For the last few months, I have been trying to learn all I can about the HDR process before giving it an initial attempt on my own. Two video training CDs and two books later I think I have a handle on the process and how it works.
In my mind (as well as the minds of many others), there are two extremes to the process. On one end of the scale is the use of the process to deliver 'photo-realistic' results, and at the other end of the spectrum are results that have variably been called "comic-bookish", "illustrative", "surreal", or "hyper-realistic". Although my artistic tendency is to stay at the photo-realistic end of the spectrum, I am open minded and can see how, in some circumstances, a move towards the other end of the spectrum can likewise produce very interesting results. In the end, of course, the direction that one's artwork takes is totally up to the artist.
So I am posting my first foray into the HDR processing technique. I was attracted to this tree by the strong graphic lines of the limbs. Since the shape was what I was primarily drawn to, a black and white presentation seemed to be most appropriate. What I was hoping for here was a look that went just a bit beyond photo-realistic in order to give the tree a slightly surreal "spooky" look. The color images were processed in Photomatix and both converted to black and white and toned in Silver Efex Pro.
Tree I
Copyright Howard Grill
7 comments:
Know that photomatix have a light version now.
http://photoandpictures.com/2009/12/photomatix-hdr-light-releases-its-product-as-a-lowend-user-product/
and be sure to have a look on raw.
http://photoandpictures.com/2010/01/what-is-raw-and-how-does-it-work/
Hello.
I personally use the two extremes of the HDR production. My artistic side likes a lot of hyper-realistic an surreal results.
I have some examples on my site if you want to check. :)
Thanks Daniel...will have a look at your site!
One thing that I have sometimes had an issue with are the halos in strong contrast regions - like you have around the trunk of the tree against the sky. I suppose this could be labeled styling or sometimes it becomes objectionable - all a matter of taste and it depends on the image. I personally think it might work to enhance the surreal effect on the image you have here.
Hi Mark...that is one of the things I was concerned about with this image and was considering going back and tone mapping again for a less HDR look...but then , as you suggested, I ended up thinking that the halos here added to the slightly surreal look that I was hoping to achieve.
Howard, I like this. My attempts at using photomatix have been uniformly unsuccessful compared with shooting a couple or three raw images and pwinting in the detail I want with masks. I have appreciated your gentle site for some time, thanks.
Thanks very much David. Beautiful images on your website, by the way. You should put some more info about yourself on it as I felt I wanted to know more after looking at the photos!
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