A Small Experiment

[poolhound]

Ray, forgot to ask, have you tried using graduated ND filters as for this type of shot they would allow you to take it without needing any HDR processing.

[LCHIEN]

That's neat Ray. I haven't gotten involved with digital photography to the point of being real creative as I might have though I would 15 years ago. To be honest I had not heard of thie HDR or HDRI until you mentioned it so, thanks. As a longtime film photographer I am familiar with limitiations of the media and in particular in the compromises of keeping the shadow detail and the highlight detail. THis is a a way around that which as someone wrote, may be moot if they come up with high dynamic range cameras.

I'm not quite sure in my readings of how exactly they do process or "render" the HDR image from the originals. Clearly its not a simple summation... wondering if they use an area or whether its a simple pixel by pixel translation.

Anyway thanks for the education, learn something new, if not everyday, quite frequently, here.

[RayintheUK]

I didn't mean to come across as snippy, Jon! I thought that the thread was getting more and more technical (and potentially off-putting) whereas it was only really another "here's a picture, take a look" deal. I've deleted my original message now.

Ray.

[Pappy]

I read most of the thread. Didn't understand most of it but I still like the picture!

[cabinetman]

A sturdy tripod is essential, Mike, as the technique entails taking a number of (ideally RAW 32bit) images of exactly the same scene, but at differing shutter speeds - you just can't do that hand-held with sufficient accuracy.

Ray.

I really have to agree with you on that. I notice a big difference in sharpness when I use my tripod. A couple of weeks ago I was installing some crown moulding, and I saw in the HF flier a support bar that I got on sale for less than $10. Well, it worked great. Then I had this brainstorm for trying it out as a camera support. It's got a rubber pad at both ends and the ends are gimbaled.

So, instead of having three legs on the floor, I tried this support and rested the camera on the top pad. It isn't as sturdy, but when you're somewhat feeble, it was better than just having the camera in hand.

For that extra bit of smoothness, all my 35mm cameras have an input for a remote shutter release (cable). My digital doesn't have that option. If it does, I can't figure out where it is. Also, I don't think I even have a shutter timer. If it does, I can't find it. I also can't find the instruction manual. This is my camera.
.

[LCHIEN]

cabman,

you can buy monopods specially for photog, you don't have to adapt HF supports.
THe monopods are great for sports, and weddings using available light, they give vertical and lateral support, but for time exposures and repeated use (e.g. HDRI) they won't work as well.

As for your Fuji camera, if its anything like my S5100, then the timer is the first item on the menu button, the icons look like a clock dial counting down. There's a choice between 10 seconds and 2 seconds (has a small 2 in the icon). Use 10 seconds if you want to get in the pic and 2 seconds if you want to just use a hands off no vibration release. 2 seconds will also get a nice butt shot of you if you try to get in the pic.
All Fujis below the S5100 had no remote release.

[RayintheUK]

Also, I don't think I even have a shutter timer. If it does, I can't find it. I also can't find the instruction manual. This is my camera.

Have a look about 1/3rd down this page, Mike, where it shows the menus. The third capture is animated. Self-timer (approx 10 seconds) is on Menu Page 2. No remote release as Loring said. HTH

Ray.

[cabinetman]

cabman,
you can buy monopods specially for photog, you don't have to adapt HF supports.

There was no adaption necessary. I already had the support, and I just gave it a try. It worked out pretty cool.

cabman, There's a choice between 10 seconds and 2 seconds (has a small 2 in the icon). Use 10 seconds if you want to get in the pic and 2 seconds if you want to just use a hands off no vibration release. 2 seconds will also get a nice butt shot of you if you try to get in the pic.
All Fujis below the S5100 had no remote release.

Well I'll just have to run backwards, and smile. Actually I would like the idea of a manual remote shutter release. Having the shot pictured and then having to set the time and then wait for a snap, my picture could change. It's the "shoot at will" that captures those immediate moments. Thanks for the info.

Have a look about 1/3rd down this page, Mike, where it shows the menus. The third capture is animated. Self-timer (approx 10 seconds) is on Menu Page 2. No remote release as Loring said. HTH

Ray.

I don't think I've ever gotten that deep in the menus. It's like the dungeon of technology to me. Having all those choices, and figuring out which button to push. For me, with having a lack of sensitivity problem with my fingers, I always hit the wrong buttons. With my luck, I'll get into a selection loop, hang up the camera, and have to take it to some camera pro to debunk the program I punched in.

I could go into an oration of PC applications I got hung up on with all the clicking and remembering where I started. I guess I'll just have to experiment with the menu, and keep my battery charger busy.

Thanks for the help.
.

[poolhound]

I didn't mean to come across as snippy, Jon! I thought that the thread was getting more and more technical (and potentially off-putting) whereas it was only really another "here's a picture, take a look" deal. I've deleted my original message now.

Ray.

No worries Ray. As I photographer I am always interested in contributing to these threads. I deleted my reply also.

It was a greate shot and subject and as you said an interesting expertiment. HDR is a great new feature in PS and for certain shots there is virtually no other way to get the results one would want without using it or other multi layered blending techiques.

For these type of shots with bright skylines there are a number of ways to get improved results. If you or others would like to know more I would be happy to start a different thread.

Keep taking pics and show us more.

[Bruce Cohen]

Hey Ray,

As I believe I once mentioned to you, you should try to get one of the stock agency's to represent your work, it's that good. Especially now, using HDR (something that isn't done too often yet int the states), combined with your excellent eye and subject matter one hardly sees here, I truly feel that you can be very popular.

When I was art directing a travel magazine, good stock travel photography was rare, and also quite plain and redundant, the usual photos of Piccadilly Circus, the London Bridge, Big Ben, etc. Way too plain and predictable. What you're showing is vastly different than the run of the mill of visual diarrhea we usually see here in the "colonies".

Seriously, you should look into it. Stock photography is becoming more desired as its getting harder to cover the cost of sending a photographer to a location to get the shot needed. You have the rotten economy to thank for that, but one photographer's loss, is another's gain.

Take a shot at it, your work really is that good, and now it even better using HDR.

I still have a few connections still in the business and possible could be of some help.

PM me with any questions or if this is the route you may want travel.

Don;t sell youself short.

Bruce

[MilDoc]

HDR really does produce nice images. I experimented with it with local shots and was impressed. In October LOML and MBF will be sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean (Istanbul, Greece, Alexandria). WITH a tripod. Can't wait to see the reults!

[cgallery]

HDR really does produce nice images. I experimented with it with local shots and was impressed. In October LOML and MBF will be sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean (Istanbul, Greece, Alexandria). WITH a tripod. Can't wait to see the reults!

The tripod isn't gonna help unless they can figure out a way to keep the boat steady.