As I work on my photography, I often stand with my camera before a scene and realize that the dynamic range of my camera prevents me from capturing the entire tonal range. HDR photography is one of the go to tools that I will use to capture the scene in a photograph the way I see it in my mind.
Here is one of my favorite HDR photographs for you to enjoy!
USS Lionfish Torpedo Room
For decades, photographers have struggled with one decision regarding exposure. What part of the exposure do I sacrifice – the highlights or the shadows? What detail can I sacrifice and still tell my story? Do I expose for the highlights and let the shadows turn to black? Or should I expose for the shadows, knowing that I am going to lose the highlights? HDR photography allows me to get BOTH! I can capture the shadows and the highlights!
There are many different approaches to solving this problem. From filters mounted on the front of the camera, to multiple photographs taken at different exposure levels, and then blended together on the computer. In my mind there is no right or wrong way. What really matters in the end is the photography itself, and not the tool that the artist chooses to use.
What is HDR Photography
So what exactly is HDR Photography? HDR is a form of photography that has grown in both popularity and controversy over the last several years. Some folks love it, while others hate it. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it refers to the range of light that is recorded in a photograph. Multiple photographs of the same scene are taken at different exposure levels, and then blended together using software at a later time.
Just like with any other tool there is a time and a place for HDR photography, and when done well it can be breathtaking! I love to use HDR:
- when I photograph in the city at night
- when shooting with the sun in the photograph
- indoor scenes that have lights and windows.
HDR allows me to capture plenty of detail in the dark shadows, but also keep the many lights in the scene from becoming completely blown out.
You can purchase a print of many of my photographs in the fine art photography print gallery. A photograph is a great way to remind us of a happy time or place, and they make a great addition to your home or office decor!