6 Tips for great HDR images.
HDR is just cool. Amazingly there seems to be a relatively small amount of information on HDR as it relates to the people pictures. By most HDR is treated as a fun toy to use with nature photo’s and not much more. One of the reasons for this could be that HDR portraits are a bit challenging, and unknown territory. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some time to get the hang of. Here’s a few tips that you can use for both landscapes and people shots.
1. Break out the tripod. Don’t think you’re going to take great HDR’s hand holding a camera. While some HDR rendering software will attempt to line them up, you really need clear, consistent images for great HDR’s. Stability is key!
2. Use a cable release. This is a good rule with portraits and stills alike. You want those images to be lined up as close as possible, so invest in the tools to keep your camera steady. Beside it looks cool to stand there majestically and press the button.
3. Auto Bracket. Most DSLR’s have an auto bracket function that allows you to have -2, 0 and +2 exposures in one quick burst. AB allows you to expose things fast without handling the gear as much, and I find that those 3 images are usually all you need.
4. Think Simple. Every HDR image does not have to have a distinct or odd looking fantasy look. HDR gives you control once you learn it. It’s OK to use mildly rendered HDR’s. People may not even know it’s HDR, they’ll just know when it looks great!
5. When and Where? With nature and still life you should just get in the habit of shooting bracketed exposure sequences. That way you can make an HDR out of any scene. With portraits and people however Don’t try to shoot every image in HDR. Not only would it be virtually impossible on the go, it would be too much. HDR is a bit like a spice, especially in portraits. Balance is the key!
6. Don’t over edit. I find this to be the most common problem people have with HDR. Anyone can properly shoot three or four images for an HDR, but to get the magic you have to use the software and do good editing. Don’t always go for that over the top look. Just because it’s an HDR doesn’t mean you have to make it look flat, or over edited. Use HDR as a powerful tool to get dramatic exposure in your image and it will work for you. Just keep in mind what makes a great looking final shot…
You can see more of my HDR portraits, on my website… Gavin Seim
For more details on the mechanics of shooting people. Check out my recent article on HDR Portraits, Fashion, and Wedding Photography.
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DUDE!!!! Enough already! The plural of “photo” is “photos”. There is no apostrophe. Nice to finish elementary school.
Dan I’m sorry your offended by the apostrophe in photo’s. I don’t know exactly what the rule states, and I doubt you do either. Either way I happen to like apostrophe on plural’s. The English language is full of things that are debated and confusing. Perhaps, if that makes you cranky you should learn another one.
I’m certain you could find many real typos if you feel like griping. Frankly I’d say you have way too much time on your hands or maybe need a girlfriend. I however do not and it’s work enough to keep fresh content always coming to the site. In the spirit of life being to short therefore, I’m going to stop talking to you now and do more productive things
I do believe that someone was being a bit cranky.
The use of an apostrophe (as I recall) is either
to show possesion or a contraction.
Dan is not being overly offended. While the web is full of bad grammar, if you’re going to present yourself in a professional manner, being able to write well is expected.
Apostrophes are for forming contractions, such as “I’d rather be taking photos” and possessives, “Bob’s 5DII rocks.” Occasionally you will see apostrophes used to form possessives of uppercase acronyms, such as “PSD’s”, but I am fairly certain this is incorrect as well.
I’m not sure if most people ignore the bad grammar that’s out there or simply fail to notice it. Grammar is important because it conveys meaning. Reading an article with improper grammar and spelling makes it difficult to comprehend and does a disservice to your readers.
Just as you wouldn’t create a business site with a pink polka dot background and purple blinking text, if you’re going to write in a professional capacity, learn the basics.
I can’t seem to edit my post, but where I wrote “possessives of uppercase acronyms,” I meant “plurals of uppercase acronyms.”
Ok,
Lets be honest here, Dan, you are a prick!
You know…I would have to say, regardless of grammar…polite and respectful communication is of primary importantance. After all…language is for the purpose of communication! If an individual chooses to take offense at something that has nothing to do with him…that is his problem…it is a shame that he missed the point of this site and the generous information offered here. It leaves me wondering just how far such an individual has progressed since elementary school(since that is the measure he chose to use)…emotionally, I’d say not much further than grade five.
Gavin, thank you so much for sharing what you have learned…there are those of us out here who are not so arrogant as to throw away the jewels you offer because we “think” that we might discern a tiny flaw in the packaging! Content is everything…I for one and fascinated by HDR photography…I have only been limited thus far due to budget constraints that have kept me from purchasing really good HDR capable editing software. I will be keeping my eyes open for any further tips you might choose to share! Thanks again!
Gavin, thanks for the post and very informative website.
I’m disappointed to see many visitors to your blog getting so derailed by grammatical pedantry that they forget to comment on the content and all the effort you put in developing and maintaining the site. Come on guys….
Thanks I appreciate it. And I’m always working of more professional grammar and writing too. Some people have too much time