I’m writing this post just a few days before I start teaching a landscape workshop to remind myself that HDR for HDR’s sake does not equal good photography. Like two litttle kids comparing who’s dad is tougher, some photographers compete with each other to produce more graphic, more over the top HDR images with a total loss of focus on the photography. Maybe I’m one of them some days.
There’s no substitute for the right quality of light, the strongest compositions and a clear of idea of what you want to say in your image. Now, if what you want to say is that you know how to sit at your computer and pull the sliders far to the right in Photomatix, then continue doing what you do. I love producing graphic HDR images of cliche subjects which usually arise out of opportunistic moments to shoot – as much as the next person – as evidenced by the following cliche truck shots created in the middle of the day, just because I happened to be there. Not because the light was great and not because I had anything new to say about nostalgic old trucks or a better day gone by.
But I don’t see many writing about or discussing use of HDR processes to create more photo-realistic images where the HDR work compliments, not dominates, the image. So these next two images I feel fit much closer to complimenting the image.
In both of these landscape images I used multiple HDR conversions, some more realistic than others, to manage the overall effect and flow of the final image. I do a number of other processes to help HDR compliment an image as well. Several different techniques (high pass filter) to improve contrast and use of Lab Color mode to finish the color work. In both cases I did one HDR conversion for the sky/treeline and another for water and rocks. In the first there is substantial dodging and burning to get the read of the image just right and if you really want to get this shot you’ll have to wade into the Baptism River, up to your chest with expensive camera gear and steady yourself against a giant piece of ancient granite at 9:45pm to get it, praying that the one cloud in the sky sits tight while you get the shots.
So, I wonder…what is your preference for work dominated by HDR process vs. work complimented by HDR processes? As a photog, do you think about this difference and if so, how and when do you choose one style over the other?
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4 Comments
Good luck with the workshop AJ!
“old car in weeds” HDR photography is like the new Antelope Canyon
Your question is an interesting one. My preference as an artist is only to use any technique to compliment a piece if it calls for it.
However, I’m also preparing to make a living from my selling art work. Say I put two $35 8×10″ matted prints in front of an “average” buyer… where one is an overcranked HDR photograph and the other is not. Which do you think the “average” buyer would be more likely to purchase?
In my case, my “average” buyer is a middle class beach vacationer that nows very little about photography and is not a critical art connoisseur.
So if you think I’m not going to have a print bin of overcranked HDR work somewhere in my shop, you’re mistaken! It’ll look awesome in their bathroom.
Alec: This is indeed an interesting discussion and one, like you, where I have not found much discussion. I do not like over-cranked HDR. It simply does not fit my concept of world order. I do not disparage those who do this however. The house of photography has many rooms and we all have a place to go. Having said this I have experimented with HDR conversions and am currently testing out a new software from Unified Color that is giving me some good results that enhance the image as opposed to over processing the shot. Being a former 4 x 5 shooter I have tended to attempt to capture the shot as I see it and rely on split neutral density filters. In difficult situations I have taken two exposures and blended in PS. From there I might run separate luminosity curves layers and I do extensive dodging and burning and color burning. I almost always run a separate mid-tone contrast layer in my process. I guess what I am saying is that I probably prefer to compliment the work through the HDR process. In the end everyone has to salt to taste and the processing must come from the photographers/artist vision for the image.
Bob
Alec: First of all, having been there when you took the ‘old truck’ photos, I think you did an excellent job of representing the subject. And I don’t think you overcranked them too much at all. As someone who is a rank novice to the hobby/profession, I (in the past) tended to WAY overprocess my HDR photos. Thanks to your tutelage and critiques from others, I’ve gotten better and I really enjoy reading your blogs and viewing your photos.
The river shots are awesome and it’s been a pleasure learning how and (more importantly) why you do certain things to your photos. I was recently in Colorado and took numerous river and creek photos, but only got into the water up to the level of my knees. Guess I’d better get more ‘dedicated.’
Thanks again for the great photos!
BTW, I’m greatly anticipating your “Churches and Outhouses” images!