Putting the Art in to HDR

What is an HDR?

Imagine taking a simple shot of something like a tree or a building and take it from ordinary to amazing. 

Before                                                                 After 

A before and After shot of one of the versions of the "Mausoleum"

You can see how the photo on the left is a photo you would typically expect from you DSLR or PAS camera, but after following the HDR process you will be amazed at the final results.

"Mausoleum"

 

What is an HDR? According to Wiki: High dynamic range imaging (HDRI or HDR) is a set of methods used in imaging and photography to allow a greater dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging methods or photographic methods. HDR images can represent more accurately the range of intensity levels found in real scenes, from direct sunlight to faint starlight, and is often captured by way of a plurality of differently exposed pictures of the same subject matter. Sounds pretty complicated. But really its not.

City Lights

Here is a simple way to explain it.  Most higher end and some low end DSLR have what is called a bracket shot. The camera can be programed to take a series of 3 photos at a time at different exposures.  The first exposure is taken at normal levels, the second at low levels and the third at high levels. Then you simply take all three photos, layer them on top of each other (using special software) and blend your photo as desired. Now that sounds simple.

Iron Cathedral

Actually doing the process is easy. Getting the results you want, not so easy.  I have followed some of the greatest HDR photographers and even asked their secret. I have met all but a few with closed lips. Why? Its an ART. Every HDR photographer, including myself, has developed their own way of processing. Some more complicated than others. Some will use 3 photos, some 7 and some even 9. Some will use high photomapping, some low. It all varies. But some of the results are amazing.

Ecclesia

When I look at my own work, I am mostly disappointed at the results. I would love to be considered among the great, but I am satisfied where God has brought my abilities. I love creating art. The key is to never give up trying to do better. To never stop learning, asking and growing in your abilities.

Alone

HDR is my favorite process of photography. In fact the above photo was my very first HDR. I loved it so much that I named the company after it. Joshua "Tree" Images. This little tree inspired me to pursue a career in photography. Amazingly, I tried to take a shot of this tree many years later to "improve" the HDR and was not able to improve whatsoever. I often wonder if the fist HDR of this tree would have been unsatisfactory if I would have pursued photography the same.

The Class of 2011 - Your Gift

The Class of 2011

This session was quit different than any others I have done. I have to be honest, being asked to shoot a day with 11 seniors did not immediately sound appealing to me. But with much thought, I became excited to shoot the event for them.  It was a Saturday afternoon when we arrived (my wife and I) to begin the shoot at their private picnic. Shooting a picnic for Seniors is not the easiest thing to plan. As a photographer you try to pre-plan your shots, you try to have a game plan. This time, we had nothing. No ideas, no pre determined feels or moods...Nothing. We didnt know what to expect. So we went there with the mindset to give them some great photos of their day. What happened was unexpected. When the camera is in my hand I feel like its my duty to give the client the gift of great memories. This day was different. This day I am the one who got the gift. 

This was a group of Home School Kids. You hear so many negative things about Home School kids that you kind of expect there to be some truth to it.  In all my life I dont think I have ever met a more honest, polite and respectful group of kids. I was literally blown away.  The Integrity and Truth behind their words and actions were refreshing.  The next time you hear someone say something negative or derogatory towards kids being home schooled, let me know, I got a some great examples of success stories. I will say this, If all America was Home Schooled, this would be a much better place.

The picnic was just the beginning. I began to get to know a few of these Seniors. And I regret that I didnt take the time to know them sooner.  After talking to them, hearing their plans, their goals and their love for God, it was obvious to me that they really have a passion for Christ. Its not just words to them.  I remember when I was their age, I did what I did to please my parents, to please others. Their hearts desire is to please God. And I thank God that I did decide to shoot their day, because God gave me the gift of so many friendships that I most likely would have missed other wise.

The saddest part of the entire event is that it has to end.  Coming up next is college and careers. Some will be moving away and some will stay. One things for sure, things will change. I am sad that I didnt take the time sooner to get to know this group, But its all part of Gods plan. And we can rest in that.

On a personal note, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for the respect you had for my wife and I. Thank you for showing Christ is all your actions. I really wish I could somehow put into words exactly how much you impacted my life. But I think you already know. We love each and every one of you and we are praying that above your success, you will always walk with God.   

Thank you again for your friendship ~ Josh

 

Always remember this: What you do for yourself will only last for this life, What you do for God will last for eternity.  Stay faithful to Him as He is to you, stand firm, solid, never wavering no matter how rough the waters. God is in control of all things, even when we dont think He is. He knows. 

 

Oh yea! And when it comes time for your  Engagements.. and Weddings... and babys.... Gimme a call!

 

Finding the Right Location

                          Any time a photographer has to plan a shoot there are two questions: Where? and What time of day? Being that I do 90% outdoor photos, timing is very important. Location is even more important because you dont want to always use the same locations for every client.  Which leads me to the subject of a "Perfect" location. 

Its was time for senior pictures and there has been a lot of seniors wanting to have their pictures done before graduation.  Having to provide a unique location for each senior is a struggle. But this time it was easy.... even a blessing.  My client suggested a location that their family knew about and often went to.  Going to a sight unseen can sometimes cause anxiety because the photographer has no time to "plan" a shot.  We followed our client out to the location and honestly, it took my breath away.  I was amazed at the beauty of this spot.  The photos came out amazing and I must say that this is now one of my top locations for photos.  If you want to know where this location is, sorry but as a good photographer friend told me once: "you never give out your locations" especially if its incredible.      ~ Josh

 www.joshuatreeimages.com

 

www.joshuatreeimages.com 

Happy Mothers Day!

So I got up this morning thinking- I'm married to an incredible photographer, that takes incredible pictures, of incredible people, and yet we have no recent photos of our family. Do you see my dilemma? So when asked what I wanted to do for Mothers Day, I was actually ready with an answer (and that's a first)!  I received a precious gift today, time with my family, and beautiful photos to remember it by.  I am so blessed to have a husband that has the gift of imagination expressed in his photography. I will remember this day forever..........

                 Happy Mothers Day!

                                                                          Amber