Pixiq

The gallery above, contains a few examples of my personal HDR images.

In a recent fine art photography forum, I asked a question regarding HDR.

 My Question: Are there any people here that are using HDR in their work? Why? or Why not?

Responder Jxxxxx:  I prefer High Dynamic Emotional Range photography.

JN - I find the majority of so-called HDR images out there are extremely ugly. That is because most so called HDR photographers do not understand the concept.

When used well, HDR doesn't have the look that people associate with the technique. Instead, it looks absolutely natural. The technique allows a more normal appearance that is much closer to the way we see the real world.

  It is a useful tool for obtaining an expanded tonal scale. In that sense, it is similar to the Zone System.

Responder Dyyyyy:  I prefer LDR for my work. ;) 

Responder Gxxxxx:  Who Cares ,its not what you use its how you use it. 

Responder Jzzzzz:  I would probably experiment with it if I had it. I use an antique Photoshop and w/o training discover how to do something by trial and re-trial

JN - How do you define HDR and LDR?

Responder Gwwwww:  Nope. Natural light, natural shadows.

JN - Only HDR can capture the range of natural light and shadows. 

Responder Oxxxxx:  Most stuff labeled as HDR on the internet is hideous.

Responder Gwwwww:  John, why did you even ask the question if you're clearly biased toward HDR? Good for you if you can work it in a way that yields the result you are looking for. What if I don't? What if I love the way the camera captures it, without post-processing?

JN- I like that too! I spent thirty some years making beautiful images with film. However, the dynamic range was limited. It seems that there is a misunderstanding of just what HDR is and what it is used for. 

At this point in time, a single exposure shot with film or digital cannot reproduce the tones and scale that we see in reality.

I am interested in finding out why people do not like HDR or why they do like it. It seems to me that many people practicing "art" photography reject what is a very useful if generally badly abused technique. To me, when used properly, it is no different using a filter to control contrast or what Ansel did with the Zone System.

Responder Dyyyyy:  LDR= Low Dynamic Range. I just made it up, but I do like to limit myself sometimes in order to force myself to think creatively. HDR can be fine if it isn't abused, or over-used. The problem is, that it has been abused so much that there is a lot of disdain for the acronym from many of us who know what a good photograph should look like.

Responder Jxxxxx:   Dxxxxx, re limiting oneself - I often like the way limitations send me in directions I might otherwise not go and philosophically like that it mirrors our whole life, which is full of limitations.

John, I don't know any artist photographers who are opposed to this technique. It is true there are many biases in photography culture. I know of one photo of a friend that is spectacular that I believe is HDR and I did go look for it but will have to ask him to bring it forward if I get a chance. It was of a famous artist's room and the inside and outside through the window were all present in the same way they'd be if you were standing there and the colors were not garish but of a similar saturation and brightness. Very like a painting, which appeals to me.

 

Responder Dxxxxx:  I never liked the look of it. It seems just too gimmicky but that is my humble opinion.

Responder Dyyyyy:  Exactly, Jxxxxx!

JN - It might seem to be gimmicky now, but as cameras become more sophisticated, the dynamic range will also become greater. The only difference between then and now is that you need special software. If one seeks truth, it seems to me that making images that are more like human seeing is a good thing.

JN - I detest the look of bad HDR. HDR is so new, that few people know how to use it. Garish is the term that I think most would use. However, having a photograph with blown out highlights and blocked up shadows can be unnatural and equally gaudy.

JN - Limitation is a great way to work. But why deny a useful tool when you might need it.

Responder Dyyyyy:  I agree, and I take advantage of a lot of useful tools. My work just doesn't have anything to do with truth, or precision. ;) If I had a use for it, I'd certainly use it. HDR definitely gets a bad wrap since most examples are poorly done.

 JN - Here is the way I think about HDR. If you look at an image and all it says is HDR, it is bad photography. If on the other hand the technique is used in an unobtrusive way so as to enhance the image by increasing the reality and amplify the message, it is probably a good photograph.

Responder Dyyyyy:  Agreed. I don't know if you are a Lightroom user, but if you are, the new Process Version 2012 develop controls in LR4 can get you pretty close to HDR in range with one exposure. It is impressive stuff. I've been using it for a lot of interior architecture shooting with backlit stained glass windows, and it has been a lifesaver.

 Photo Smarts

Inspiration - Open Your Eyes! - NOW!

Would Ansel use HDR?

 

JN - I am not trying to push HDR on anyone. Rather, I am trying to understand how a technique might be rejected rather than explored. There aren't many techniques that I find totally distasteful. I am more hateful of images, which seem pretentious, shallow, and hyped. I have always thought that the image is always more important than the means of attaining it. I love the limitations and the capabilities of the Holga and Diana. But to me they are just a means to create a certain look.

JN - HDR is not for everyone or for every image. I would hate to think of everyone creating the same kinds of photographs. The fact is, there are many techniques that are available and we have a rich history from which to choose what will work for our image making. I see HDR as a part of an evolution in how we can produce more natural looking imagery.

Photography is a relatively new thing! It has only been in existence on this planet for a short time. It has a long way to develop and we are just starting to realize it's potential. Nobody has a definitive answer as to what a photograph should look like or what it will need to be in the future.

Responder Duuuuu: as far as art goes, it ain't gonna happen! The commercial application best suited for it is architecture where some like images that border the illustrative

JN - Here is a sample of an HDR that looks like what I saw when I took the picture.

JN - Here are some sample images that are all created with HDR. (See gallery)

Responder Jxxxxx:  There are no absolutes in art. Period. (OK, IMO rarely H)There are finicky biases that happen more in photographic circles than my other 'art' circles but ultimately only one thing matters: Does the image work!? I don't much care how it get...See More

JN - I agree with you Jxxxxx. The image is the most important thing. Not the technique or the equipment, but the image and what it does as a photograph. In that regard, HDR or any other technique should be allowed as long as the concept of the work is not overwhelmed by the process.

Contemporary Issues in Photography

HDR possibilities

It's All About the Image

 

Responder Gxxxxx:  I occasionally use HDR but more as a "special effect" trying to create a specific look for an image than to try to emulate the human- eye- perception of exposure differential. …(Sent links to examples)…

Lately I prefer to experiment with gentler layering rather than using specific HDR software such as Photomatix Pro as this gives me better image control and less "unnatural" results.

JN - For me, the deciding factor for any photographic technique should depend on the intent of the photograph that one is attempting to create. The method chosen should always support the subject of the photograph. To me, technique is a compositional tool that when used properly acts to enhance the subject and/or resolve the concept of the image. Otherwise, it only serves to spoil the vision.

JN - Gxxxxx - Are the images (in the book) hyper sharpened or are they HDR? To me, they look like HDR.

Have people questioned your use of HDR to make these portraits? Do you think that the process you used serves to enhance the concept or does it detract?

BTW - these children have beautiful faces.

Responder Jxxxxx:  Gxxxxx, I love your collection of these sweet souls. Well done.

Responder Gxxxxx:  - John, I used the term "hyper-sharpened" but you are right, they are actually HDR images. By using this technique in post production I wanted to give a sense of heightened presence to these simple portraits, enhancing the sweat, the dirt, the "daily life" in these children faces, allowing us to feel closer while looking at the printed images to the reality I immersed myself for an extended period of time, while interacting and walking the streets with my young subjects. So, at least in my intentions, the process here serves to enhance the concept. I decided to use HDR here not to mimic reality but to build an emotional illustration of reality, as I perceived it. The portraits received a good feedback and nobody, so far, has questioned the photographic post-production I decided to use. I wrote a short essay about my experience with the children here (link intentionally not used here).

Responder Bxxxxx:  HDR (which in 99% is used for no reason and is badly over- processed) is a synonym of kitsch for me :)

Responder Bxxxxx:  And I am always wondering what's the reason to use HDR for portraits?

JN - The process has become a kitschy style through its commonly garish practice. There are ways to use the process to create images that are not possible otherwise. I shun the bad HDR but I have embraced its proper use.

As Gxxxxx suggests, portraiture can be enhanced to increase the drama or effects of lighting or detail in shadows or highlights.

I see HDR as a way to control the image in the same way as dodging or burning or any other photographic enhancement tool. It can make a huge difference it the outcome.

Any enhancement that is done in excess will produce garish results in any type of imaging.

Responder Bxxxxx:  I agreed with you John. Everything is good if you know where to stop and if the technique is used for a good reason. Its very often that people using hdr to hide a meaningless (image). (Sent from iPhone)

And so the conversation continues. How will the HDR dilemma get resolved? Will HDR start to grow up and behave the way it should? Is the world so sick of the way it looks that it will never gain the praise it needs to become acceptable in the world of fine photography?

More to come, I’m sure!

Personally, I love HDR when it is done well! I think Ansel would approve of the good stuff, but I believe he would hate the bad!

Links to related topics:

Photo Smarts

Inspiration - Open Your Eyes! - NOW!

Would Ansel use HDR?

Contemporary Issues in Photography

HDR possibilities

It's All About the Image

HDR - V -The Zone System - Part 1

HDR - V -The Zone System - Part 2

NOTICE:    THIS POSTING AS WELL AS ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND GALLERY IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT - © JOHN NEEL AND ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PUPOSE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE WRITER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR PIXIQ. THE IDEAS EXPRESSED ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND THE AUTHOR. 

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN partially edited and PARAPHRASED FOR CLARIFICATION AND TO PROTECT IDENTITY.

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