Tag: digital

Series of Four #13 – Winchester Cathedral – with muted HDR

Series of Four

This is the thirteenth Blog in the “Series of Four” series. Each blog focuses on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.  To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

Winchester Cathedral – with muted HDR

Here is a set of four images taken recently of Winchester Cathedral in England.   This is my second visit to Winchester Cathedral – my first visit was at the beginning of my project to photograph the Cathedrals of the Church of England and I have learned a lot since then.

For these images I have used a technique called HDR (High Dynamic Range) which uses a series of bracketed images taken at different exposures (+1, 0, -1 in these images) to achieve a greater range than is possible with the sensitivity of a normal digital sensor.  Using software it is possible to integrate the images (usually 3 or 5) to achieve a very sharp image with details across the full range of the available light.  I have been intrigued recently how HDR can enhance images.  Taking bracketed exposures in low lighting situations like cathedrals adds considerably to the time a shoot takes as each exposure is usually between 20 to 30 seconds.

 

 

Series of Four #12 – Autumn scenes – with muted HDR

Series of Four

 This is the twelfth Blog in the “Series of Four” series. Each blog focuses on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.  To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

Autumn scenes – with muted HDR

Here is a set of four images taken yesterday near Cheltenham in England.  Autumn has come late and this was a bright, mild, mid October  afternoon.  I have used a technique called HDR (High Dynamic Range) which uses a series of bracketed images taken at different exposures (+1, 0, -1 in these images) to achieve a greater range than is possible with the sensitivity of a normal digital sensor.  Using software it is possible to integrate the images (usually 3 or 5) to achieve a very sharp image with details across the full range of the image.  If overdone this can begin to look very artificial and many photographers are deliberately pushing the method as a creative technique.  I prefer to mute the effects.  There is a great deal of experimentation to be done!!

 

 

Improve Your Image – Digital Photography Course

As an addition to my other work as a professional Fine Art Photographer, I am now teaching courses in digital photography. I am currently in the midst of a 4 session course entitled “Improve Your Image”, teaching the basics of digital photography to pupils at Croydon High School, an Independent girl’s high school in Surrey.  The course is great fun and has been very useful to the students, as I understand from feedback from the teachers, .

Improve Your Image Course Topics

Each session has a mixture of both technical topics and creative ideas and tips.  The topics for each session of the course are as follows:

  • Knowing your camera – We go through the workings of a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and look at the key controls.  The idea is that you control the camera and not the other way round.
  • Picturing your picture – How often do you take a shot but the results are disappointing and not at all what you expected?  We get an idea of how to look at the world with a photographer’s eye.
  • Adding a dash of Passion – The rules and guidelines for good composition are there to help and not stifle your creativity.  “Live adventurously”, experiment, express yourself.
  • Pictures with purpose – Every picture tells a story.  Here we explore how to capture the essence of a scene and convey a story, whilst at the same time producing images which have artistic merit.

Do you want to take the course?

I am planning to hold courses from time to time – if you would like to participate in a course, have a look at the “Improve Your Image” page on the Season Images web site or contact me at info@seasonimages.com.