Creating an HDR Photo

Want to kick the look of your photos up a notch?  Of course, if the post processing techniques that you are using are good your photos probably will be too... but why not give them a look that stands out.  That's what shooting HDR images is for.

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range.  These images are, well, just that... highly dynamic.  These photos (if processed correctly) carry a vibrant, detailed and vivid feeling that you can't seem to get with just regular processing.  The dark areas will hold much detail while the lightest areas will also carry a great amount of detail.  But you are probably asking, "How in the world do I do this?"  Well, below is the answer to that question.

Essentially, one HDR image is created from multiple images taken at different exposures and then combined in Photoshop.  It is important to note that the image captured should be one that lacks movement.  If there is any movement/difference between the multiple photos being combined this could create undesirable blur or distortions in the final HDR image.  Of course, there are those creative situations when the blur could be used to your advantage.  Typically you want to stick with cityscapes and landscapes.

First, find an image you want to capture.  I was at a park that had some beautiful color and a reflective lake which happened to work nicely together.  

Next, with your camera connected to your tripod, what you want to do is capture at least 3 images each at a different stop on your meter.  Typically it will be at -1, 0 and 1.  This will allow for a dynamic range of darks and lights being combined once you work your magic in Photoshop.  

Please note though that it is important to change your shutter speed rather than you aperture or ISO and here is why.  If you change your aperture your depth of field will be different for each image which could cause some weird distortions to take place in post-processing.  Also, if you change your ISO you may have some images with no grain while others have a large amount of grain.  Again, you probably won't like the finished product once the grainy images are combined with the non-grainy.  Your best bet is to stick with the shutter speed and just use a tripod.  If done steadily and correctly, you will get a beautifully clear image. 

Once your images are uploaded to your computer, open Photoshop and go to File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro. 

When the pop-up box appears click the browse button and select the images that you want to be combined and click open and then ok.  

Your images will be brought up in a window which will allow you to change the levels on each of the three photos before putting them together creating your HDR image.  It is important to especially if you have a little bit of movement to select remove ghosting.  This will take away any subtle movement which may shadow or distort some detail.  

By selecting the different images on the bottom of the window and tweaking the levels on each one (+1 photo contributes the details in the dark portions while the -1 photo contributes the details in the light portions), it will create the colors and details which are desired in an HDR image.  Click ok when finished.  This will combine all three into one photo.  Once in the regular Photoshop window you can make a few more changes which you think will better enhance your HDR image.  This can include actions or presets.  

Once finished go to File > Save As and name your photo and change the type of file to a jpeg and click save.  

You may also want to save the Photoshop file just in case you want to come back later and make a few changes.

Voila! You now have your very own HDR image that you can be very proud of!

 

Photowalk

On Monday, April 22, 2013 downtown Phoenixville was bursting with color as spring made its way through the streets.

Phoenixville resident, Lindsay Brace (19) was found on a side street admiring as well as playing in the fallen petals from a nearby tree.

 Along Bridge Street this brick wall looks as though it too was affected by the spring breeze while in fact it is structurally sound.

Yum Yum Yogurt which opened in March of this year receives steady business as the weather climbs to milder temperatures. 

The sunshine and blooming flowers remind Phoenixville residents of the summer weather that is right around the corner.  In no time at all people will be wearing shorts and running to the beach to soak up the sun.

The Country Church

How To... Photo-Illustration

This photo-illustration was created for use with articles geared towards people who may be addicted to over the counter or prescription drugs. 

 

My initial idea was something geared towards over-the-counter addictions.  As I began to think about and research a few different options regarding a photo-illustration I narrowed the ideas down to what became "Trapped by an Addiction."  Starting with the above photo I began to compile my final product.

My next step was simply taking a picture with my camera of a person who depicted a sense of agony and a desire for help. 

 

 After opening it in Photoshop, I separated the image from the background using the quick selection tool.  

I copied the selected image into the pills picture (also in Photoshop) and proceeded by converting the whole image to black and white as well as adding a shadow under the girl using the brush tool.

I added the final touches by including the text "Trapped by an Addiction" and adding faded gray framing just to give it an extra pop.

The Essence of Photography

A whimsical moment… the height of beauty… a feeling of remorse… a light into a soul.  Each of these scenarios can be fully portrayed by the simple push of a button through photography.   

Photography is an expressive art that not only captures beauty, meaning, sorrow, joy or whatever it is that is being dynamically expressed in that moment but also allows the photographer to get creative in the message that they want to be communicated.  At the end of the day, the meaning is all based upon the eye of the beholder.  Art is an expression that can be interpreted many different ways by many different people and with 7 billion people walking the planet that's a lot of possible interpretations.

These few moments spent perusing this blog will hopefully bring delight to your eye as well as enlightenment to your mind with different approaches and techniques in photography that will enable you to capture any moment in time precisely as you mean to.  

Currently I am a junior at Valley Forge Christian College studying Digital Media with a concentration in photography.  Not only is photography my career path of choice but it is also one of my passions. 
 

 

Buddy Barrel's Return

On Sunday, March 3rd, Buddy Barrel returned to Sunshine Full Gospel Church in Shickshinny, PA after a year of being "on leave" after walking in a local parade on a damagingly rainy day.  Buddy Barrel is the mascot for the Assemblies of God Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade which raises money for missionaries around the world.

Six year old Alyssa dumps all of her pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters that she had saved up throughout the month into the Buddy Barrel offering.  It had been a while since Buddy Barrel was the one who held the bucket so the congregation was very excited to see him resume his position.

Just a few of the kids of S.F.G.C. pose with their beloved Buddy Barrel that they had missed so much.  Pictured from left to right are Alyssa (6), Matt (9), Anita (assistant Sunday School superintendent), Buddy Barrel, Kendra (12) and Zach (10).

Just a Hobby

 Car guru, Jerry Tomassacci of Drums, PA poses for a picture while working on his Saturn Monday morning.

Jerry says that he "enjoys working on cars but just not when it's cold outside." 

With numb hands Jerry had a hard time changing the oil in his car.  Monday's temperatures were some of the coldest on record for this winter dipping down into the teens in Drums, PA.

Monday to Friday Jerry can be found at United Rehabilitation Services in Hazleton, PA doing his job as an Employment Training Specialist.  He helps people with disabilities prepare for and find employment.  Helping people is his passion.