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This topic is scheduled to take THREE classes.
1) An explanation of HDR Photography
2) How to use the Auto Bracketing feature on your Nikon camera
3) How to create a single HDR image in Photoshop using multiple exposures
4) Practice merging multiple images into HDR
5) PROJECT 1: HDR
1) An explanation of HDR Photography
For our purposes, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography involves taking a series of identical shots at different exposures (a process called bracketing) and merging them using Photoshop in a way that properly lights all elements of the image. This is ideally used in high-contrast settings where a single shot would either have part of the image overexposed or part of the image underexposed.
Example:
-4 stops
-2 stops
+2 stops
+4 stops
Above are four separate exposures. Notice that two are underexposed and two are overexposed. In every shot, at least something has been exposed very well. However, in no single shot has everything been exposed well.
Below is an example of the HDR effect. Notice how nothing is overexposed and nothing is underexposed. This is the beauty and joy of HDR.
Source: Kevin McCoy. Accessed from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging
Practically speaking, HDR is now a favourite among real estate photographers because you can show a room with open windows and everything is evenly lit.
Source: http://www.obeosphere.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_6252HDR.jpg
For artistic purposes, some HDR photography is made to look deliberately surrealistic. Check out these crazy examples:
2) How to use the Auto Bracketing feature on your Nikon Z50 camera
BRACKETING is where you set the camera to a specific mode ("auto bracketing") where you take multiple images in a row that are deliberately and automatically exposed differently, giving you the dynamic range with which you can create an HDR image in Photoshop.
REMEMBER to re-set your camera when you're done, or it will mess up the next person's work!
For this project, You want the following settings:
Auto bracketing set = AE
Number of shots = 5F
Increment = 2.0
You also want to set your camera to continuous shooting mode so that all 5 shots can be taken instantly with one push (and hold) of the shutter release button.
To do this, push the i button, then change the release mode from "S" to continuous "H".
Click HERE for a link to the pages in the camera manual that go over this process.
3) How to create a single HDR image in Photoshop using multiple exposures
This last step is actually fairly simple, but will take time to fiddle with (like everything in Photoshop). It is up to you how "processed" a look you want with your image.
TIP: When in HDR editing mode, there are a number of "preset" settings you might want to try to get you started. It's a great way to learn why certain processed images look a certain way.
IMPORTANT POINT: To get started, in Photoshop, go to File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro
METHOD 1: Use for "Surreal" HDR effect
For more detailed explanations of the HDR menu settings, watch this:
METHOD 2: Use for "Photorealistic" effect
Here is a more advanced technique you are welcome to try. It requires shooting RAW, and involves keeping the image in 32-bit and using Adobe Camera RAW to create a detailed effect.
For a more detailed look at how to use this method for a stunning effect, take a look (but read the red fine print first!)
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Adobe has changed some of the functions of Photoshop in a recent update. The method shown here won't exactly work as intended. Here's what you need to do to get a similar result:
First, Watch the video up until the 4:50 mark. At that point he does a step which no longer works. Follow the steps below instead, then carry on with the video.
1) Open Photoshop but don't open any files (just have a blank Photoshop screen)
2) Open your folder with the RAW files you want to open. Make the window small enough that you still see your Photoshop window in the background
3) Select the RAW files you want to open by CTRL-clicking on them one-at-a-time.
4) Drag the RAW files into the empty Photoshop window. This will automatically open Adobe Camera RAW and will show all three images on a "filmstrip" on the left side of the ACR window.
5) Select all three images on the ACR filmstrip, right-click, select Merge to HDR Pro
6) A new .dng (Adobe's RAW file) is created. This image retains all of the detail from your three original images. Use ACR to develop this image.
4) Practice merging multiple images into HDR
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO SOME ZIPPED IMAGES YOU CAN USE TO PRACTICE MERGING TO HDR.
5) Project 1: HDR
For this project you will hand in TWO HDR images. Each should have great detail in highlights, midtones, and shadows.
Image 1: Use the method from the first video (using the built-in Photoshop HDR controls). You can shoot .jpg or RAW. Aim for a more dramatic, surrealistic, creative look.
Image 2: Use the method from the second video (using 32-bit controls and toning using Adobe Camera RAW). You must shoot RAW for this one. Aim for a more photorealistic look.
Each of these will be created from FIVE bracketed images.
Each set is to be shot in a separate location. Your task is to shoot in an environment that features visibly high contrast that includes very bright and very dark areas. These features must be included in your images or the assignment will not be successful!
For each set, take a bracketed set of five photographs. You'll need to set the camera to Autoexposure bracketing (5 frames, 2.0 increment) and High-speed continuous shooting mode. This way, you push the shutter release button and five differently exposed shots will be taken. This is what you import into Photoshop and turn into a single HDR image.
Shoot these in Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A) mode.
A tripod is required!!!
TO HAND IN THIS PROJECT:
1) Upload your two HDR images *AND* the first of each set of bracketed images directly to CLASSROOM. That's 4 images total.
2) Complete the self-evaluation rubric and TURN IN.
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