How do they do it?

[cleamon]

I've been greatly interested in HDR for some time now and after a brief period of experimenting with the "radioactive" look, I have now settled into a "realistic" approach. When I shoot a scene now, I'm making as many exposures as necessary to get details in all areas. It's affected the way I view a scene whether I intend to photograph it or not.

I understand that film has a greater dynamic range than digital sensors, but it still doesn't come close to the human eye. Yet, I watch many hollywood movies, shot outdoors, that have an incredible dynamic range. And I know that on a set, whether indoors or outdoors, they use a huge amount of artificial light (and modifiers) to control the scene.

But how do they do that on a wide vista type of scene where everything in sight is exposed appropriately - i.e. details in shadow, midrange and highlight?

Curious minds want to know.

[OsmosisStudios]

Well, one part of it was dynamic range, one part was exposure latitude, and another part was filters: They usually used very faint grad NDs for skies. That, coupled with all the right reflectors and lights, and you were set.

[Cola]

Not to mention all the post work that goes into videos just as it does with stills.

[CheaperKings]

It's green screen work, mostly...

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by Cola

Not to mention all the post work that goes into videos just as it does with stills.

I’ve noticed that with the advent of HD even videos are clearly PS processed, super saturated, etc. The faces are all enhanced as well. Check out commercials these days. The models look like Stepford wives.

“Everyone” seems to like that look.

The "real" world is so dull, pimply and wrinkly by comparison.

[Cola]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

I’ve noticed that with the advent of HD even videos are clearly PS processed, super saturated, etc. The faces are all enhanced as well. Check out commercials these days. The models look like Stepford wives.

“Everyone” seems to like that look.

The "real" world is so dull, pimply and wrinkly by comparison.

Haha it is very true. I believe video production has put an amendment into the idea that "nobody is perfect"