Window To The Soul - HDR (C&C)

gloobag

I've already posted the original (non HDR) version in the 'Random' thread, but would like some comments on this. I quite like how it turned out personally and was thinking I might try some proper, full portraits in a similar style to this.

Borderfox

a bit overdone, maybe try again but not so much. Try an average instead of a HDR? great starting off shot though..

MagicMarker

I prefer the detail in the eye here, but the skin is better in the original.

Was the camera's reflection photoshopped?

Also, wtf is HDR? I seen it being referred to a number of times but don't have a clue what it is.

Danbo!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging

MagicMarker

noblestee wrote: »

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging

Are there guidelines to follow when attempting HDR or is it just a case of processing the crap out of a picture?

Sorry to highjack the thread op;)

Danbo!

Its done in photoshop (with varying results) or in standalone programs like photomatix. It uses a number of different shots with different exposures and basically just takes light information from each to create a range (the R part of hdr) of lighting. So there are no black spots or no white spots, in lamens terms. Best result is to get a tripid and take a few shots at different exposures or if the subject is moving use 1 RAW file. Best if you can take multiple shots though.

A quick search throws up http://www.vanilladays.com/hdr-guide/ which looks good.

gloobag

The reflection is 100% real by the way :cool:

MagicMarker

gloobag wrote: »

The reflection is 100% real by the way :cool:

I'm just a little confused (it happens often), if the flash fired why is there no evidence of that in the reflection? The only light source i see is what appears to be a tv or something in the background? Is that how you lined up the shot?

Borderfox

Gloobag, if you can combine the detail in the eye in HDR with the original detail of the surrounding skin, I think you would be on to a winner

ThOnda

I've just realised - the skin tone is blue or green?

PixelTrawler

The eye looks well, although the blues are a little muted. The problem with the skin is its looks dead, like a corpse, as it looks discoloured.

I like the idea though. I find it hard myself to do HDRs of people, I never get the skin right.

decimal

The reflection takes away from the shot, I keep trying to figure out what the reflection is.

Edit: I like it though! lol, re-read my comment and sounds too negative!

gloobag

Borderfox wrote: »

Gloobag, if you can combine the detail in the eye in HDR with the original detail of the surrounding skin, I think you would be on to a winner

Like this?



The reflection is my 400D with speedlite mounted on a tripod with my computer monitor behind it. The flash was diffused with an Omnibounce and pointed straight up to bounce off of the ceiling. If you view it large you can make out a bit of the flash towards the top of the eye.

I actually still prefer the full HDR myself. It's exactly what I set out to create, and that's pretty rare when working with HDR's (in my own experience anyways).

Borderfox

Yeah thats it, excellent

kjt

Love the edited one!! Great detail in the eye.

Dragan

I'm going to go against the grain here and say i prefer the first one to the second one. Sure, the second on is more "real" looking but i love the dept and texture of the first one, the colour etc.

I think portraits done along the lines of the first one would be incredibly striking and , dare i say it, a little bit strange?

Would love to see you expand on the portrait idea.

gloobag

Dragan wrote: »

I think portraits done along the lines of the first one would be incredibly striking and , dare i say it, a little bit strange?

Would love to see you expand on the portrait idea.

Here ya go

I decided to test it out myself. Two different takes on a self portrait shot I took last night. I'm quite happy with them myself, although I know they're not to everyones tastes. Can't quite decide which I like better. Definitely best viewed large on flickr to see the full effect.

(I hate posting pics of myself on the internetz )

Dragan

I love the second one, it looks almost like a hand drawing. The first one has massive potential for me, i'd love to see some themed portrait shots of people done like this.

I'll put some work into it myself rather than being lazy!!

Thanks for the inspiration by the way.

magicbastarder

i prefer the first (eye) shot - my usual toe-curl response at HDRs didn't happen because it doesn't look like a typical HDR. i quite like the stylised look.

gloobag

Dragan wrote: »

I love the second one, it looks almost like a hand drawing. The first one has massive potential for me, i'd love to see some themed portrait shots of people done like this.

I'll put some work into it myself rather than being lazy!!

Thanks for the inspiration by the way.

Cheers. If you're gonna give it a go, be sure to gimme a shout if you need any tips