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*Project 1 - HDR (High Dynamic Range)is topic is scheduled to take THREE classes.
1) An explanation of HDR Photography 2) How to use the Auto Bracketing feature on your Nikon camera 3) How to create a single HDR image in Photoshop using multiple exposures 4) Practice merging multiple images into HDR 5) HDR assignment * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1) An explanation of HDR Photography For our purposes, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography involves taking a series of identical shots at different exposures (a process called bracketing) and merging them using Photoshop in a way that properly lights all elements of the image. This is ideally used in high-contrast settings where a single shot would either have part of the image overexposed or part of the image underexposed. |
Example:
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-4 stops
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-2 stops
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+2 stops
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+4 stops
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Above are four separate exposures. Notice that two are underexposed and two are overexposed. In every shot, at least something has been exposed very well. However, in no single shot has everything been exposed well.
Below is an example of the HDR effect. Notice how nothing is overexposed and nothing is underexposed. This is the beauty and joy of HDR.
Below is an example of the HDR effect. Notice how nothing is overexposed and nothing is underexposed. This is the beauty and joy of HDR.
Source: Kevin McCoy. Accessed from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging
Practically speaking, HDR is now a favourite among real estate photographers because you can show a room with open windows and everything is evenly lit.
For artistic purposes, some HDR photography is made to look deliberately surrealistic. Check out these crazy examples:
Sources:
http://www.unframedworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Notre-Dame-Montreal-HDR-Photo.jpg
http://designurge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/13.jpg
http://www.unframedworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Notre-Dame-Montreal-HDR-Photo.jpg
http://designurge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/13.jpg
TAKE TWO MINUTES RIGHT NOW TO DO A QUICK GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCH OF "HDR."
See what you like or don't like about this format.
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2) How to use the Auto Bracketing feature on your Nikon camera
BRACKETING is where you set the camera to a specific mode ("auto bracketing") where you take three images in a row that are deliberately and automatically exposed differently, giving you the dynamic range with which you can create an HDR image in Photoshop.
REMEMBER to re-set your camera when you're done, or it will mess up the next person's work!
See what you like or don't like about this format.
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2) How to use the Auto Bracketing feature on your Nikon camera
BRACKETING is where you set the camera to a specific mode ("auto bracketing") where you take three images in a row that are deliberately and automatically exposed differently, giving you the dynamic range with which you can create an HDR image in Photoshop.
REMEMBER to re-set your camera when you're done, or it will mess up the next person's work!
Click HERE for a link to the pages in the camera manual that go over this process.
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3) How to create a single HDR image in Photoshop using multiple exposures
This last step is actually fairly simple, but will take time to fiddle with (like everything in Photoshop). It is up to you how "processed" a look you want with your image.
TIP: When in HDR editing mode, there are a number of "preset" settings you might want to try to get you started. It's a great way to learn why certain processed images look a certain way.
IMPORTANT POINT: To get started, in Photoshop, go to File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro
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3) How to create a single HDR image in Photoshop using multiple exposures
This last step is actually fairly simple, but will take time to fiddle with (like everything in Photoshop). It is up to you how "processed" a look you want with your image.
TIP: When in HDR editing mode, there are a number of "preset" settings you might want to try to get you started. It's a great way to learn why certain processed images look a certain way.
IMPORTANT POINT: To get started, in Photoshop, go to File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro
Here is a more advanced technique you are welcome to try. It requires shooting RAW, and involves keeping the image in 32-bit and using Adobe Camera RAW to create a detailed effect:
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4) Practice merging multiple images into HDR
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THREE ZIPPED IMAGES YOU CAN USE TO PRACTICE MERGING TO HDR.
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5) HDR assignment
4) Practice merging multiple images into HDR
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THREE ZIPPED IMAGES YOU CAN USE TO PRACTICE MERGING TO HDR.
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5) HDR assignment
HDR Assignment
For this project you will hand in TWO HDR images. Each should have great detail in highlights, midtones, and shadows.
ONE image should be photorealistic while ONE image can be more creative or surrealistic.
Each of these will be created from THREE bracketed images.
Each set is to be shot in a separate location. Your task is to shoot landscape images that feature visibly high contrast that includes very bright and very dark areas. These features must be included in your images or the assignment will not be successful!
For each set, take three identical photographs. However, you'll need to set the camera to Auto bracketing (-2 EV, 0, +2 EV) and continuous shot mode. This way, you push the shutter release button and three differently exposed shots will be taken. This is what you import into Photoshop and turn into a single HDR image.
Shoot these in Manual (M) mode.
TO HAND IN THIS PROJECT:
1) Rename your images to something like A_1, A_2, A_3, A_HDR for each set. You will need to hand in your three bracketed images as well as the final HDR version for each set.
2) Create a Google Drive Folder: Photo 30 > Digital Processing 2 > HDR and upload all files to that folder.
3) Right-click on the folder and select "Get Shareable Link". The link will automatically be copied to your clipboard.
4) Open Classroom, open this assignment, and ADD the link to your Drive folder.
5) Complete the rubric sheet in Classroom
6) Click on TURN IN. You're done!
For this project you will hand in TWO HDR images. Each should have great detail in highlights, midtones, and shadows.
ONE image should be photorealistic while ONE image can be more creative or surrealistic.
Each of these will be created from THREE bracketed images.
Each set is to be shot in a separate location. Your task is to shoot landscape images that feature visibly high contrast that includes very bright and very dark areas. These features must be included in your images or the assignment will not be successful!
For each set, take three identical photographs. However, you'll need to set the camera to Auto bracketing (-2 EV, 0, +2 EV) and continuous shot mode. This way, you push the shutter release button and three differently exposed shots will be taken. This is what you import into Photoshop and turn into a single HDR image.
Shoot these in Manual (M) mode.
TO HAND IN THIS PROJECT:
1) Rename your images to something like A_1, A_2, A_3, A_HDR for each set. You will need to hand in your three bracketed images as well as the final HDR version for each set.
2) Create a Google Drive Folder: Photo 30 > Digital Processing 2 > HDR and upload all files to that folder.
3) Right-click on the folder and select "Get Shareable Link". The link will automatically be copied to your clipboard.
4) Open Classroom, open this assignment, and ADD the link to your Drive folder.
5) Complete the rubric sheet in Classroom
6) Click on TURN IN. You're done!