HDR(s) whats your opinion? Too many/ too little?

Luciferase · 01-28-2009, 06:11 PM

This is new to me and I did a quick search on this forum and there aren’t any threads about this or I might have missed it.

From the many other forums I’ve read, it concluded this: some like it, others think it's bad, some are ok with it as long as they’re not overdone.

Wonder what people's thought about this?

High dynamic range imaging - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Canada_Rockies** · 01-28-2009, 06:54 PM

Try searching the forum on "High Dynamic Range" - you should get a bunch of hits. My preference is to just barely make the shadow details visible, and the highlight detail not quite burnt out. I dislike overdone HDR images, where the shadows are too bright to be real.

dave sz · 01-28-2009, 07:05 PM

there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless...

jak442 · 01-28-2009, 08:02 PM

I've said this before, but I think HDR is a great tool when used properly. Like when there is a lot of bright color with other "interesting" features/subjects that would be lost to shadow if you exposed for the bright area.

BUT, most HDRs I've seen fall into one of two groups. 1) Boring or poorly composed photos being processed to try to look artistic or better than they actually are(nothing new here, I can't imagine the countless hours spent trying to polish turds). and 2) Well composed and interesting images that have had all the drama/character washed away and thus been ruined.

There are a few I have liked, mostly in churches and a few landscapes with interesting skies, but most seem to give too much to look at, taking away from the subject and the art of the photo.

bobD · 01-28-2009, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by dave sz

there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless...

But for a better search,

Quote:

Using Google to search PentaxForums.com maintains all of Google's great search engine flexibility: ability to specify search terms shorter than 4 characters, using boolean logic (AND and OR between search terms), specify phrases (by enclosing them within quotes), etc. You may even restrict the search to individual forums on our site. To do so:

* Go to Google
* Enter the keyword(s) or phrase(s) for which you wish to search
* Add to the end of the Google search field site:Welcome to PentaxForums.com- The internet's first full-scale Pentax community and forum! *
* Search!

* To search individual forums, simply replace the above Welcome to PentaxForums.com- The internet's first full-scale Pentax community and forum! with the URL for the individual forum. For example, to search the Pentax SLR Lens Discussion forum only, use Pentax SLR Lens Discussion - PentaxForums.com. You may find and copy forum-specific URLs while viewing the main forum by right-clicking the forum link and selecting Copy Link Location (Firefox) or Copy Shortcut (Internet Explorer).

the above from this forum page...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/site-suggestions-errors-help/314-explanat...-features.html

The easiest is to just type this into the google search bar

Quote:

site

entaxforums.com

followed by your search query. eg

Quote:

site

entaxforums.com hdr

hit search and watch how many hits google pulls up. Then click on the one/s that interest you and you will get to the forum page/s

EDIT OOPS! it should read site: pentaxforums.com but without the space between : and p but when I type : followed by p the forum editor sees it as a smilie!!

I can't find any way to turn this off, can some one advise me and then I can edit the post to give the correct lines.

PentaxPoke · 01-28-2009, 09:14 PM

I agree with Canada and Jak. Unfortunately, most of the HDR I see reminds me of the latest video game graphics. The HDR I like best is when you can't tell its HDR. Anyone can go wild with tone mapping and produce the typical surreal HDR images that are the fad now, but I think that will pass when the novelty wears off.

71Matador250 · 01-28-2009, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by PentaxPoke

I agree with Canada and Jak. Unfortunately, most of the HDR I see reminds me of the latest video game graphics. The HDR I like best is when you can't tell its HDR. Anyone can go wild with tone mapping and produce the typical surreal HDR images that are the fad now, but I think that will pass when the novelty wears off.

I have been beating my head against the wall trying to make just this, a believable HDR image . Under Ideal conditions where the capture can be controlled, I think HDR imagery is terriffic to emote a certain feel or surreal mood. Otherwise it's just another trick in the photogs bag o' tricks.

heliphoto · 01-28-2009, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by dave sz

there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless...

True enough...

One can use google to search a specific site without much effort, just enter "site:www.the-site-you-want-to-search.com" followed by a space, followed by your search terms. It looks like this...

Code:

site:www.pentaxforums.com hdr

and that search does indeed return many results for this topic...

site:www.pentaxforums.com hdr

Now, back on topic with my opinion... I appreciate HDR that's done very subtly to represent a scene with very high dynamic range accurately, but this HDR would have to be mentioned by the photographer for me to know it was used at all... it's that subtle.

Luciferase · 01-28-2009, 11:20 PM

Thank you all for correcting and introducing me to how search better. It's very helpful.

Before I heard about HDR, for some time I knew about auto bracketing and layering masking multiple different exposed images in photoshop CS (as compared to using HDR tool in CS2 or CS3, etc).

Just wondering (to the pros out there):

1. Is this method classify as HDR imaging? I do this mostly in landscape shots similar.
2. How does this compare to using a GND filter? Coz I seen some non-process images using GND filters (claimed, which I have second thoughts about) looking awesome-o.

Originally posted by heliphoto

I appreciate HDR that's done very subtly to represent a scene with very high dynamic range accurately, but this HDR would have to be mentioned by the photographer for me to know it was used at all... it's that subtle.

Totally agree with using HDR tags if it's apply, as it is unfair for photos without HDR but with similar dyanmics range.

denisv · 01-29-2009, 01:15 AM

I don't think I've ever seen a HDR image that didn't make me want to vomit.

Jasvox · 01-29-2009, 02:52 AM

The search function is actually quite useful if you use it correctly. If you add an asterisk after the term "HDR" (since it is too small to search those three letters), you will find oodles of threads about this topic already. Simply type HDR* and then search....voila!

By the way, check out this photographers' example of what he does with his HDR technique...doesn't look so vomit inducing to me.

Maciej Duczynski photography - lonelywolf, forografia HDR, high dynamic range...

Jason

mithrandir · 01-29-2009, 07:39 AM

HDR techniques can be used to successfully recover some of the extended dynamic range of a scene as perceived by the human eye but which a DSLR cannot capture in one exposure. With restraint, a very realistic rendition can be produced which is not garish, cartoonish, or vomit inducing.

PentaxPoke · 01-29-2009, 08:39 AM

Originally posted by mithrandir

With restraint, a very realistic rendition can be produced which is not garish, cartoonish, or vomit inducing.

Yes, we should all strive not to induce vomit with our photographs.

emalvick · 01-29-2009, 08:56 AM

I have to agree in that I mostly don't care for HDR. Most the time I am impressed with it is when I can't tell an image is HDR. Then once I am told I can see the intricate detail and care taken by the artist to get a great image that didn't scream HDR but rather a well done photograph.

I have never given a try, myself, to true HDR, but what I've enjoyed is exposure blending (i.e. no tone mapping). I've been using the program enfuse to blend a bracketed set of exposures to create a product similar to HDR but a little more natural looking. I'm not sure exposure blending better, but it does seem easier. The program, enfuse, is really good for this.

**Canada_Rockies** · 01-29-2009, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by Jasvox

The search function is actually quite useful if you use it correctly. If you add an asterisk after the term "HDR" (since it is too small to search those three letters), you will find oodles of threads about this topic already. Simply type HDR* and then search....voila!

By the way, check out this photographers' example of what he does with his HDR technique...doesn't look so vomit inducing to me.

Maciej Duczynski photography - lonelywolf, forografia HDR, high dynamic range...

Jason

That's exactly what I was trying to describe. You don't realize it is HDR - it looks natural. The dark places are still dark, but you can see detail and the bright places are the same - still bright, but displaying detail. The first image in Norway 06 epitomizes well done HDR for me. Very subtly done and a lovely image.

01-28-2009, 06:11 PM	#1
Luciferase Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 86	HDR(s) whats your opinion? Too many/ too little? This is new to me and I did a quick search on this forum and there aren’t any threads about this or I might have missed it. From the many other forums I’ve read, it concluded this: some like it, others think it's bad, some are ok with it as long as they’re not overdone. Wonder what people's thought about this? High dynamic range imaging - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

01-28-2009, 08:11 PM	#5
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	Originally posted by dave sz there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless... But for a better search, Quote: Using Google to search PentaxForums.com maintains all of Google's great search engine flexibility: ability to specify search terms shorter than 4 characters, using boolean logic (AND and OR between search terms), specify phrases (by enclosing them within quotes), etc. You may even restrict the search to individual forums on our site. To do so: * Go to Google * Enter the keyword(s) or phrase(s) for which you wish to search * Add to the end of the Google search field site:Welcome to PentaxForums.com- The internet's first full-scale Pentax community and forum! * * Search! * To search individual forums, simply replace the above Welcome to PentaxForums.com- The internet's first full-scale Pentax community and forum! with the URL for the individual forum. For example, to search the Pentax SLR Lens Discussion forum only, use Pentax SLR Lens Discussion - PentaxForums.com. You may find and copy forum-specific URLs while viewing the main forum by right-clicking the forum link and selecting Copy Link Location (Firefox) or Copy Shortcut (Internet Explorer). the above from this forum page...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/site-suggestions-errors-help/314-explanat...-features.html The easiest is to just type this into the google search bar Quote: siteentaxforums.com followed by your search query. eg Quote: siteentaxforums.com hdr hit search and watch how many hits google pulls up. Then click on the one/s that interest you and you will get to the forum page/s EDIT OOPS! it should read site: pentaxforums.com but without the space between : and p but when I type : followed by p the forum editor sees it as a smilie!! I can't find any way to turn this off, can some one advise me and then I can edit the post to give the correct lines.

01-28-2009, 10:05 PM	#8
heliphoto Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Region 5 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,539	Originally posted by dave sz there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless... True enough... One can use google to search a specific site without much effort, just enter "site:www.the-site-you-want-to-search.com" followed by a space, followed by your search terms. It looks like this... *Code:* site:www.pentaxforums.com hdr and that search does indeed return many results for this topic... site:www.pentaxforums.com hdr Now, back on topic with my opinion... I appreciate HDR that's done very subtly to represent a scene with very high dynamic range accurately, but this HDR would have to be mentioned by the photographer for me to know it was used at all... it's that subtle.

01-29-2009, 02:52 AM	#11
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Search function is fine The search function is actually quite useful if you use it correctly. If you add an asterisk after the term "HDR" (since it is too small to search those three letters), you will find oodles of threads about this topic already. Simply type HDR* and then search....voila! By the way, check out this photographers' example of what he does with his HDR technique...doesn't look so vomit inducing to me. Maciej Duczynski photography - lonelywolf, forografia HDR, high dynamic range... Jason

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01-28-2009, 06:54 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Try searching the forum on "High Dynamic Range" - you should get a bunch of hits. My preference is to just barely make the shadow details visible, and the highlight detail not quite burnt out. I dislike overdone HDR images, where the shadows are too bright to be real.

01-28-2009, 07:05 PM	#3
dave sz Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: carpentersville, IL Posts: 693	there are actually quite a few threads about HDR. The search feature on the site is just that useless...

01-28-2009, 08:02 PM	#4
jak442 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 54	I've said this before, but I think HDR is a great tool when used properly. Like when there is a lot of bright color with other "interesting" features/subjects that would be lost to shadow if you exposed for the bright area. BUT, most HDRs I've seen fall into one of two groups. 1) Boring or poorly composed photos being processed to try to look artistic or better than they actually are(nothing new here, I can't imagine the countless hours spent trying to polish turds). and 2) Well composed and interesting images that have had all the drama/character washed away and thus been ruined. There are a few I have liked, mostly in churches and a few landscapes with interesting skies, but most seem to give too much to look at, taking away from the subject and the art of the photo.

01-28-2009, 09:14 PM	#6
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	I agree with Canada and Jak. Unfortunately, most of the HDR I see reminds me of the latest video game graphics. The HDR I like best is when you can't tell its HDR. Anyone can go wild with tone mapping and produce the typical surreal HDR images that are the fad now, but I think that will pass when the novelty wears off.

01-28-2009, 09:49 PM	#7
71Matador250 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duncan,OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 71	Originally posted by PentaxPoke I agree with Canada and Jak. Unfortunately, most of the HDR I see reminds me of the latest video game graphics. The HDR I like best is when you can't tell its HDR. Anyone can go wild with tone mapping and produce the typical surreal HDR images that are the fad now, but I think that will pass when the novelty wears off. I have been beating my head against the wall trying to make just this, a believable HDR image . Under Ideal conditions where the capture can be controlled, I think HDR imagery is terriffic to emote a certain feel or surreal mood. Otherwise it's just another trick in the photogs bag o' tricks.

01-28-2009, 11:20 PM	#9
Luciferase Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 86 Original Poster	Thank you all for correcting and introducing me to how search better. It's very helpful. Before I heard about HDR, for some time I knew about auto bracketing and layering masking multiple different exposed images in photoshop CS (as compared to using HDR tool in CS2 or CS3, etc). Just wondering (to the pros out there): 1. Is this method classify as HDR imaging? I do this mostly in landscape shots similar. 2. How does this compare to using a GND filter? Coz I seen some non-process images using GND filters (claimed, which I have second thoughts about) looking awesome-o. Originally posted by heliphoto I appreciate HDR that's done very subtly to represent a scene with very high dynamic range accurately, but this HDR would have to be mentioned by the photographer for me to know it was used at all... it's that subtle. Totally agree with using HDR tags if it's apply, as it is unfair for photos without HDR but with similar dyanmics range.

01-29-2009, 01:15 AM	#10
denisv Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 66	I don't think I've ever seen a HDR image that didn't make me want to vomit.

01-29-2009, 07:39 AM	#12
mithrandir Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,895	HDR techniques can be used to successfully recover some of the extended dynamic range of a scene as perceived by the human eye but which a DSLR cannot capture in one exposure. With restraint, a very realistic rendition can be produced which is not garish, cartoonish, or vomit inducing.

01-29-2009, 08:39 AM	#13
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Originally posted by mithrandir With restraint, a very realistic rendition can be produced which is not garish, cartoonish, or vomit inducing. Yes, we should all strive not to induce vomit with our photographs.

01-29-2009, 08:56 AM	#14
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I have to agree in that I mostly don't care for HDR. Most the time I am impressed with it is when I can't tell an image is HDR. Then once I am told I can see the intricate detail and care taken by the artist to get a great image that didn't scream HDR but rather a well done photograph. I have never given a try, myself, to true HDR, but what I've enjoyed is exposure blending (i.e. no tone mapping). I've been using the program enfuse to blend a bracketed set of exposures to create a product similar to HDR but a little more natural looking. I'm not sure exposure blending better, but it does seem easier. The program, enfuse, is really good for this.

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01-29-2009, 12:22 PM	#15
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Jasvox The search function is actually quite useful if you use it correctly. If you add an asterisk after the term "HDR" (since it is too small to search those three letters), you will find oodles of threads about this topic already. Simply type HDR* and then search....voila! By the way, check out this photographers' example of what he does with his HDR technique...doesn't look so vomit inducing to me. Maciej Duczynski photography - lonelywolf, forografia HDR, high dynamic range... Jason That's exactly what I was trying to describe. You don't realize it is HDR - it looks natural. The dark places are still dark, but you can see detail and the bright places are the same - still bright, but displaying detail. The first image in Norway 06 epitomizes well done HDR for me. Very subtly done and a lovely image.