9 exposure HDR using my Nikon D800E and Nikon 14-24mm. I switched it to black and white because I didn’t like the blue sky since there was no clouds in sight.
Rising Sun Church
The other end of the fountain – HDR necessary?
I read somewhere on the web that the Nikon D800E dynamic range was so great, that shooting HDR (blending multiple images together to increase tonal range) was unnecessary. This image was one image but edited in HDR Efex 2 so that I could use their tonal range processor. I believe I have to agree that the need for HDR to get such a large tonal range is probably not needed?
P.S. I posted the original picture (click thumbnail). Also, I posted a previous picture of the front of this fountain here.
ISO 100 1/125 sec f4 14mm (Nikon D800E, Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, Aperture 3.3, PS 6, HDR Efex 2)
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Demolished Church (soon to be)
My brother-in-law drove me around the back roads of Southern Illinois looking for old churches and homes. We came across this church that was originally built-in the late 1800’s. Unfortunately, it will soon be demolished because it is no longer in use (this is a common occurrence in this part of the U.S.).
P.S. This is my first attempt of a HDR with the Nikon D800E (9 exposures).
ISO 100 f8 14mm (Nikon D800E, Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, HDR Efex 2, Color Efex 4, Photoshop CS6, Apple Aperture)
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Chicago River – in mono
I’ve taken previous shots from this location and always enjoy going back. I really like the large cloud. I think it adds to the picture.
ISO 160 f3.4 21mm super elmar
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Crown Fountain
Another great place to visit at Millennium Park is Crown Fountain. If you haven’t visited, it’s 2 large video sculptures that periodically spray water. In the summer time, it’s typically full of kids playing and cooling off.
ISO 200 f4 Panasonic 7-14mm (7 frame handheld HDR)
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Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”)
Landscape and professional photographers know that if you want to capture great images you should shoot during the “magic hour” (or also known as the golden hour). This is the first and last hour of sunlight during the day.
During my recent trip to Chicago, I woke up early and headed down to Millennium Park to capture pictures of the sculpture Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”. I got there around 0530 and began shooting pictures. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long since I was approached by a security guard (he was very nice) who alerted me that I wasn’t suppose to be there and that the park didn’t open up until 6. Luckily, I was able to capture a few shots.
Olympus OM-D and Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm lens
ISO 200 f/8 7mm (7 exposure HDR, used HDR Efex 2, Photoshop CS6, & Aperture 3.3)
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The Iowa Capitol
I always enjoy visiting the capitol in Des Moines. In the past 10 years they have really changed the landscape and have a park in the front that is very enjoyable to sit and relax. Here is a pic I took a few years ago.
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Blue Tree
I don’t shoot HDR (high dynamic range) photography very often anymore. I know some photographers don’t like it because they think they are too “Photoshop” or look fake. I would say that its personal preference. For years people have been manipulating pictures (i.e. Ansel Adams) and to be honest there are probably not too many pictures posted on the internet that haven’t had some editing. I know some will argue but I don’t really see the difference in HDR photography from someone who uses neutral density or graduated filters (i.e. Lee filters).
Even though I don’t shoot many any more, I still find Trey Ratcliff’s shots interesting and inspiring. He also has great comments to go along with his shots. Another photographer, Mark Neal shoots a lot of HDR and is great at discussing his workflow. If you haven’t visited their sites, I would highly recommend you do.
This shot was taken in San Diego. It was September and only weeks before I traded in my Canon 5D Mark II for my Leica M9. My Leica can shoot HDR (can bracket up to 7 shots) and I do from time to time but I’m more interested in shooting people in their daily lives and love the challenge of catching the decisive moment.
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Storm is coming
If you are ever in Cleveland, OH. Huntington beach is a great place to take pictures at sunset. This was taken 3 years ago.
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Downtown Chicago
Re-post May 2011
It was a nice clear night and I was looking for a good shot of downtown Chicago. We walked below the Michigan Ave. bridge crossing the Chicago River. This is a 5 exposure HDR. Initially shot in color, I prefer it in black and white. I hope to return to Chicago soon, it’s my favorite city to travel to.
