Playing with the DSLR

[Mr Kay]

Usually, I'm not a big fan of post processing, prefering to get good shots straight from the camera or by using old fashioned screw on filters. However, I saw some photos that used a technique called HDR (High Dynamic Range) whereby the exposure is bracketed then the three shots are digitally combined and filtered back to a normal image. It gives a really interesting image, that almost leaps off the screen with rich colours and clear detail. Google 'HDR photos' for more examples.

Anyway, I staggered out to the workshop and took a couple of photos - I can't wait to be able to ride a bike somewhere scenic and try some more:


I particularly love the colours on the vice and workbench on the far right.

[Abdallah]

fantastic pics, the colors are very comforting to the eye and every single detail in the images can be seen. I read an article about , its quite interesting, but i can't quite understand how it works, i only get that its like merging three shots together.

Abdallah

[namtip]

Hi Mr Kay, I also played around with HDR a little while ago with scenic shots but struggled to get natural looking pictures. I think the bracketing on my camera was set for too wide a range though. I also didn't experiment that much due to disappointing first results. Seeing your pictures have made me want to try it out again. What software did you use? I used Photomatix, and could never master it. I've heard you can do it in Photoshop too, but that it isn't the best.

P.S. What is that little windscreen you've got? It looks good. And what are those switches attached to it? Sorry, just being inquisitive [damn nosey]

[keypro2012]

Hi mate nice pics .......can i ask what the panel is on the front of the bike in the top pic

[Mr Kay]

Thanks guys.

Hi Mr Kay, I also played around with HDR a little while ago with scenic shots but struggled to get natural looking pictures. I think the bracketing on my camera was set for too wide a range though. I also didn't experiment that much due to disappointing first results. Seeing your pictures have made me want to try it out again. What software did you use? I used Photomatix, and could never master it. I've heard you can do it in Photoshop too, but that it isn't the best.

P.S. What is that little windscreen you've got? It looks good. And what are those switches attached to it? Sorry, just being inquisitive [damn nosey]

I used a program called Luminance HDR, downloaded for free from here:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/qtpfsgui/files/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a tutorial here:
http://garmahis.com/tutorials/hdr-tutor ... -software/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
But I didn't bother using it as Luminance HDR was so easy to use. It's worth having a play with the different presets, particularly when you come to do the tonemapping (I used Fattal). Both shots used bracketing of 1 1/3 stops.

The windscreen is a piece of polycarbonate that I formed in the oven. It has a 100w spotlight mounted through it, the large ali plate supports my PDA/GPS in its waterproof box, the black switchbox contains a power socket and switch and a switch for the grips.
The whole assembly removes with two screws and a power connector for off roading.

[keypro2012]

yum i want one ........i am in workshop now

[Roy W]

It looks like a painting. Very good!

[MT Pocket]

Hi Alex,
Hope your recovering - I nearly did the same the other day watching the fuel peeing out of the 604 carb.
As for pictures, try talking to Toby (captMT350) he may still be on his European tour but he is a professional photographerist type person. He set off on the tour straight after the hard routes in N Wales

[mtt.tr]

What camera are you shooting and what lens??

[Mr Kay]

Canon 40D, 18-50 mm f/3.5-5.6