Comments on: The Problem of Dirty Whites When Processing HDR

By: Charles Mackenzie-Hill

Charles Mackenzie-Hill — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:10:45 +0000

Terry
Thanks for that. I read somewhere that the HPZ 600 High end woks stations pack a lot of power. Up to 24 GB (6×4 GB) DDR3-1333 ECC Unbuffered RAM 2-CPU. This I understand, positively rips through video files. This must be the way to go if you’re a pro. Probably cost you 5,000 Dollars but, If its time one is worried about then these file crunching machines would resolve that issue.

By: Terry Iverson

Terry Iverson — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:21:39 +0000

Charles – I use Enfuse / Lightroom to process all my interior bracketed shots and Photomatix for the exterior brackets. I was processing on a MacBook Pro 2.5Ghz with 4G of RAM. I found that Enfuse process was taking 3-4 minutes per set to process. I recently purchased a 27″ iMac with the I5 quad processor, 4G RAM. It now takes only (sit down for this one) 12 seconds to process a set. It goes faster than I can as I work on the exterior shots while Lightroom/Enfuse is working in the background on the interior.

Yes, the processing power of the computer has a lot to do with how many photo shoots you can schedule in a day if you are working on a same day to 24hr delivery.

By: David Eichler

David Eichler — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:16:24 +0000

Eric Clapton swings a standard. Who’da thought? Not bad, except for a kind or lame synth solo. Not exactly his forte, but pleasant enough.

Anyway, so much bad HDR out there masquerading as professional work. It is depressing. A perfectly useful technique in its place. And HDRed interiors don’t necessarily have to look dirty or grungy or garish. My guess is that most so-called HDR professionals don’t realize that post processing can be especially important with HDR. My HDRs often look absolutely flat and boring coming out of Photomatix. It is in post that I do the creative processing.

By: Charles Mackenzie-Hill

Charles Mackenzie-Hill — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:35:41 +0000

Can the amount be time be slashed in HDR by the purchase of a high End powerful computer? On a laptop with even 2 gig of Ram its just impossible. I went the multiple lights as a choice, but still in the end , I am not sure their would be much difference in final cost after the purchase of nine lights and stands and all the other bits and pieces that go with strobes. Both techniques need to be learned, Also , I guess some photographers may prefer less time onsite?

By: colin

colin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:50:04 +0000

HDR is in its infancy, you would have to give it a few more years.
I see more and more images with dirtiness, halos, etc creeping into Real Estate photography.
I dont see much creeping into Fashion, High quality architect mags.
Why is this??

Is it a combination of poor Photographers using poor post processing? or just a lack of care and knowledge from all concerned?There are far too many people in the industry these days with little if any training, using post production to correct their errors.Learn to light, learn to shoot its not that hard.

By: George Gutenberg

George Gutenberg — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:07:24 +0000

Larry,

You are completely correct. The “smoke-damage look” is unacceptable. Yet, I see quite a bit on it around, and find it hard to beleive that a professional photographer will actually hand clients images that look that way. More surpringly, clients are willing to pay for it.
I guess it’s more of the “it’s good enough” era that we are currently living in

While HDR has it’s place in some cases, rarely will it look “right” when shooting interiors.

I agree, Fusion does a much better job than HDR, especially if an image is properly exposed from the start. Done properly post production time is minimal.

Still, multiple exposures (just like I used to do in “old days” on 4×5 film), properly blended in post, is at times the only practical way of getting some shots. But, when you have 4+ stops of dynamic range, add properly filtered strobes.

Best,

George

By: KH

KH — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:15:16 +0000

One reason why I don’t HDR alot and prefer strobes. I know with strobes at least when I leave the location I have a workable shot. Sometimes though, HDR is almost the only choice in some difficult spaces..

By: larry

larry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:32:18 +0000

@Cal- Take a look at this previous post that talks about options for adding flash:
http://photographyforrealestate.net/2009/11/29/how-to-get-clean-whites-when-shooting-hdr/

By: Peggy

Peggy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:28:04 +0000

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By: Cal Mitchener

Cal Mitchener — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:51:50 +0000

I have been using Enfuse with great success, but am always looking to improve my craft. Can anyone share the fundamentals of adding a strobe to an Exposure Fusion bracketed series? Is the strobe added to every shot or just one? I have very little working knowledge of this aspect of EF & am seeking an education! Thanks…