HDR

Alright so here’s the deal, I’ve been thinking a lot about this subject lately and doing lots of reading and research.  A lot of people don’t know how they feel about the HDR style of photography.  Some say it looks too fake, or retouched.  Other purist types feel that it is exactly what’s wrong with the world of photography today, muttering if it’s not straight out of the camera than it’s no longer the art of photography.  My personal feeling is that HDR when applied correctly can look amazing and dream like conjuring Norman Rockwell type images that force you to stare at the creation for longer in wonder invoking more emotional ties to the image.  I’ve just spent numerous hours on a website and blog created by a man named Trey Ratcliff.  If you are interested in the art form I suggest you go to his site immediately and study up.  Some call Mr. Ratcliff the pioneer of HDR photography, and I for one can say that I agree and absolutely think this guy is amazing.  He not only has created tons of beautiful HDR images but has been kind enough to share how he does what he does through his blog.

Ok, so that’s great Scott, but why am I bothering to blog about this you might ask??  Because I think this style could be used in an amazing way for weddings in certain situations.  I also photograph architecture and hotels and feel that HDR could have an amazing impact there as well.  So I’ve decided that from today forward I’m going to begin learning the technique and practicing until I feel comfortable enough to begin using HDR images within my own portfolio.  Stay tuned for some of my experiments.  I’ll posting along the way no matter how good or bad my first attempts turn out.

For now take a look at what can be possible.  Below is one of Trey’s own photographs I borrowed from his blog taken of his three children on Christmas morning.  Awesome isn’t it??!!!