A little background on High Dynamic Range Imaging and theory going forward

Tone mapping used in High Dynamic Range Imaging is a relatively new technique, but photographers have been working with high dynamic range images since the invention of the photographic process back in the 1820’s.

Photographers have used darkroom techniques to control the dynamic range of our images such as selective development of film and prints as well as dodging and burning of prints to make dark areas lighter and bright areas darker. In extreme cases a conventional photo lab would employ contrast masking to either increase or decrease the contrast of prints or duplicate transparencies.

When shooting the use of supplemental lighting is one means of controlling the high dynamic range of an image, as is the use of graduated filters. When shooting with my 4×5 I would regularly shoot multiple exposures to selectively expose different areas of the image, or employ dodging techniques at the camera lens to tone down light fixtures while still utilizing the light source to illuminate the image.

I have used image compositing utilizing layers and layer masks in photoshop for as long as I can remember. Modern technology provides us tools to use tone mapping and exposure blending to achieve results never before possible through the use of powerful computers and advanced software, but everything still depends on the eye and vision of the photographer. As photographers we decide what the image we are creating is to look like, what emotional message it is to convey and how that message will be presented. We do this through pre-visualization of the final image.

The Zone System developed by Ansel Adams is still the most important tool available to the photographer because it teaches us to have a thorough understanding of our tools and materials, whether that is a digital camera and computer or a pinhole camera and homemade photographic paper. The Zone System also teaches the value of pre-visualization of the final image at the time of creation. This pre-visulization combined with our understanding of the limitations of our medium and our expertise in the use of the tools available allow us to achieve our vision.

A thorough understanding of, and application of the Zone System combined with technical expertise with the modern High Dynamic Range Imaging techniques allow us to better understand and utilize modern HDRI tools. This command of the entire process, from beginning to end, is what allows us to create stunning images that speak to the viewer and engages their imagination.