Bull Kelp 002 HDR - @ Best Large

Quasi HDR technique utilized to acquire extended range imaging of

bodies in motion. Thank you in advance for anything you wish to add.

-Dave

I love the colours and textures of the sand / water. The movement and subtle shadow gives me a good impression of being there and feeling that sand between my toes! I'm fascinated by your terminology "Quasi HDR"?  Could you enlighten me any further Dave? Lovely shot!

Best Regards

Alf

Dave,  Beautiful colors and details in sand.  I really like the transition from orange/brown to the grey/blue as you move eyes diagonally.  You mentioned using HDR for this image but more detail on HDR and shutter and aperture settings would help.

Alf - Thank you so much for your compliments.  You know the respect I have for your opinion.

Divya - Thank you for stopping by, I enjoyed you comments as well.

Now I will try to explain it all.  I must let you know up front that I use the terms EV (Exposure Value), EC (Exposure Compensation), and Exposure (as in the RAW converter in CS4) equally, they each have the same value in my world, OK?  Here we go, I hope this box will hold this info and not just crash the system!

As I understand it, HDR or HDRI is considered a computerized combination of digital acquisitions taken at differing exposure compensational levels to increase the dynamic range often lost in common digital acquisition. In other words the old school exposure bracketing that used to be done to C.Y.A. in film days, now those images (3 considered the minimum) are used to create a 32 bit file out of a combination of those images. Often 1 EV or 1/2 EV is used between each image. Frequently, the camera is set up on a tripod to acquire 5 to 7 images at 1/2 EV intervals, some photographers even go to 12 or more images, but the computer crunching time becomes excessive on most home computers. Needless-to-say, a static image, is a must, as you can imagine, it would often take several minutes to acquire your data set.

Therefore this sort of technique does not frequently work in my type of imaging; moving water, moving clouds, pretty much moving anything. Motion turns the data set into an unworkable mess, as portions of the multiple exposures do not align themselves through all of the takes. Hence, I began working on a work around. I reasoned that I might be able to make a single RAW data set do what I needed to do.

Personally, I use Photomatrix for my HDR work. Photomatrix uses .tiff images to build its 32 bit file. After much experimentation my work flow for HDR is as follows.

I have an image that was acquired lacking in range by my perception. I bring up the RAW file onto the CS4 converter. I make a decision as to how large a data set I will need, most often 3 images 1 EV apart, sometimes 5 images .66 EV apart, and rarely 7 images .50 EV apart. I elevate my blacks by 10 to 20% and make and save copies of the file by adding a letter suffix on the 16 bit tiff file name. I start with “a” on my darkest image, and letter on up to my brightest image. These images are then fed into the Photomatrix program to create my “Extended Dynamic Range Image”. I tone map off of this image creation. I save this file as its number plus all the suffixes combined, it is saved as a 16 bit file again. I can now recall this image now in CS4 and make any further adjustments I desire. Unfortunately, EXIF data tagging seems to become lost through the process.

This image was acquired on my Canon 50D at 12:13 PM through a rented 24-70mm f2.8L USM lens set at 24mm, exposed @ f13 1/25^th second (hand held) ISO 160. My camera is always set at -2/3 exposure compensation. I believed my exposure seemed 1 EV high so I shifted all my values accordingly. Hence my brightest exposure for the set was the native capture. I made a 3 image data set in this case 1 EV apart.

I would not be surprised if you still did not have questions!!!

A very nicely composed beautiful shot, Dave!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Dave,  Thanks for providing the "detailed" explanations.   I looked at your portfolio and understand your need to have the  HDR solution for moving components.  I like your workaround.  I have never experimented with Photomatrix but I have faced the similar challenge of loosing EXIF information with Photoshop when I launch it from Lightroom for combining multiple photos. 

You have a diverse portfolio and some real good shots.  Keep up the good work.

And yes, I have no more questions J.  Regards!

Divya

One and all, I feel I must apologize for the end of my post.  I really meant that I would not be surprised if there were further questions.  It was a quite lengthy response and I was unsure if I was clear through out.  Sincerely...

-Dave

Dave,  No apologies needed.  Your post was very helpful in understanding your workflow and it is much appreciated.  I added a smily face at end of my comment which didn't show up in the post. Smiles.

Best Regards, Divya

That you Ruud for stopping by, I apprieciate your comments.   Unfortunatele it seems the four of us are the only ones that like this image, as most seem to rate it a 3.  I should just forget the ratings system.

-Dave

I like the way you did the composition, living out the sky/horizon. It is not necessary. The second, I wish I have the english vocabulary and grammar  like  you have. The explanation how  you did this image is almost similar, how I, myself, manipulating contrast and dynamic range,  if needed. I actually do not use HDR,  because, I don't like computer generated images, I only using layers and manipulate the opacity, where ever is required,  to the desired  effect I like to see. Usually 2 or 3  images with different exposure, from one .RAW  image. The beauty of PS, you  can approach a problem, editing more then one way. Most of the time I using, old  darkroom technic, dodge and burn. 

You did a very nice job here, very nicely balanced exposure all over. And for last, thank you  for the explanation, and sharing the image with us.

Greetings.