By Gavin Seim: Updated 01/02/10)
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is amazing. For many it’s unknown territory however and is often treated as a toy instead of a serious tool. People don’t understand how to deal with it so they mimic the easy to make but horrid looking HDR that has become the stigma. HDR and especially HDR portraits can be challenging, but It’s not rocket science. It just takes some time to get the hang of. Here’s a few tips that you can use for both HDR still life and portraits.
1. Getting the Concept: HDR is all about getting various exposures at different lightness levels and then combining them in a way that looks good. It’s not about showing all the light in a scene. It’s about gaining control over all the light in a scene. Like a bucket of light from the entire scene that you can use however you want. Now that’s cool.
2. Break out the tripod: While most HDR rendering software can attempt to line up images, you really want clear consistent frames because stability is key. If there’s no other option, you may have to hand hold and hope for the best. It can work, but a tripod is king and is always the safest route.
3. Use a cable release: This is a good rule with HDR portraits and stills alike. You want your images to be lined up as close as possible, so invest in the tools to keep your camera steady. A release allows you to avoid touching the camera. Good for sequences and long exposures. Besides that, it looks cool to stand there majestically and press the release button.
4. Auto Bracket: Most DSLR’s have an auto bracket function that allows you to have -2, 0 and +2 exposure compensation in one quick burst. AB allows you to expose things fast without handling the gear as much. In some cases you may want to manually get a wider exposure range, but I find that 3 images are usually all I need. Auto bracketing is not only convenient, it’s especially valuable with HDR portraits or moving subjects because you need to capture your sequence as fast as possible without having to manually change settings.
Continue reading ‘7 Tips for HDR Photography that Doesn’t Stink.’
It looks like Nikon’s prepping a new DSLR for the middle of their pro lineup. The D700 is rumored to be announced this August, and available later this year.
This little gem should go for a little over 3k USD, and is rumored to have the same sensor that graces the Nikon D3
This is spy shot of the supposed D700 as reported by Engadget. Head on over there for more gritty details, and stay tune for real facts in the future.
People often ask me how to clean the dust that causes image spots, off their digital camera sensors. There are many more dangerous and or expensive methods, but this usually works for me.
Rocket Air
is my recommendation of the week. It’s a hand blower that actually works. Really well! I mean it packs a punch.I just lock my mirror up, and give it some good blasts of air. Unlike canned air this does not run out, and there’s no propellant. Canned air is not recommended for senors, but this thing is great for them.
Aside from cleaning your senors you’ll soon be blowing all kinds of stuff, like the dust out of your keyboard. If your like me you’ll like it so much you’ll start blowing it in your kids face, and shooting air into your mouth to see what different sounds you can make.
It’s all over the net, but you can find Rocket Air here on Amazon for only about twelve bucks. This is one of my favorite handy dandy drawer gadgets.
Look To The Wind. HDR by Gavin Seim. Canon 30D
~ Check out Gavin’s HDR workshops. More details here.
Updated 07/2009: Revamped & improved article. Added a new segment dealing with movement and blur (towards bottom).
by Gavin Seim: In 2007 I wrote an article about using true HDR techniques with people. Yep, portraits, fashion and wedding images can be utterly amazing using High Dynamic Range. HDR is not just reserved for nature and still life. We’ve been using it at Seim Studios for some time now and it blows clients away. Heres some of my secret sauce to get you started with HDR portraits and a few of my own images.
Link Resources>>
What’s HDR All About?
First lets cover basics. If you’re already an HDR master you can skip this part. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It’s better seen than described, so other than the images I’ve included in this article, you can see more on my website.
HDR is the combining of light and dark tones of multiple images taken at varied exposure levels and then blended using software like Photomatix, Photoshop, or another HDR program. Photomatix is the most popular among HDR fans and we have a deal worked out with them. You can save 15% with promo code PPS15. Basically this software blending allows the photographer to selectively choose how much light he wants in various parts of the image. You’ll have a light to dark range that’s much higher than that of a normal exposure, thus giving you much more control over the final image.
You can also check my two PPS episodes from 2007, talking about HDR and HDR portraits. HDR Podcast Part1 & HDR Podcast Part2. There’s also PPS #57, an HDR episode with Trey Ratcliff that’s full of insight.
Continue reading ‘HDR Portrait & Wedding Photography Techniques (2nd Edition)’
<<Click To Listen – PPS #46 with Kevin Kubota.
Like the show? Rate us in itunes, or Vote on Podcast Alley
Todays Panel…
Kevin Kubota ~ Kubota Image Tools, Kubota Photo, Kubota Blog
Gavin Seim ~ Seim Photography – Seim Effects & LR Presets
Todays Show…
A big thanks to Kevin for coming on the show. We start out talking about Kevin’s photo tools and how he got started, and then move in techniques, and photography tips. Kevin gives us some thoughts for lighting, marketing, and branding and plenty of other good nuggets inlucding using your personality to interact with your customers.
Comment here, or join the PPS #47 Forum Discussion. You can find out more about Kevin’s workshops by going to his website (above)
A few links to things mention on the show.
Podcast subscription feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/prophotoshow
Is Nikon about to drop another bomb. Engadgets reporting on rumors for a FULL FRAME mid range DSLR.
Not much more to say. This is totally a huge rumor, so don’t pull the c card just yet. Just feel free to give your thoughts. Would a full frame system on the lower end be great?
