This topic is in the 2008 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2008HDR Portrait
p.3 #1HDR Portrait
in photomatix, under automate, there is a single process which is called "convert raw file or 16-bit linear TIFF into radiance RGBE (.hdr)". this is what i use.
yup it is possible. my camera can take 5 bursts in 1 second in the bracket mode
commenting on scott's picture, it's wonderful! all the colors in the customs are coming out. although the faces didn't show much of any hdr, which places us back to liam and steady's question on "is there an hdr into a face?" this is what i understand we are really talking here.
Edited on Mar 23, 2008 at 07:10 AM
yup it is possible. my camera can take 5 bursts in 1 second in the bracket mode
commenting on scott's picture, it's wonderful! all the colors in the customs are coming out. although the faces didn't show much of any hdr, which places us back to liam and steady's question on "is there an hdr into a face?" this is what i understand we are really talking here.
Edited on Mar 23, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Mar 23, 2008 at 06:57 AM
p.3 #2HDR Portrait
Stan Santiago wrote:
yup it is possible. my camera can take 5 bursts in 1 second in the bracket mode
Stan I appreciate what you have contributed to this thread. However I feel that even though you have a fast shutterspeed and you bracket the shot you still going to have at least two shots of a person with 1/5th of a second delay. Unless a person is sitting perfectly still thats going to be nearly impossible to blend.
Scott's image is very nice but the HDR is not on the subject but on the sky. (1 correctly exposed on the person and one on the sky). Its not like there is more information on the subject due to stacking more images. Especially with a hand-held image you are bound to have problems with the edge between subject and background as the subject and your camera have moved in 1/5th of second time.
Regards
yup it is possible. my camera can take 5 bursts in 1 second in the bracket mode
Stan I appreciate what you have contributed to this thread. However I feel that even though you have a fast shutterspeed and you bracket the shot you still going to have at least two shots of a person with 1/5th of a second delay. Unless a person is sitting perfectly still thats going to be nearly impossible to blend.
Scott's image is very nice but the HDR is not on the subject but on the sky. (1 correctly exposed on the person and one on the sky). Its not like there is more information on the subject due to stacking more images. Especially with a hand-held image you are bound to have problems with the edge between subject and background as the subject and your camera have moved in 1/5th of second time.
Regards
Mar 23, 2008 at 08:12 AM
p.3 #3HDR Portrait
yup it is possible. my camera can take 5 bursts in 1 second in the bracket mode
Im sorry but i wont buy that you can catch a perfect pose in HDR for facial purposes. a lot of movement can take place in 1 second. i an shoot 6.5 frames a sec but im not going to take an unnatural shot. asking a model to pose in a sincere manner and hold still for bracketed shots is unrealistic. possible yes but not something you are going to accomplish on a routine basis and seems like it would cause more stress for both you and the model.
what i think this post should be about is a new way of "tone mapping" by mimicking the HDR process to enhance underexposed or poorly lit subjects using only one RAW file. (even though light room probably produces better results). the result is not an HDR image but does follow the same process to "save" a poorly lit subject.
Im sorry but i wont buy that you can catch a perfect pose in HDR for facial purposes. a lot of movement can take place in 1 second. i an shoot 6.5 frames a sec but im not going to take an unnatural shot. asking a model to pose in a sincere manner and hold still for bracketed shots is unrealistic. possible yes but not something you are going to accomplish on a routine basis and seems like it would cause more stress for both you and the model.
what i think this post should be about is a new way of "tone mapping" by mimicking the HDR process to enhance underexposed or poorly lit subjects using only one RAW file. (even though light room probably produces better results). the result is not an HDR image but does follow the same process to "save" a poorly lit subject.
Mar 23, 2008 at 08:35 AM
p.3 #4HDR Portrait
BrittMcT wrote:
A true HDR portrait would be quite difficult with the whole movement factor. I took your image and using the shadow/highlight tool and some light painting came up with this. I think the lighting actually worked fine in achieveing these results.
Nice work Britt, now if you can get him to promise to lower our taxes you'll be on to a winner
In terms of the movement in an 'HDR portrait', I could always get one of those old neck braces that photographers used in the 19th century or shoot dead people like Weejee did or failing that, make a background plate that conforms to normal HDR and be happy with that - as soon as the sun comes out, that's what I'm going to try.
Liam.
A true HDR portrait would be quite difficult with the whole movement factor. I took your image and using the shadow/highlight tool and some light painting came up with this. I think the lighting actually worked fine in achieveing these results.
Nice work Britt, now if you can get him to promise to lower our taxes you'll be on to a winner
In terms of the movement in an 'HDR portrait', I could always get one of those old neck braces that photographers used in the 19th century or shoot dead people like Weejee did or failing that, make a background plate that conforms to normal HDR and be happy with that - as soon as the sun comes out, that's what I'm going to try.
Liam.
Mar 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM
p.3 #5HDR Portrait
jwstudios wrote:
Come on guys, wise up !
When you want more tonal range work with a mid format digital camera in 16 bit ! That's it.
As for doing portraits in HDR: hardly possible.
For starters you need at least 4 images taken with different exposures ! I never ever met a subject that could hold still 4 images so that they all are exactly the same. So, landscape, on a tripod, OK, Portrait, forget it...
JOhny
Johnny, I mentioned shooting on film on page 1. In fact, I've got a whole bunch of roll film in my fridge and an RZ67 sitting in my office, but that's not really the point - and you know that.
As for not being able to do an HDR portrait, I'll prove you wrong - soon as that sun comes out...
Come on guys, wise up !
When you want more tonal range work with a mid format digital camera in 16 bit ! That's it.
As for doing portraits in HDR: hardly possible.
For starters you need at least 4 images taken with different exposures ! I never ever met a subject that could hold still 4 images so that they all are exactly the same. So, landscape, on a tripod, OK, Portrait, forget it...
JOhny
Johnny, I mentioned shooting on film on page 1. In fact, I've got a whole bunch of roll film in my fridge and an RZ67 sitting in my office, but that's not really the point - and you know that.
As for not being able to do an HDR portrait, I'll prove you wrong - soon as that sun comes out...
Mar 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM
p.3 #6HDR Portrait
Stan Santiago wrote:
# 3
cheers!
stan
I say, "cheers Stan". Thanks for sharing
They're getting better.
# 3
cheers!
stan
I say, "cheers Stan". Thanks for sharing
They're getting better.
Mar 23, 2008 at 09:49 AM
p.3 #7HDR Portrait
scott.deitrich wrote:
Here is an example of a true HDR portrait. so i do believe its possible.
Nice work Scott, that's closer to what I had in mind, just with more facial features to show increased tone on the face. Thanks for the contribution as it ably demonstrates one successful method of extended range.
Here is an example of a true HDR portrait. so i do believe its possible.
Nice work Scott, that's closer to what I had in mind, just with more facial features to show increased tone on the face. Thanks for the contribution as it ably demonstrates one successful method of extended range.
Mar 23, 2008 at 09:50 AM
p.3 #8HDR Portrait
Nice work Scott, that's closer to what I had in mind, just with more facial features to show increased tone on the face. Thanks for the contribution as it ably demonstrates one successful method of extended range.
good luck but I really think if you get in close to one subject you are going to lose all the attributes that make the HDR a HDR photo. and how much tone is there to be gained. HDR is exaggerated for the human eye. i have my doubts but am intrested to see if anyone can pull it off and still maintain a natural appearance with there photos. ( i dont want to see a fake smile and someone say here it is a HDR portrait that no one will ever want to see but i did it) because in my book that would not be a success.
scott
good luck but I really think if you get in close to one subject you are going to lose all the attributes that make the HDR a HDR photo. and how much tone is there to be gained. HDR is exaggerated for the human eye. i have my doubts but am intrested to see if anyone can pull it off and still maintain a natural appearance with there photos. ( i dont want to see a fake smile and someone say here it is a HDR portrait that no one will ever want to see but i did it) because in my book that would not be a success.
scott
Mar 23, 2008 at 02:52 PM
p.3 #9HDR Portrait
This thread is certainly developing on multiple levels. 
I am glad to see the spirited discussion here and one that is focussed on "technique" rather than on personalities.
I also enjoyed seeing the new images posted by Stan (way to go Stan!) and the nice PP done by Britt (nice job.).
And the image and points made by Scott are a good addition too.
I am sorry I don't have more to add other than encouragement at this time.
However, I do think the following:
1. I believe HDR could be an effective technique for some portraits (especially environmental portraits).
2. IF I was already of the mind to attempt the HDR Portrait (for whatever reason) I would make it clear to my subject that it was essential to hold still for one second (and not blink)
3. Using a typical DSLR with about 5 or so frames shot per second and only 3 exposures used for HDR, I don't anticipate any problem with photographing any adult/teen that would agree to hold still (or is already still...though not necessarily because of a neck collar or death). Of course this would not work for action photography or for very small children in many cases. But, most photographs of people are not 'action' photographs.
4. I hope this thread will last long enough for other members here to try and then add their own attempts (I don't own HDR SW). I believe this thread could be valuable here.
5. My suggestion made earlier in the thread is one example that I believe is very common and could make good use of this HDR Portrait technique, namely outside in high contrast lighting without any fill flash or light modifiers.
I am glad to see the spirited discussion here and one that is focussed on "technique" rather than on personalities.
I also enjoyed seeing the new images posted by Stan (way to go Stan!) and the nice PP done by Britt (nice job.).
And the image and points made by Scott are a good addition too.
I am sorry I don't have more to add other than encouragement at this time.
However, I do think the following:
1. I believe HDR could be an effective technique for some portraits (especially environmental portraits).
2. IF I was already of the mind to attempt the HDR Portrait (for whatever reason) I would make it clear to my subject that it was essential to hold still for one second (and not blink)
3. Using a typical DSLR with about 5 or so frames shot per second and only 3 exposures used for HDR, I don't anticipate any problem with photographing any adult/teen that would agree to hold still (or is already still...though not necessarily because of a neck collar or death). Of course this would not work for action photography or for very small children in many cases. But, most photographs of people are not 'action' photographs.
4. I hope this thread will last long enough for other members here to try and then add their own attempts (I don't own HDR SW). I believe this thread could be valuable here.
5. My suggestion made earlier in the thread is one example that I believe is very common and could make good use of this HDR Portrait technique, namely outside in high contrast lighting without any fill flash or light modifiers.
Mar 23, 2008 at 03:53 PM
p.3 #10HDR Portrait
liam,
it's your turn and i hope that you would get good weather there soon!
stan
Edited on Mar 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Mar 24, 2008 at 08:08 AM
p.3 #11HDR Portrait
Stan Santiago wrote:
liam,
it's your turn and i hope that you would get good weather there soon!
stan
Yes, I hear you Stan.
I've been working all weekend, not that it would have mattered as it's been snowing most of the time. As soon as the sun comes out, I'm good to go.
Cheers,
Liam.
liam,
it's your turn and i hope that you would get good weather there soon!
stan
Yes, I hear you Stan.
I've been working all weekend, not that it would have mattered as it's been snowing most of the time. As soon as the sun comes out, I'm good to go.
Cheers,
Liam.
Mar 24, 2008 at 09:00 AM
p.3 #12HDR Portrait
Okay, so I gave up on the sun...
Here is conclusive proof that you can use HDR in portraiture, whether you'd want to is another thing!
This technique seems best suited to cartoon/playstation style effects as the image is heavily compressed - my head's not really that big.
The first one was three exposures hand-held, the second is a self-portrait with the camera sitting on a children's slide.
Edited on Mar 29, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Here is conclusive proof that you can use HDR in portraiture, whether you'd want to is another thing!
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| http://www.liamhall.net/FREDHDR1.jpg | ||
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| http://www.liamhall.net/LIAMHDR1.jpg | ||
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This technique seems best suited to cartoon/playstation style effects as the image is heavily compressed - my head's not really that big.
The first one was three exposures hand-held, the second is a self-portrait with the camera sitting on a children's slide.
Edited on Mar 29, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Mar 29, 2008 at 10:38 AM
p.3 #13HDR Portrait
Where is the HDR
I can't see higher than normal dynamic range here.
Can you post the individual shots for comparison?
I can't see higher than normal dynamic range here.
Can you post the individual shots for comparison?
Mar 31, 2008 at 12:07 AM
p.3 #14HDR Portrait
beetlejuice wrote:
Where is the HDR
I can't see higher than normal dynamic range here.
Can you post the individual shots for comparison?
Hey Beetlejuice,
Too subtle huh? For me, that's a good thing.
I did do a couple that are more obviously HDR, but I didn't like the 'death mask' expression it seemed to render - I think the cartoon look worked better. I'll post some more later this week, in the meantime, here are two of the frames used to create the image of my son.
The pic of my son was created with three images and the self-portrait with seven. I used Photomatix Pro to generate and tone-map the HDR image.
The point of these images is only to show that it can be done, not to show-off great photography - think of them as test frames.
Liam.
Edited on Mar 31, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Where is the HDR
I can't see higher than normal dynamic range here.
Can you post the individual shots for comparison?
Hey Beetlejuice,
Too subtle huh? For me, that's a good thing.
I did do a couple that are more obviously HDR, but I didn't like the 'death mask' expression it seemed to render - I think the cartoon look worked better. I'll post some more later this week, in the meantime, here are two of the frames used to create the image of my son.
The pic of my son was created with three images and the self-portrait with seven. I used Photomatix Pro to generate and tone-map the HDR image.
The point of these images is only to show that it can be done, not to show-off great photography - think of them as test frames.
Liam.
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| http://www.liamhall.net/FredHDR2.jpg | ||
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| http://www.liamhall.net/FredHDR3.jpg | ||
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Edited on Mar 31, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Mar 31, 2008 at 01:41 AM