HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE PHOTOGRAPHY (HDR)

THE FILM DAYS
Before digital photography, photographers had to expose and process film, often themselves. Balancing exposure (for shadows) and development (highliights) of film and prints renders optimum tonal range and contrast, and mastering this was the mark of a good photographer.

Digital photography has replaced most of the original film market, but there are drawbacks. Without any calibration of shadows and highlights, digital media is basically long on contrast, but short on toval range.

HDR (high dynamic range) is part of the 'digital darkroom' that serious digital photographers are now exploring. Early examples of this were garish in their disney surreal colours and contrast, but good HDR practice will enhance both the quality and file size of your image stock.

I introduce my students to HDR photography in most of the courses I teach, and also most of my new work is multi-bracketed and processed with two software programs. This is an exciting new direction for digital photography, with an interesting link back to the days of film. Watch this space.