HDR Photography – A Surreal Way

Digital Photography is not new. Almost anyone who knows how to point and click can capture a photo, upload and print. However, High Dynamic Range Photography is gradually making its own name in the biz. In reality, there is really nothing new in digital photography. What is being developed and continuously refined are the tools and programs which will enhance more the art form.

Dynamic Range Photography is actually a set of new techniques which focuses on an image’s dynamic range. The result? An image with a higher range of tonal detail in a single photo. This is a special feature unique to HDR.

To date, there still isn’t a concrete function of HDR photography. However this doesn’t matter. What matters is that HDR photography allows the photographer to capture an image which has a greater exposure range resulting in distinct light and dark values. To put this simply, HDR photography is the answer when you wonder why your original subject was different from the one captured in your camera (i.e. different color intensity and value).

Basically, there are three things that you need to keep in mind when taking an HDR image – sunlight, shadow and subjects. Photographers would play around these 3S and their dynamic range.

Today this photography technique is being employed in capturing amazing landscapes and sceneries, fashion and art. Ironically, HDR photography was originally designed to emulate a more frightening scene – nuclear explosion.

Yes. You read that right. It was in late 1930s when Charles Wyckoff developed this technique. His nuclear explosion scene rocked the world when it was featured as the cover of Life Magazine. The technique, of course, didn’t have the acronym but the theory was essentially the same.

To forward things a bit, HDR is now more people-friendly, thanks to the inventors and developers of digital cameras, software and computer technology. However, despite the presence of these, HDR still isn’t a perfected technique. It takes a little getting used to this and maybe a little education for us to have that superb image quality.

Now, how do you start taking HDR quality photographs? Of course, the first thing you need to do is take a photo. There really isn’t any special guideline with regards to this step. You can simply point and shoot at your subject using a digital camera or a digital SLR camera. Just make sure that the camera is equipped with adjustable exposure settings. Between the two options, a digital SLR camera is much edgier as it has a wider range of functions.

Do not forget a reliable tripod when taking pictures for HDR. An HDR photo has to be as clear as possible as you will be playing with exposure values so the camera has to be stable. You can make use of the camera’s shutter remote or just lightly press the button if it doesn’t have a remote.

After taking pictures, you can now process your picture digitally. This step will give you the chance to experiment on your creative side. A photograph editing software will make this process a lot easier. With post processing, you get to adjust the color, contrast and the value. There are several HDR software's which are now available in conjunction with photo editing software's.

Article by Paul Hawaii wedding coordinator and Photographer of Aloha island weddings