Shenandoah #3
The first image I processed using some HDR software. Why? To keep it simple and easy to understand, basically the sensors in digital cameras are not able to capture, in a single shutter release, the complete tonal range of a scene, as compared to the human eye. Our eyes are able to see a larger tonal range than a digital camera sensor. To get around this limitation of a digital camera, photographers can take multiple images with different exposure values. In my case I took 5 photographs of the scene below. Using software I blended those images together and the photograph below is the result. I believe it is fairly close to what I actually saw that day.
I am still trying to combine both HDR and panoramic into an image. I’m having trouble using the software and getting a result I’m happy with. The photograph below is of the same general scene as that above only I used 3 files that the camera said was the ideal exposure. I also used 3 images that I took as I panned the camera from left to right. The result being a much wider field of view than is possible with a single photograph with most lenses on a digital camera. Hopefully you get the idea.
Shenandoah National Park Preview #2
I decided to spend a little time today experimenting with some software in my digital darkroom. The images below are the result playing around with HDR photography. The basic idea is that the sensor on a digital camera is not capable of capturing, in a single image, the entire tonal range of the light hitting the sensor. To compensate for the sensor, a photographer can take multiple pictures that are then processed using software. Depending on the result the photographer is trying to obtain, the picture can look very true to what a human would have seen with their eyes, or the result can be something more creative and from the photographers mind.
For example, the first picture below is supposed to represent what I saw with my own eyes. I say supposed to as I am still learning and playing with this piece of software.
As I saw it with my own eyes
This next photograph is from the same set of pictures as the one above. Only this time instead of trying to depict what my eyes saw, I am letting my creativity out more and having fun and seeing the type of image I can create (using software).
Playing around with the software
Please excuse the “Photomatix” watermark, I am using a demo version of the software. I don’t want to purchase until I am sure it will meet my needs. Given the poor light conditions of the day with the heavy clouds and a lot of haze, I prefer the 2nd image myself.
What do you think? Post your comment below.
Read More »Shenandoah National Park (preview)
Yesterday I was able to find time to visit Shenandoah National Park. It was my first visit to the park. I love being outside and in the middle of no where, so to speak. Below is a picture I took of myself sitting on the rocks looking out over the valley below. Unfortunately I had the camera configured for HDR shooting so the exposure of this single picture was under exposed.
In the coming days I plan to post more pictures of the various views from Shenandoah National Park. It was not the best day, thick clouds came in and there was a distinct haze. A good day to practice and spend some time wandering around the park. I saw deer (lots), a skunk, and 2 bear cubs. Unlike the other humans that were around me, I stayed in my car around the bear cub. It was wandering around near Skyline Drive. Given its size I’m guessing it was born this spring and that its mother was close. I want to be around to be a father to my children. Though seriously, wild animals should have a healthy fear of humans, for their protection and ours. I watched one father get his probably 9 month old child out the car and walk with his child to within 30′ of the bear cub. In my mind not the smartest thing he could have done. Not to mention I suspect that child does not even remember the bear today, let alone years from now.
Myself sitting on the rocks enjoying the view
Check back soon for what I hope will be some good (maybe even great) shots from my first day at the park. I did buy a yearly pass, I will be going back.
Read More »Moving…
A quick note to let those who have contacted me that I have not forgotten about you. This week I am moving from near Buffalo, NY to the Montclair, VA area. As I write this the truck with all of my things is driving south.
I hope to start setting up sessions at the end of this month.
Read More »