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11/26/2007 09:52:24 AM · #1 |
I would like to know which option is better for HDR:
1-Two shots, the first one exposed for the highlights and the second one exposed for the shadows and then merged in postprocesing.
2-Bracket three shots at +/- 2EV and then merge them.
How can i avoid the scene to appear unnatural to the viewer? I would like to make my picture to seem as real/natural as possible.
Many thanks for your answers.
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11/26/2007 09:55:43 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by GabrielS:
I would like to know which option is better for HDR:
1-Two shots, the first one exposed for the highlights and the second one exposed for the shadows and then merged in postprocesing.
2-Bracket three shots at +/- 2EV and then merge them.
How can i avoid the scene to appear unnatural to the viewer? I would like to make my picture to seem as real/natural as possible.
Many thanks for your answers. |
Option 2 would give you the most range to play with.
If you're looking for a natural rendering, HDR processing does not come to mind. |
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11/26/2007 10:33:24 AM · #3 |
At least with Photomatix Pro, there are several options to creating an HDR image. Tone Mapping will give the most dramatic result, but depending on the slider setting can appear unnatural. OTOH, its exposure blending mode creates an HDR image by flattening the merged exposures to fit. This will give an image that looks flat but covers the dynamic range. It will be realistic to the extent that the reproduction medium (print or screen) can show the dynamic range -- which it can't. When I use this, because I can't get a reasonable image with tone mapping, I typically have to do some selective contrast enhancing in Photoshop afterwards.
As far as bracketing, I'd go with the +/- 2EV. Some scenes will require more than three shots to get the full range.
Adding-- check out my images here for examples both natural and unnatural. I've got many more offsite and larger here andhere
Message edited by author 2007-11-26 10:40:56. |
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11/26/2007 10:56:15 AM · #4 |
Thank you routerguy and Talmy. I normally use graduated ND filters to get a higher dynamic range, but many times i do not achieve the desired result, so i am starting to think about HDR, but only if i am able to get a natural result. This is an example of what i consider HDR natural look:
//www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=426785 (sorry i tried to post the thumbnail but i miserably failed)
Message edited by author 2007-11-26 10:59:05. |
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11/26/2007 04:25:13 PM · #5 |
If I were you, I would take 2 exposures. On for the Sky and one for the hills.
Then just combine the 2 using layers and a gradient mask in photoshop (or what other editor you're using).
Pretty simple, simpler than HDR. |
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11/27/2007 04:53:41 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by GabrielS:
Thank you routerguy and Talmy. I normally use graduated ND filters to get a higher dynamic range, but many times i do not achieve the desired result, so i am starting to think about HDR, but only if i am able to get a natural result. This is an example of what i consider HDR natural look:
//www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=426785 (sorry i tried to post the thumbnail but i miserably failed) |
That example does have halos present on the hilltops, which is an HDR artifact. I don't mind a small amount of artifact, if I did then I wouldn't use this approach, and if it doesn't bother you then go for it! |
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11/27/2007 05:10:32 PM · #7 |
I'm not sure, since I haven't played with HDR yet. I have heard that 3 is usually better than 2. And if there is a large range then you will need to use more than 3. I would guess the least amount of shots that will cover all you care about would be the best, then again, I haven't tried it yet, so my opinion isn't probably worth that much.
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11/27/2007 05:44:06 PM · #8 |
| Another option if you have a Nikon D200 or Pentax K10D is to use the in-camera multi exposure mode. Multiple pictures are combined in camera for a larger range. |
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11/28/2007 12:59:47 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
Another option if you have a Nikon D200 or Pentax K10D is to use the in-camera multi exposure mode. Multiple pictures are combined in camera for a larger range. |
At least for the D200, the images are averaged, which lowers the noise floor, increasing the effective DR, especially at higher ISOs. However it's not good enough to capture scenes with large dynamic range. For instance, this has a 12+ stop DR and could not be captured even using B&W film, and is hopeless with a single image in a DSLR, even with multiple exposure.
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11/28/2007 01:03:10 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by talmy:
Originally posted by faidoi:
Another option if you have a Nikon D200 or Pentax K10D is to use the in-camera multi exposure mode. Multiple pictures are combined in camera for a larger range. |
At least for the D200, the images are averaged, which lowers the noise floor, increasing the effective DR, especially at higher ISOs. However it's not good enough to capture scenes with large dynamic range. For instance, this has a 12+ stop DR and could not be captured even using B&W film, and is hopeless with a single image in a DSLR, even with multiple exposure.
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Well, "in-camera multiple exposure" isn't a "single image" anyway... And they are no longer allowed in DPC challenges except under the expert ruleset, if I recall correctly... For whatever that's worth.
R.
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