Monday night as usual, I went to my Monday Night Meetup with my friends. Since it's been so hot lately, we've been going to the restaurant and eating first, then going back down to the Marina to shoot.We waited through the sunset for the blue hour. That's when I got this shot. I processed it 3 ways; the first way was using my normal post processing, then I tried the Orton Effect, which is a technique I used to use a couple of years ago. I didn't like that effect at all. I liked my normal processing, except the shadows were blocked under the docks and I wanted to bring them out.
So, I turned to HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range processing. Our eyes can see an infinite amount of levels of light, while cameras can only see about 5 levels. What that means is that there's always a give and take situation. Either you expose for the highlights, which results in shadows that are pitch black with no detail, or you expose for the shadows and the highlights are pure white with no detail. It's up to the photographer to decide what's more important in his/her shot. With HDR, a photographer can have it all.
After viewing all three processes, I chose the HDR version to be the best. Anyway, at least that's my opinion. With art, it's all in what the viewer likes. It's subjective to interpretation based on one's personal preferences. There is no right or wrong.
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6 comments:
Good contrast of colors between the sky and the lighting in the marina. Nice processing work on the HDR too.
Thank you, Jim. I'm just starting to get HDR figured out. Can't wait for your class.
This is so beautiful, Loyce, I had to drop what I was doing to say so. This example of HDR speaks to me--bringing out the best in highlights and tones. It makes me want to be in the Harbor at Blue Hour--so serene and inviting. I hope you will work with me on this technique in the future.
Thank you, Margo. I'd be happy to work with you in the future. Just remember that I'm still learning too. Of course, by the time you get back here, I should have a really good handle on it.
Loyce, your HDR is the way it should be done! The colors are beautiful, yet natural, and this image is stunning!
Thank you very much, Karen. I appreciate your comment.
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