High Dynamic Range (HDR) Intensive
About the Course
This five day course will cover the full workflow to create stunning High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. Hal Schmitt will demonstrate simple techniques to shoot, combine, and process HDR files. Hal makes the HDR concept and practice easy and accessible to photographers of all levels.
Hal will also demonstrate essential Lightroom and Photoshop CS4 techniques to optimize your images after the dedicated HDR work is complete. He will continue with an in depth discussion of image sizing and sharpening ultimately leading to some incredible prints. Each participant should expect to take home at least two 16 x 20 or 16 x 24 HDR prints.
The course includes both class room instruction and field photography. Expect to shoot at least one session per day.
Prerequisites
A desire to learn the essential workflow of shooting and processing High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. Emphasis will be placed on the most efficient method of HDR generation concentrating on Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Photomatix Pro. Adobe Photoshop techniques will also be covered.
There is no need to own Photomatix Pro. A free, never-expiring trial version is available for both Windows and Mac at www.HDRSoft.com.
If you want to purchase the program please use the discount code of LeppInstitute07 for a 15% discount.
What you will learn
-The theory of why we must overcome the limitations of current sensor technology and how to automate our cameras to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
-What is dynamic range?
-How to measure and “see” the dynamic range of a scene.
-Shooting from a stable platform (and when we can go hand held.)
-Camera set up
-Number of shots and exposure requirements
-Camera automation to make it even easier
-After capture processing techniques using the latest and greatest software tools including Photomatix Pro, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop.
-What to do with your source files
-How to combine images for HDR use
-Photoshop “Old School” method
-Image conversion, if required
-From RAW to JPEG or TIFF
-Blending images in Photomatix Pro
-Lightroom plug in functionality
-Blending images in Photoshop
-Tone mapping of your HDR blended file
-Photomatix Pro Details Enhancer and Tone Compressor (don’t worry about the number of sliders or the new interface, Hal will make it easy and fun to convert your files.)
-Exposure Blending with Photomatix Pro (the best way if you only have one source file.)
-How to make both “photo realistic” and “wildly artistic” versions of your HDR images
-Exciting tactics, techniques, and procedures to optimize your HDR images using Lightroom and Photoshop
-Image sizing and sharpening in Photoshop
-Low Radius High Amount
-High Radius Low Amount
-High Pass filter effects
-Unsharp Mask
-Smart Sharpen
-Detailed layer masks for targeted, selective sharpening
-Printing
-Color Management basics
-A solid print workflow
-Media type differences
-Big prints
Instructor Info
Hal Schmitt is the Director and Lead Instructor of LIGHT Photographic Workshops in Los Osos, California. Although new to the industry, Hal instructs all levels of photography, Lightroom, and Photoshop as if he’d been shooting for decades. His workshops and photo tours are recognized around the world as incredible learning experiences.
Many are surprised that someone so new to the photographic industry delivers such effective (some would even say “life changing”) training. What most do not know is although Hal first picked up a DSLR two years ago he spent six years as one of the most respected and sought after instructors in the world.
Most people know the word TOPGUN because of the 1980s action movie of the same name. In reality, TOPGUN or the Navy Fighter Weapons School is one of the most intense, professional, and demanding schools found anywhere. The preparation, knowledge, execution, and standards of performance of the staff are without equal. Hal served two tours as a TOPGUN instructor.
After the crucible of the “murderboard” process Hal became the Navy’s air-to-air training expert, completely revamped the tactics to meet current threats, and delivered hundreds of hours of training and discussion worldwide. When life and death are involved, the training better be good.
As Director of the Light Workshops, Hal was fortunate to train with photography and Photoshop’s best and brightest and is now an expert in all aspects of the digital workflow. Although the subject matter is a little slower and safer, Hal teaches his digital courses using the same techniques he mastered at TOPGUN. Polished and confident but down to earth and approachable, Hal delivers an incredible workshop experience.
Hal’s teaching style delivers results. He believes in teaching the theory and basics of everything necessary in the digital workflow. More importantly, he takes the mystery and technical complexity out of a subject allowing access for everyone. Hal will ensure you know the basics, teaching the why in addition to the how. With a strong foundation, it is amazing how quickly you can learn and improve. 
As one of his recent students remarked, “I’ve gone to Photoshop World a couple of years in a row, but have never learned even half as much at the Lightroom sessions I attended there as I’ve learned from your online seminars.” A simple, live web seminar from Hal normally delivers more actual instruction than you can find anywhere.
Student response is overwhelming.
-“To tell you the truth, you are the best instructor for any subject I’ve ever had.”
--Paul Sobel
-“I sincerely feel you are and will continue to be a superstar in the photo industry and we all appreciate your taking time and energy to visit us.”
--Allan Duff
-“The amount of information and the way you presented it, was truly enjoyable and instructive at the same time. You have a command of your subject matter and presentation skills that are a rare combination.”
--Mary Alexander
-“I really liked the passion and dynamic style you projected. That together with your experience and subject matter skills kept the audience in focus at all times.”
--Rosa Castro
-“It’s not that I get everything that I expect taking a Hal Schmitt class, it’s that I get so much that I didn’t expect that makes Hal’s classes so exciting.”
--Dwight McCann
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