Pseudo-HDR

[suprspi]

I wanted to play around with HDR so I used two of my RAW images from my borrowed camera and attempted to improve them - no use using HDR just as an effect for my first try I thought. Here they are, please feel free to tell me what you think, I know of course, that this is not the "Critique my Shots" section, I'm not looking for that, just a quick suggestion or whatever. Or just enjoy them - your choice.


This one was composed of 3 shots made out of 1 RAW image. Exposure off by 4 (virtual) stops - combined in photomatix. In this version you can see my nephews eyes, in the original you could not.


This one was composed of 5 shots made out of 1 RAW image. Exposure off by 2 (virtual) stops - combined in photomatix. The original was a bit underexposed and was shot using an on camera flash in a dark schoolroom in Barkerville, BC.

This one ended up "looking HDR" more than the other one, mostly because the lighting was so bad to begin with I think.

[Enrique]

Hi,

I am not expert, so, this is just my opinion , ok ?

I think the first picture is stunning color, and great composition, I really like it,
The only think I see, is a light behind the child, I am not sure if is halos or just natural ligth, any way, it's easy to correct in PP.

The second picture, look great color, but I am not sure about the composition.

When I use HDR I use fixed F/Stop and Variable speed, this is to recommended to avoid field deep changes between pictures.



Congratulatios!!

NOTE: If this is you first try, Wow, you are in the rigth way .

[kencaleno]

now you can see his eyes

[plangereis]

Wow! A few shots from one of my favorite places to go in the summer! I would agree with what Enrique said about these photos. I personally do not think that the highlight area behind the boy is related to HDR. It looks like a natural light source, but I may be wrong.

I also like what Ken did with the photo, although I think removing all the shadow that is cast from the hat makes the photo look more 2-dimensional etc. Thanks for sharing.

[suprspi]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@Enrique - These were actually done with what I'd call snapshots - I was thinking about composition a little as I took them, but mostly I was just capturing pictures of our family trip - I'm really not experienced enough to keep all the composition stuff in my head as I do average shots - I try to, but half the time I end up snapping on auto when I need to think about herding my children etc. at the same time.

As to the halo, I'm pretty sure it's a patch of sunlight on the dirt street behind him.

I guess I shouldn't have used "stop" as I wasn't referring to aperture, just variation on exposure done in post (Lightroom) to my RAW file. I also wouldn't vary the aperature on a multiple capture for HDR as it would change the DOF.

Thanks for the compliments.

@kencaleno - Yep, that's better. Like I said, it's my first time playing with this pseudo HDR effect, I'd like to get out and actually get some captures at different exposures to really do it correctly. I hesitated on bringing the brightness up as much as you did for fear of making it feel over exposed, I guess I needn't have worried. Ideally I would have shot this with some kind of reflector or off camera flash to evenly expose his face....what you've done works for the inferior-ly shot original though.

@Plangereis - Thanks for the compliments. Our family really enjoys Barkerville, since we live only an hour away we usually manage to get out there a couple times a year. I'm really hoping to get some good shots at the Barkervilel Victorian Christmas this year.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

I'm still to scared to try an HDR, so I think you did a great job.

Love your nephews freckles. Reminds me of my little brothers as they were growing up.

kencaleno, If you check back on this, I'd love to know how you removed the shadow under his hat. I take lots of shots of people with cowboy hats on and can never get rid of that shadow.