High Dynamic Range images are used to create surreal pictures out of a compilation of RAW photographs. These pictures are meant to mystify the viewer, leaving them questioning if the photograph is real or fantasy. Photographers may also choose HDR to create an intense scene for artistic effect. Artists use the HDR technique in order to take the exaggerated highlights and shadows in a real life scene in order to portray an accurate, yet puzzling picture. The technical function of HDR is to create a very wide dynamic range within an image between the lightest and darkest areas, because its using multiple images at once. You can expose properly for all areas in the photograph, so nothing is too under or overexposed.
HDR images work best with scenes that have simple linear lighting that blend from light to dark, which is commonly seen in landscape photography. A landscape’s bright sky contrasted with the dark earth provides the photographer with the lighting and contrast needed to create an ideal High Dynamic Range picture. The various photographs used to make up an HDR image must be shot on a tripod in order to replicate the same exact positioning for the multi exposed pictures. This is another reason still landscapes are a popular subject.
Artists also choose to construct a High Dynamic Range photo in order to create a vivid and clear image. When making an HDR picture Photoshop takes the most exposed photos represented for each hue and then incorporates the section into the final image. This process therefore chooses the picture that recorded the most light in that particular shadow detail. This decreases the amount of noise and leaves the photographer with crisp shadows. Photoshop then allows for tone mapping on the singular image that is produced. It will create a better contrast and overall tonal range.
Artists also choose to construct a High Dynamic Range photo in order to create a vivid and clear image. When making an HDR picture Photoshop takes the most exposed photos represented for each hue and then incorporates the section into the final image. This process therefore chooses the picture that recorded the most light in that particular shadow detail. This decreases the amount of noise and leaves the photographer with crisp shadows. Photoshop then allows for tone mapping on the singular image that is produced. It will create a better contrast and overall tonal range.
HDR images developed from the tone mapping technique in the early 20th century. The effect was created in the darkroom by dodging and burning for extreme highlights and shadows. Although this is not ‘true HDR’, it is the precursor and the last step in the HDR process used currently. Ansel Adams perfected the technique of tone mapping and turned it into an artform, and the tonal range he was able to create is what we can replicate digitally. The digital technique as we know it now was introduced with CS2 in 1997 and created a wave of change in the digital photography world.
(Ronika, Monet, Lucia, Stefanie)
Photo source: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/03/10/35-fantastic-hdr-pictures/
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