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Bsmooth
19th of April 2009 (Sun), 08:26
Have you ever seen something and it just clicked right away? I've been trying to capture more dynamic range in my photos for years,but its like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.I know HDR isn't exactly new ,but it is to me,and I really would like to get it right.I've spent the better part of 3 or 4 years learning Photoshop CS through lots of reading and online tutorials,but mostly lots of experimenting.
I learned my job of Mechanical inspection through an apprentiship of sorts.I would like to do that with HDR If someone has enough patience to put up with the many questions I'll probably have.
I really do think that HDR is the future of Photography,despite the fact that some photographers shrug it off,probably because of some of the wild images seen,but isn't that how you learn?
As for equipment ,as i mentioned I still have Photoshop CS,I've tried Photomatix,Ariea HDR Max,Dynamic Photo HDR,and Picturenaut.For a camera I use the Canon 20D,and believe it or not the kit lens seems really well siuted for HDR as you don't really need the sharpest lens,although I do have the 100mm Macro,70-200 F4 and 100-400 for birding and aviation photos.
I have lots of desire and enthusiasm,and yes I could go through the same learning curve with this that I did with Photoshop,but a little help goes a long way.
I'll shoot just about anything,but landscapes,seascapes and wildlife are what I shootmost,but then again If something peaks my interest,I'll take a picture of it..Not as good as what I've seen from Trey Ratcliff,or Jon McCormack, but you have to start somewhere.
They say it never hurts to ask...

brucea
19th of April 2009 (Sun), 09:14
Get a copy of Michael Freeman's Mastering HDR Photography. Great book on HDR and photography.

suckaface
19th of April 2009 (Sun), 12:14
Hey, I'd be happy to try to answer any questions I could. I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I do have a lot of experience with Photoshop and Photmatix.

But the best thing you could do is just go out and practice. Look for high contrast scenes, shoot them, process them and see what you like and don't like. Learn by doing.

Most people seem to start out doing way over the top HDRs, and this probably helps one understand what can be done, and gives valuable knowledge for when you want to start making realistic looking images.

So go out and get some shots, and post them here, most people here are very friendly and helpful. Have fun!