from extremely under exposed all the way up to way over exposed, usually 9 or 10 shots total. Then combine those into a HDR and it will really eliminate the halo effect.

So as for your processing did you do any in Photomatix or was it all with other programs after the merge? Would be curious to know the work flow on this one.

[Joe Copalman]

Good info on the origins of the halo, Chris.  That's my only beef with shot #2.  Other than that, it's gorgeous. 

[Chris V]

Jeff, my only beef would be to try and bring some of the natural light/reflection back to the canopy area. Still great the way it is though!!

[Jeff D. Welker]

One question though.  Are these mutli-frame shots combined, or simply a single frame manipulated?

Thanks for the comments Bill, this is a single image that is tone mapped in Photomatix Pro.

[Jeff D. Welker]

I like them both, #2 the most! Jeff I am assuming you HDR'd this off a single shot correct? That would explain the halo effect on #2. Shooting a moving target isn't really the best for a bracketed burst but if shooting a static object then you can shoot a manual bracket sequence from extremely under exposed all the way up to way over exposed, usually 9 or 10 shots total. Then combine those into a HDR and it will really eliminate the halo effect.

So as for your processing did you do any in Photomatix or was it all with other programs after the merge? Would be curious to know the work flow on this one.

Appreciate the feedback Chris. As noted in my response to Bill, I used Photomatix Pro to tone map the single image and then did some minor work in LR/PS - an experiment in progress. One of my next experiments will be to used LR to create numerous "Virtual Copies" of the single image and then edit each one to create +/- exposure difference and see if I can get a handle on the halos. Photomatix has a similar feature that I've yet to become familiar with. We will see what happens. I'll post my future results 

[Jeff D. Welker]

The halo-ing on the "wild child" shot is pretty severe, but that seems to come with the territory on extreme HDR images.  Other than that, both are strong, compelling images made even more interesting through the processing. 

Love the "wild child" moniker for #2 Joe. These HDR images are certainly something one does to taste, and like any chef, occasionally I put too much seasoning in the pot. Regarding HDR and specifically image #2, another acquaintance remarked that he has never really been a fan of the Jimi Hendrix style of HDR, but he does love his music - certainly a personal thing. I'll keep playing and see what comes out of the oven 

[Jeff D. Welker]

I'd rather see some level of image manipulation, because otherwise everything looks the same from all five guys lining the fence, and I'm pretty bored with that, even being one of the five guys at the fence.

Sir William; I've always enjoyed seeing the different images and interpretations that come from those 5 guys at the fence. Gratefully, many of us have differing visions and interpretations of the exact same event - that is a big part of the fun for me. Sometimes my images make me wonder if I was at Woodstock or standing on a ladder next to Joe, you, Jack, and Paul at Willie

[Paul Dumm]

Sometimes my images make me wonder if I was at Woodstock or standing on a ladder next to Joe, you, Jack, and Paul at Willie

That sounds like a song from the 70's 

[Jeff D. Welker]

PAINTERLY HAWGS

[Tucson Photographer]

Hi Jeff. I experiment with HDR as well, but I use NIK HDR Efex Pro (boy, that's a mouthful!) They've just come out with a version "2". I understand that the results from the new version can be very realistic, rather than HDRish. If and when I upgrade I'll let you know.
And for the record, I think that Wild Child looks fantastic. And I completely agree with BillOz. HDR is just another tool to make a photo yours.

[Matt Ottosen]

I use Photomatix Pro 4.2 for HDR, and I am very pleased with it.  I have been using Photomatix Pro for many years.  Here are a few of my latest HDRs.

Boeing C-17A Globemaster III


Lockheed KC-130T Hercules


Lockheed KC-130T Hercules