Here's another try at the HDR style of photography. This process really does take a picture to another level. When exposing for the white of the wheel, the center part and lugnuts were too dark. When exposing for the dark areas - to show all the details, the white part was completely blown out and the rust/dirt areas were completely lost. Combining 3 exposures creates an image that shows all the details - just like we see with our eyes.
I do need more practice with the tonal curves part of the calibration though. It will take much experimentation to know what works best.
Have a good day!!!
HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is a fairly new concept, and I've decided to experiment with it. An HDR image is made up of 3 exposures of the same picture - 1 underexposed, 1 right on, and 1 overexposed. Then, you use photoshop to merge these 3 photos, and make a couple adjustments. This process allows the end product to have details in the shadow and highlight areas. It is very popular right now. When done correctly, the images are stunning! However, in my opinion, it is sometimes very overdone, and the image can look unrealistic - almost illustrated. Which is great if that's the look you're going for.
It is very important to use a sturdy tripod, so all 3 pictures are exactly the same. On my first attempt, I used a tripod, but I still ended up with pics that were'nt exactly the same. So, the grass spears ended up duplicated, and another image ended up blurry. Next time, I'll use a tripod and a shutter release cord.
Well, what can I say. This blog has been dormant for over a month. Life's been pretty busy, and I've been exhausted a little more than usual.
Two weekend snowmobile trips, a Photoshop seminar in the cities and dance competitions have kept us very busy these past weekends. I even tried Curling! But, life hasn't been all fun. Work (day job), Hotrod Cookoff stuff, family history book, and other pet projects have really added stress to the past month.
I've made a few changes to my routine that have really helped. I had been working 10-hour days, so I could have 3-day weekends. In concept, this was a good idea, because I'd have a full day off to work on lots of stuff. But, with the 2 hrs of driving - that made a 12 hour day. I had to get up too early in the morning, and by evening, I had no energy to do anything.
So, I've started working 5 days a week - only 8 hour shifts. I can sleep a little longer in the morning and get home earlier in the evening. This has helped my fatigue a little. I've also started walking everyday on my lunch break - and eating more fruits and veges. It's working! I have much more energy when I get home, now.
So, I plan to start over with this blog - I just don't know when. I'm also doing well with my goal to exercise more. And, my passion for photography has been sparked.
All in all, things are going pretty good!
