Testing HDR Imaging with Lightroom 3
High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDR) is a ” set of techniques that allow a greater dynamic range of luminances between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than standard digital imaging techniques or photographic methods” (Wikipedia).
The below exercise is a simple test, using only two images with different exposures.
Image 1 – Balux Glyfada
Balux Glyfada 1
The image has been taken inside a room exposing it to feature the colors of the interior. As you can see, the consequence of properly exposing the interior leads to over exposed areas, namely on the table and then all over the background where we basically see only white.
Image 2
Balux Glyfada 2
The interior is underexposed, however the background or the exterior area shows colors and details as the metering is set to render a clear image in the background.
The HDR Image created in Lightroom 3
Glyfada Balux HDR
After the merger we end up with a nice compromise which can be adjusted in post editing. Lightroom did a good job on the background as wel as on the table where we get now some of the blueish shine as a reflection from the external tones.
HDR Image post-edited
Balux Glyfada edited
For the purpose of this test I have just darkened the tonal range of the highlights a bit to see a real contrast to the previous image.
Conclusion
HDR imaging has become an easy task with Lightroom 3, even for beginners. The difference between the first and the last photo is simply smashing. The ability to edit HDR in Lightroom with just a few mouse-clicks will help many amateurs to get a more professional look to pictures featuring interiors.
Of course it’s also a great feature for night photography or anywhere where improved dynamic range cannot be reached with just one shot.
This and more we will demonstrate live and exercise with the participants at this week’s Ycademy calls as an add on to the Ycademy Seminar which took place during the past week-end.
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Will be applying this technique, thanks for the tip!
As you have Photoshop CS4 or CS5 installed, you can also select multiple pictures in Lightroom and send them for HDR treatment directly to Photoshop. The result is better than with the Lightroom plug-in.