High Dynamic Range Imaging and Real World Photography

My primary specialty is photographing architecture and  interior design and, in my opinion, High Dynamic Range Imaging photography is the greatest thing since sliced bread. As I said in a previous post,

“Using this technique I can capture a wealth of subtle details, colors and textures that allow me to communicate my perception of a space with greater finesse and artistry than ever before.”

As I gain experience with the techniques involved in creating HDR photographs, I am discovering that I have a level of control over my images that I never before imagined.

Most HDR photographs I have seen on the net have been wonderful, creative surrealistic images that are, on the most part, stunning. But, surrealism is not what I am after nor is it something my clients can use in their presentations or design competitions. I work to create photorealistic images and everything I do is geared towards achieving that goal while still expressing my own creativity and showcasing my clients’ talents.

And several times I have been asked why I don’t make everything look perfectly exposed, with the interior and the exterior illumination identically balanced, the shadows either nonexistent or nearly so. The answer to this is that would make the images overall appearance lifeless, uninspired and boring.  The final result would be an image that looked “photoshopped” and would not elicit a positive reaction from the viewer.

High Dynamic Range Imaging has been in use for many centuries.  Painters have always employed the techniques of contrast compression and local contrast enhancement without restriction. As you can see in this painting of “The Rocky Mountains, Lander’s Peak”  or “Storm in the Rocky Mountains” by Albert Bierstadt, not every part of an image needs to be evenly illuminated. High dynamic range imaging has been dramatically employed to communicate atmosphere, character and mood. Using these works as examples, we can see that creating dramatic effect, be that one of mystery and intrigue or a zen-like peace, is achieved in visual media by localized control of the color and intensity of the lighting of a scene.

So, even though HDRI photography is somewhat new, we have a wealth of historical reference upon which to draw. And I believe it is our responsibility as creative professionals to avoid catering to the lowest common denominator instead we should draw upon our artistic heritage and manipulate the images in whatever manner is required to elicit the desired emotional response from the viewer.