Objective:
To create an image with a greater dynamic range by combining two or more
photographs using Adobe Photoshop. Create a dynamic content filled image, by use of
the digiblend techniques. If you can cature the highlights and shadows on one frame, you do not need to shoot two frames. If you are blowing out your highlights or blocking up your shadows shoot an overall good exposure and exposure for the problem area then blend in Photoshop.
Dynamic Range: the amount of detail between the highlights and shadows of an image.
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/dynamic-range.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~nikond70/Investigations/Photographic_Dynamic_Range.htm
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Digital_Imaging/dynamic_range_01.htm
Digital cameras have a dynamic range of 6 1/2 stops from the lightest (highlights) to the darkest (shadows) areas. Many times the scene we want to capture digitally or even on film exceeds the capabilities of the medium. In film we use a split neutral density filter to
correct for the extended range making our scene reproducible on film. In the digital realm we can shoot two shots (on a tripod) one for the highlight area and another for the shadow area and blend them together creating one image with good highlight and shadow area.
Assignment:
•Create three digital blend/HDR images.
•Subject your choice
•Use a minimum of two different techniques presented in class or find your own technique. If the technique is yours, turn in a written how to: of your technique
•The images should reflect more than technique. What is the content of the image. What do you as a photographer have to say about your subject. Is the image impactful, original, vibrant or dull and cliche? Find something that inspires you and make images that reflect your excitement. The more you shoot, the sooner you will find your
photographic vision. Shoot MORE…
Varying just the shutter speed not the aperture
1) Shoot the images
2) Load the images into Photoshop
3) Blend images/combine
4) Clean up images (dust, problem areas, etc.)
5) Color correct
4) Save the images as -Adobe RGB 1998
-.psd files
-8 bit
-2160 pixels on longest Side
5) Title:
-digitalblend1
-digitalblend2
-digitalblend3
6) Type it up: corresponding to the titled image, identify what technique you used and your thoughts on the technique
7) Print all images -1 print per 8.5×11 inch page
8) Burn the layered files and the printed flattened files to a CD
Turn in:
envelope containing 3 printed images, CD typed thoughts
-Name, project, class day and time, date, email and phone#
Technique1:
1) Photograph your subject on a tripod.
-Expose one image for the highlights
-Expose a second image for the shadows
2) Open the two images in Adobe Photoshop
3) Hold the shift key on the keyboard
-Drag one image onto the other image file. (dark, shadow image on top)
(By holding the shift key, Photoshop will center the image on the canvas)
-The dark layer, will hide the lighter layer below. (You cannot see the other exposure)
4) Create a layer mask on the top layer
5) Choose a soft large brush and paint on the layer mask to reveal the exposure below.
-Option: Command “i”, will invert the mask layer revealing the layer below. You can then paint back in the top layer. Use what ever way works for you. I use both ways depending on my image.
Technique2 (Technique credited to: George DeWolfe of CameraArt’s Magazine)
1) Photograph your subject on a tripod.
-Expose one image for the highlights
-Expose a second image for the shadows
2) Open the two images in Adobe Photoshop
3) Hold the shift key on the keyboard
-Drag one image onto the other image file. (dark, shadow image on top)
4) Create a layer mask on the top layer (white)
5) Click on the background layer
-command ”a” to select the background layer
-command “c” to copy the background layer
6) Hold the option (alt for PC) key click on the white layer mask. (the image turns white)
7) Command “v” to paste the background layer into the layer mask. (now you have a B&W mask image)
8) With the B&W mask displayed -go to Filters -Blur -Gaussian Blur
-Set the radius to 40
9) Click on the background layer
-Done
-Don’t forget, white balance, color correction, and cleaning up of the image (dust etc.)
-EXPLORE
Technique3
Process the RAW file twice, once for the highlights and once for the shadows.
1) Process raw file for highlights or shadows
2) Open Raw file as a Smart Object: Before opening hold the shift key, the open button turns to Open Object
3) Control Click to the right of the layers name in the Layer Panel and a contextual menu appears. Choose New Smart Object Via Copy
4) Adjust again in camera raw for the opposite of your original adjustment.
5) Add a Layer Mask to the top layer and reveal the layer below
Technique4 Process the RAW file twice, will not work with this technique
1) Photograph your subject on a tripod.
-Expose one image for the highlights
-Expose a second image for the shadows
2) Open the two images in Adobe Photoshop
3) Hold the shift key on the keyboard
-Drag one image onto the other image file. (dark, shadow image on top)
4) Choose Layer – Layer Styles – Blending Options
-move the upper left blend if slider to the right until you see desired shadow detail.
-hold Option (PC- Alt) drag the left edge of the slider toward the right until you create a smooth transition between
the shadow and midtones
-while still in the blending options dialogue box, change the blend mode to darken
HDR CS5
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/community/blogs/in-the-zone/hdr-in-photoshop-cs5.html
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/05/12/photoshop-cs5-imaging-tip-hdr-goes-pro/http://www.tkrphoto.com/2010/05/photoshop-cs5-hdr-pro/
http://www.tipsquirrel.com/index.php/2010/04/adobe-photoshop-cs5-merge-to-hdr-pro/
websites:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/blended_exposures.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/digital-blending.shtml
Photoshop split ND filter Affect
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/digital_split.shtml
Gaussian blur overlay
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/gaussian.shtml
Contrast blending
http://www.erik-krause.de/blending/
Luminance Masking
http://www.dbphoto.net/techniques/luminancemask/index.htm
