HDR is better....

[emtab]

sk66, an interesting post indeed. I am one who tends to lean away from HDR in my own work, although I definitely see its place, and under the right circumstances produces fantastic shots. However, I can't agree with the statement that HDR is "better."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that you're arguing that HDR is superior because it more faithfully recreates the human visual experience of the scene which was captured. While I agree that if your intent is to faithfully re-create the scene as it was visually experienced then HDR is extremely valuable. If, however, your intention is not to re-create the visual experience of the scene then HDR is no more valuable than any other technique.

I think that in this discussion we also need to consider that sometimes what makes a great photo is based entirely on the fact that it reproduces something which humans cannot visually experience... stopped motion, long exposures, etc, etc. Sometimes, what is lost is exactly what makes a photo.

And lastly, won't a photo always fall short?
regards,
emtab

[fletch]

The is often a time and place for manipulating the total dynamic range of a scene so it fits more closely with what the mind (not eye) would have seen, it also goes way back before HDR was even a twinkle in someones eye. From using a graduated ND filter, dodging and buring details while developing film or replacing the sky in a photo, all these are techniques to replicate what the human brain does when viewing a scene as you described above. HDR is just another of these tools and it has its time and place.

The problem with HDR is really a problem with photomatrix and the scenarios people use it in. It is very easy to produce an image that is very lacking in overall contrast but with very high local contrast bringing out textures in surfaces and also to oversaturate an image. Used well an HDR image should look unbelievably well exposed, we are biased in judging this as it is often easy to spot as a trained eye will know when the dynamic range of a scene cannot be recorded in a single frame.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by emtab

sk66, an interesting post indeed. I am one who tends to lean away from HDR in my own work, although I definitely see its place, and under the right circumstances produces fantastic shots. However, I can't agree with the statement that HDR is "better."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that you're arguing that HDR is superior because it more faithfully recreates the human visual experience of the scene which was captured. While I agree that if your intent is to faithfully re-create the scene as it was visually experienced then HDR is extremely valuable. If, however, your intention is not to re-create the visual experience of the scene then HDR is no more valuable than any other technique.

I think that in this discussion we also need to consider that sometimes what makes a great photo is based entirely on the fact that it reproduces something which humans cannot visually experience... stopped motion, long exposures, etc, etc. Sometimes, what is lost is exactly what makes a photo.

And lastly, won't a photo always fall short?
regards,
emtab

I agree 100%, depending upon the photographers intent...This almost gets into photgraphy vs digital art...

I am one for making an image to convey the feeling of being there...or communicating a desired "message"...in that context "realism" is NOT the point...in a strictly "photographic realism" perspective...HDR is better (well done HDR)

[sk66]

Originally Posted by fletch

Used well an HDR image should look unbelievably well exposed, we are biased in judging this as it is often easy to spot as a trained eye will know when the dynamic range of a scene cannot be recorded in a single frame.

I almost think we recognize it as "too real" to be a picture.... I agree..HDR is just another tool, but one that should be considered and not scoffed as a "fad"..

.Even "bad hdr" has an audience and can convey something a "good image" might not...Such as an emotion that would be considered "shock" or "startling" in conjunction with a suitable subject...

[kencaleno]

I think many people get carried away with the tone mapping-True HDR is where your image shows detail in both shadow areas and highlights,without blowing highlights, or clipping dark areas-it's that simple-and it can be achieved with a single Jpeg or RAW image:


Add adjustment layer> levels
Drag right slider to left
Drag middle slider to left (These moves enable you to get the foreground how you want it)
Press “D” or "X" to make foreground color black
Press “G” for gradient
Choose linear gradient -black to transparent-2nd icon from left
Drag cursor from top of image down to horizon
flatten/save

Regards, Ken