HDR Photography

High Dynamic Range Photography

an HDR photograph captures the full range of tones and detail in a photograph. This is not usually possible without manipulation, as photography relies on the camera exposing for a particular area of a photograph (for example when you shoot into the light to get a silhouette).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/953669278/

The HDR technique often gives photographs a surreal visual effect. Some photographers have the opinion that HDR photography is more like how we experience sight, as our eyes make constant adjustments in aperture and exposure, and our brains the patch these experiences together.

Usually when we create a photograph we edit what is seen by exposing for a particular subject. HDR photography ‘exposes’ for the entire scene, and so it requires a well composed shot.

To make an HDR shot, you first need to shoot three shots, one that exposesFor highlight, one for low lights, and one for the mid tones. These are then merged Using software such as Adobe Photoshop (Adobe Photoshop CS3 even has anHDR merge option).

Under exposed Over exposed Composite

Or simply cheat with a flat image, or by combining images in Adobe PhotoshopTo achieve an HDR effect- subtle or surreal.

before after

before after

So how does this apply to you?

What assessment objectives would it cover?

Apply the effect to one of your own images, and produce a sketchbookPage on HDR images

What are the main aesthetic characteristics of the technique?