High Dynamic Range (HDR)
About the Course
This three 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 3 and Photoshop CS5 techniques to optimize your images after the dedicated HDR work is complete.
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 purchase Photomatix Pro for this class. A free, never-expiring trial version is available for both Windows and Mac at www.HDRSoft.com.
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 L
Student Response
-“To tell you the truth, you are the best instructor for any subject I’ve ever had.”
--Paul S
-“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 D
-“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 C
-“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
