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| HDR image © Rick Sammon |
When I give an HDR presentation, I usually begin by suggesting to the audience that if they want to have some fun, do a Google search for "I hate HDR."
Hundreds of pages come up. Most HDR haters hate HDR for two reasons:
One, they feel HDR is cheating (although Ansel Adams created HDR images and he was not called a cheater).
Two: they feel most HDR images are "over-cooked."
Here's my take on the topic:
One, why hate any form of creativity?
Two, why take the time to write about why you hate something?
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| HDR image © Rick Sammon |
I do think that there are two main types of HDR images: realistic, above, and surrealistic, below.
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| HDR image © Rick Sammon |
Often times, I think the subject suggests the HDR effect: realistic for landscapes, and surrealistic for artistic and really cool looking subjects.
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| © Rick Sammon |
I go on to say that as much as I love HDR, it can ruin the mood of the scene, as illustrated by the HDR image at the left.
Finally, I say, "Follow your heart." Or as Ginger Baker wrote, "Do What You Like."
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| HDR image © Rick Sammon |
I use several HDR programs and plug-ins. Check them out on my
Save on Creative Plug-ins page and save a few bucks on some bundles.
My best HDR tips are on my iPad and Mac app:
Rick Sammon's iHDR.
Explore the light,
Rick
P.S. For hands-on HDR learning (and loving) check out my HDR workshops, including my
Death Valley workshop.
8 comments:
Good post, Ginger Baker was not only a great musician, but a wise man. "Do what you like," should be every artist mantra.
Good post Rick!! I agree with you. While I'm not generally a fan if the over-tonemapped 'HDR look' it does have it's place and some people really like it. To each his/her own; the world's big enough for all of us...
Here's my perspective (with links to several other articles - I'll add this one as well):
http://www.wolfnowl.com/2011/01/why-use-hdr/
Take care,
Mike
You know what they say it's like Marmite love it or hate it. I agree some images really pop out in HDR and some images just don't work. But at the end of the day it down to what you like. Be creative and let others judge, but alaways be true to yourself.
I love this post and agree with you. You can even see a similar post that I did here: http://eldridgestudios.blogspot.com/2011/10/who-likes-hdr.html
Thanks Rick! I look forward to this blog every day.
...Two, why take the time to write about why you hate something?...
Just about the best statement. There is tons of bad HDR out there, just like there is tons of bad photography. Problem with HDR is that some find a site like Stuck in Customs and they try to emulate with a push of a button. Doesn't really work that way.
Rick - I guess you already know I am with you on this, but perfectly stated nonetheless...
Folks - consider Rick's workshops and/or tools. I have and they are great.
This post always makes me smile. It's like saying I hate chocolate ice cream therefore chocolate ice cream is bad!
Taste is subjective and not absolute.Why some people forget that when it comes to HDR I have no clue.
Even if the HDR (or B&W, or abstract or or or) photo is "bad" to everyone but your mother - hey at least you made her happy. Everyone else can look elsewhere.
Great Post Rick. I agree with how HDR can spoil some shots. The shadows and silhouette that create mood can be lost by tonemapping. I do love HDR and as I develop and learn from photographers like you I am more aware of what does and does not make a good HDR opportunity. And just as important what is best not done as an HDR.
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