It feels like forever since I have created an HDR image. And this photograph is actually my first where I did not use a tripod. I actually hand held the 3 photos – the Nikon D90 only brackets 3 photos unlike the D300 which will bracket 9. And it helps that I used the high burst mode and that the Nikkor 18-200mm lens has VR to help reduce camera shake.
Photomatix Pro, which is the software I recommend for the HDR process, will align the image in case you do handhold the photographs. I wanted to test the capabilities and I am impressed. I will have to try it again with other shots to see how reliable hand holding bracketed shots can be.
Provo, Utah in HDR and handheld
The second photograph is the same photo, however, I turned it into a black and white photo using Nik Software’s Silver Efex pro. Photomatix Pro is just the first step in creating a photograph. I use Photomatix Pro to create the tone mapped image – but that is just step one. You then need to go in and add some levels, curves, saturation, contrast or other touch ups. I also had to clone out a car that had been moving.
Same HDR photograph but in black and white with Silver Efex Pro
HDR is still a developing and emerging technology. It will get better and I think it is worth it for people to learn how to create these images. There is a lot of HDR imagery out there that I think is craptacular and looks like a Harry Potter acid trip. But there are some other images out there that look real and look better than a basic photograph.
But in the end it boils down to good photography and good practices in creating an image. This photo could have been better on a ton of levels. I could have found a different location. I am also shooting through a window and there is a little bit of reflection that I find distracting. But it was a practice – a practice in hand holding for HDR.
Next time I hope I will have my tripod on me.
Posted in Daily Photograph Project, High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography, Urban Photography | Tags: hdr, high dynamic range, nik software, photomatix pro
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