Mar20
High Dynamic Range (HDR) software
High Dynamic Range (HDR) softwareHDR software takes a number of different files of the same image (but with different exposure ranges) and combine them all into one amazing photo. It does this by using the best exposures for highlights and lowlights to ensure proper exposure across the entire image. It uses the best parts of the very divergent lighting to create a composite photo so that it accentuates exactly the colors and tones you desire. It gives you the opportunity to put photos together that you would never be able to capture in just one shutter click. This ability to merge photos is taking the photography world by storm and getting the right HDR software is imperative. Before you buy the software make sure you understand the concept. To make HDR photos you have to, in essence, take the same picture multiple times in the exact same spot and angle (preferably with the same aperture). You pretty much have to use a tripod so you are assured that the image does not move out at all between exposures. You would then take the pictures at multiple shutter speeds - bracketing for multiple exposures at different ends of the lighting spectrum. After you have taken these photos (an average of four to seven about 1-fstop (1 ev) apart) you then have to use the software to combine them into one image. Different software packages are made for different computers. So if you have a Windows operating system or a Mac operating system you might be looking at different software packages.
First let’s talk about those software packages that are free. There are quite a few. You can get a relatively good HDR photo with these free software packages. Let’s start with the free package for those that have a Windows operating system.
FDRTools Basic, HDR Shop, Picturenaut and Qtpfsgui are all free HDR software packages that are available. For most that have used and compared these packages Qtpfsgui seems to come out on top. It offers two ways of manually moving around the image, a guide that will both recommend what profile to use as well as the ability to not accept that recommendation and use your own as well as a plethora of tone mapping settings that you can then use to finish off your image.
Picturenaut doesn’t support manual movement of images and it will do it for you automatically. This sometimes can limit the ability to get the exact alignment you will finish with. You can work with your light and dark pixels by assigning a weight to them instead of having to eliminate those that are the outliers. IT is best for those who do not intend to do a lot of tone mapping. If this sounds like you, you might consider this software.
Then there is FDRTools Basic where one of the top features that is well liked is being able to take the RAW image and manually move and change the image alignment. Remember, not all of the software’s out there allow you to do this. You can work with your image, the tone mapping functions and the many different RAW inputs that this software can accept so that you can develop the best HDR image possible.
HDRshop is also free but do not offer the variety of choices that the others do so might be a bit limiting. You can get a decent starter idea with them but you will quickly determine that you want more options once you get good and working the software.
For the Mac operating system there are a few that are also free for you to down load. These include FDRTools Basic (which has all the same attributes as reviewed above except for the Mac system), pfstools and Qtpfsgui. As you can see, a few of the programs we have already discussed are available in both operating systems.
There are, of course, many types of software for HDR that you can purchase. One of these programs which has gotten positive results and reviews is Photomatix. This software which is available in Mac and Win format has all the bells and whistles that you would want when searching for HDR software. In addition they offer a free trial so you can see what the options are and how to use them prior to purchasing it. Again, the software allows you take many images of the same thing and combine them as you blend the images together. It has both automated and manual options so you can control and not control the combined image result. Photomatix Pro has more positive five start ratings than any other HDR software.
There are other software packages that you can purchase as well. These include for Mac: FDRTools Advanced (the next version of software from the Basic package with more options and choices), Photoshop and PTGui Pro. Programs for Windows would include Artizen, Easy HDR, FDRTools Advanced, Unified Color HDR Photo Studio (considered an advanced program, works in 32 bit), Photogenics HDR (specializes in #D imagery) and Photoshop.
These are the most widely used, purchased and reviewed software packages currently available for HDR. If you are interested in any you can look up all their specs on line in greater detail to determine which one of all these options would be best for you and what you are attempting to do with your shots. HDR imagery is still in its infancy -- so stay tuned. The amount of changes to software even in the last year has been staggering.
Most people are using Photomatix and Photoshop, from our experience.
Like anything new in the technology world there will be something new every time you look around. The pricing for these will probably come down as the process becomes more and more every day. When purchasing your software keep in mind that the advancements in this technology will probably be very rapid and what you get today might very well be obsolete in a year or so. With this in mind you should opt for the High Dynamic Range software that suits you best. Photo copyright Craig Meurer 2009. Part 1: High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR).
Last Updated ( Saturday, 20 March 2010 22:37 )
Jun13
xRez Studio Shoots in Giga Pixels for Amazing Detail
xRez Studio to Shoot Record Setting Image of Yosemite ValleyHigh-Resolution Multi-Gigapixel Panoramic Photograph Will Be One of World’s Largest Los Angeles— xRez Studio will soon capture the magnificence of Yosemite valley in unprecedented detail, orchestrating 20 photographic teams, each shooting over 10,000 images simultaneously throughout the park to assemble into one massive image. The Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project began in summer 2007 as a discussion between xRez Studio and Greg Stock, staff Geologist of Yosemite National Park, about constructing a comprehensive, large scale gigapixel image of the valley walls in high detail. The image would become a tool for Stock’s research of rockfall behavior in the park, an ongoing hazard with the large percentage of vertical faces present in the valley. Example of past work:
By using gigapixel imagery as an aid in re-photography, the project hopes to create a extremely detailed snapshot in time of present-day geologic conditions, in order to assist future analysis of rockfall activity. Further, the image will create a valuable asset for the search and rescue operations within the park, allowing detailed inspection of a given area ahead of the rescue operation. Artistically, by capturing the full extent of the valley’s magnificent walls in unprecedented and extreme detail, a unique and historic image will be created that should stand for decades as an artifact of lasting cultural heritage for the both the park and it’s many visitors and enthusiasts. Utilizing cutting-edge emerging technologies in high resolution photography and 3d rendering techniques appropriated from the visual effects field, the final image will be one continuous, unwrapped panorama of all valley wall faces, assembled from 20 separate photographers positioned throughout the valley rim, all exposing 500 overlapping images in unison in order to achieve a congruency of light. Later in post-production, the 20 image sets will be stitched and draped onto a 1M digital 3d terrain model, recreating all shooting positions in an extremely high resolution 3d database. From this model a synthetic camera will create an image as if flying down the center of the valley, resolving all of the gigapixel images shot into one of the largest terrestrial-based images yet created. The final image will be a long, continuous strip of all of Yosemite’s walls, a single massive image made from the close to 10,000 individual frames shot. Interactive displays, online exploration, large exhibition prints, visitor center installations, and fine art posters will all be final tangible results of the historic project. A 150’ long continuous print will be displayed at this year’s Siggraph computer graphics conference in Los Angeles in August 2008. The Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project is dependent on gracious support from many sponsors, including primary sponsor Microsoft Live Labs and Microsoft Research, The Yosemite Fund, International VR Photography Association, Canon USA, Autodesk, Bogen Imaging, Lowepro, WavGen, Peace River Studios, and Gigapan equipment loaned from Carnegie-Mellon, NASA, and Google. Shooting is planned for late May of 2008, with image completion by August 2008. For more information: www.xrez.com/yose.html Contact: Lanny Sher, PRA, 323-653-0380;
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 13 June 2010 16:02 )
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Aug19
Canvas Photo Is Becoming Incredibly Popular
Canvas Photo Is Becoming Incredibly PopularAuthor: alinurCanvas Photo is really exclusive and they give an impressive look to the photographs you take. In the present day, canvas photo has become incredibly popular and they have become the best way to autograph your memorable moments on the wallets in your home. The different phase of canvas photo will include restoration, gallery wrapping, varied framing methods, and several other more. Canvas photos could be integrated in quite different ways. Canvas picture definitely leaves a memorable mark and they capture all special moments of your friends and family. Canvas photo can make a cherishing deal with your friends and relatives and they of course match perfect to autograph your moments.
Being an artist, you would definitely have the thirst to learn something new to ameliorate your creativity and innovation. Innovative Ideas will cede thriving results! If you have the sparks of creating new vision, then undoubtedly you can win and stand ahead of the crowd. Either you are a photographer or a painter, the best and simplest way to win the race could be achieved by utilizing canvas pictures. While considering photographers, they can enjoy quite a lot of benefits with canvas photo! Canvas picture is a very usual photo print that is highly durable and of course quality rich. Photo canvas is absolutely rich-looking and they are eye-catching. You never have to worry about the cost, because the cost of canvas picture is quite similar to any other high-framed pictures. So, cost is not a trouble when it comes to canvas photo!
Most of the photographers dearly prefer using canvas photo, as they can avail quite several benefits and good effects. If you desire to get excellent and top-class pictures with absolute sharpness and uniqueness, then your first preference should undoubtedly be photo canvas. Canvas photo will not merely benefit the photography professionals, but also several other people will be benefited through canvas photos.
Canvas photo gives complete life to the drawing or the image and moreover they give a lively effect to the art work. What is actually best about canvas picture? Well, here is a brief explanation for your clear reference! With photo canvas, you could either sketch or paint and thereby depict your portraits. This is of course an excellent base the gives an overall lifelike rich look. Yet another exciting factor of photo canvas is that, canvas picture could be gifted as a birthday present too. This is simply exciting, because sparing huge deal of money and gifting something usual can be made any moment. Instead, gifting something new with impressive look can be made occasionally sometime. Well, with all possible benefits, canvas picture has achieved its own reputation among all groups of people. Give life to all your colorful memories with the impressive photo canvas!
Canvas photo printing is the material of choice for artists since it will last for decades - think about all the famous paintings on canvas that have been done for centuries that you have seen in any big museum. Printing your canvas photo could give your photos lasting quality to share with future generations. There is no need to go out and buy fancy and expensive wall art, you already own the best art and that has a more personal connection to you.
Nowadays canvas photos have become very popular to all the ages. They can easily transform an ordinary photo into a real masterpiece, which has a beautiful nature texture visible to the eye. This masterful artistic effect can only be achieved with canvas. You can commemorate dear events, views, places and bright outlines of your past captured onto canvas prints to relive them later in future. Canvassing photos of old times which is known as vintage style art, can be preserved for ages. Thanks to various software which is used to modify the image the process of canvassing allows us to change and alter the initial photos making them looking really funny and weird and making you smile whenever you see it.
Best gifts
If you really want to give an unusual but interesting gift, canvas photo would be a good idea. And no matter where you go, to an anniversary, birthdays, weddings, the right canvas photo could be the most extraordinary and remarkable gift for various occasions. Pictures of celebrities can be canvassed into the gifts for their fans, the bride and groom captured together onto canvas, pictures of ancestors looking back at you onto canvas might give their descendants flash back feelings of their family history, people who adore their pets, like dogs, cats, birds can get a canvas print of their pets. And there can be no doubt about that you will realize the true joy of gift-giving.
Thanks to digital technology
Thanks to digital technology and magnificent color combinations you can obtain canvas photos of any enhancement and they can be in grayscale, the printed pictures would be in black and white, Sepia Effects make the printed picture becomes brownish, giving it an authentic look., Pop arts effect as well as any edge type such as Black Edges, Photo Wrap, White Edges and Grey Edges etc. It is also possible to enlarge your photograph on canvas in any size you want from 12x18" to 48x60". About the Author:canvas photo printing is the material of choice for artists since it will last for decades - think about all the famous paintings on canvas that have been done for centuries that you have seen in any big museum. Printing your canvas photos could give your photos lasting quality to share with future generations. Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Canvas Photo Is Becoming Incredibly Popular
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 August 2009 22:21 )
Mar15
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range Photography
In the world of photography, we all are constantly looking for new ways to get the best possible picture in the best possible light. One of the newest types of photographic technology is HDR technology. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range photography. It is not the simplest technique to understand -- but if you learn the concepts, have the right software and a camera to take the multiple exposures -- you will be very pleasantly surprised by what a full dynamic color range does for your photographs. So what exactly is HDR photography? It is a computer manipulation of multiple photos taken of the same scene at different exposure levels that are then combined with the use of software (and a lot of creativity) to produce the desired end-result HDR photograph. In other words, you take multiple pictures of the same scene, use your camera’s different exposure (under and over expose it in 3-9 shots depending on the scene) and then use the computer software to combine this into what you want. This way detail and color are preserved in the low light areas, and highlight areas are not blown away either. The resulting range of color and tonality are amazing to see. 
Photo copyright Craig Meurer 2009 The good news with high dynamic range imaging is that almost any camera can be used. The camera must allow for the over and under exposure settings on the camera -- but as long as it does you can do this -- then you can take these different images and translate them into HDR. It’s easy to understand why photographers would like this technique. It allows for exceptional creativity and gives the photographer much more leverage and freedom to truly capture the essence of the image. HDR captures light and color not normally caught with just one photo shot. By merging multiple exposures you can use color and tone mapping abilities to capture the details that you desire. Tone mapping is the process of pulling out those pieces of the photograph that you want pulled out and working on them. For instance you can keep shadows, brighten or darken colors, have light blooms around windows and sunsets and all types of contrasts that are done using this technology and the other levers that are available to you. Some tips: Be sure to use a tripod so the scene is exactly the same in each exposure. Also use aperture priority or the same F-stop in each shot. It sounds simple but you want to take the camera exposures separated by either one or two stops. You will need to make sure you take the time to take these photos from one end of the light spectrum to the other for this to work properly. Again, this requires multiple shots of the same image and can cause a bit of difficulty depending on your camera. You may need a remote shutter release to ensure stability of the image. The whole process of HDR photography is then dependent on the management of the software you get to merge the photos. You can take all the photos in the world but if your software does not have the HDR capabilities it won’t matter how well you did that part of the process. There are many software packages out there today with more on the way each and every day. Photoshop and Photomatix are two of the more popular. HDR photography is a young growing field. This is a new technology that will find its way into the mainstream. High dynamic range photography is right for some photos and not right for others. There are some images that are best left in its original state with no manipulation (such as action or motion photos that cannot be captured with multiple identical scenes. Modeling is hard but can be done with patience). You as the photographer will have to decide what that “vision” is for the photo. In the meantime if you are interested in HDR photography you should begin to look for the software that is currently available for this purpose. And, see our extended series on HDR. Part 2: High Dynamic Range Software (HDR software)
Last Updated ( Saturday, 20 March 2010 22:35 )
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