Hdr

[J. R. Weems]

From those that do such a super job with these. What is your main objective in producing a HDR photo?
Is there a simple way to approach this operation?
Enquiring minds would like to know. :)

THANKS!!!! :D

[Kodatech]

J.R., I shoot a lot of HDR, and for ME, the objective changes with each subject. Sometimes I only use it to capture a wider range of luminosity, and sometimes I use it to create a surreal, or fantasy like image. Other times I use it to enhance or alter the mood of the scene. Other times it is just to enhance the detail in a textured subject. Here are a few examples of HDR to show why I did what I did to each one.

These First two shots are HDR, and I shot HDR for these because I wanted to shoot directly into the sun. The ONLY way to shoot RIGHT INTO the sun, and still capture a blue sky, and have a building with detail, is to shoot HDR.(in these specific instances)
For these, there was simply more information than the camera's sensor could handle in a single shot.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3547251649_e0828f71ef.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/3548027196_d0ab9ee122.jpg

In these next 2 shots, there were a lot of textures and detail that I wanted to enhance. I felt I had to shoot HDR to pick up every bit of detail in the shadows, and HDR is a great way to enhance textures. I really ramped it up on the close up of the clock face, because the surface is quite rough, and I wanted viewers of the shot to almost be able to "feel" the texture themselves.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3650555663_cf3b563a04.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3650525717_cd5c3abbf0.jpg

The last few here are examples of when and where I wanted to enhance the mood of what I felt. For this shot, I was up very early in the morning. The spot I chose to shoot was quiet, and the rush of the water was very calming. I shot HDR because the shutter speed had to be fast to capture the color, and slow to capture the mist of the water. I over saturated and overdid the post processing so I could give the viewer a fantasy like view. I really tried to produce a calming, and dreamy image, and I think a single shot would not suffice.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3518362627_dbae27e0cc.jpg

The next shot is really one of my favorites, and It was shot on a cold day, as you can see in the background the trees are bare. The low clouds were the backdrop for this old abandoned structure, and it is not in an isolated area, but I framed the shot so the viewer could have a FEELING of isolation and abandonment. I chose HDR, and chose to bring out the blue in the clouds, to enhance the feeling of "coldness" and the oppressiveness of the tall building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3498208231_fc568136c4.jpg

I hope that gives everyone a little bit of insight into why I shoot some things the way I do.

J.R. you brought up a very good question here, and I think HDR is often over used or mis used....even by myself at times.

I would like to hear the opinions of others, just like J.R. and maybe give some background along with an image, so we can all see why others choose to shoot HDR, when they do.

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, what a thoughtful response. I appreciate it greatly.

[J. R. Weems]

Mike~ Yes YOU, are my inspiration for wanting to do this. You have amazing talent, but I am sure you know that. I want to get ALL I can out of this up and coming trip next year. Please keep up your fantastic presentations. :)

[Kodatech]

I appreciate the compliments, but I am still working at my technique. If you have any questions on the technical aspects of shooting HDR, or if the shots seem to be coming out funny, shoot me a PM or open a new thread. I would be glad to help out.

[pegdragger]

Mike, your work is incredibly impressive. I never got as into it as I wanted. I love the results. Then I found Topaz and haven't looked back. I would love to give it another shot.

[Kodatech]

Mike, your work is incredibly impressive. I never got as into it as I wanted. I love the results. Then I found Topaz and haven't looked back. I would love to give it another shot.

Well do it man!!.....I really appreciate the comments from everyone, and if you saw some of my early HDR stuff I can guarantee you would not see them the same....it took a bit of practice. :D