Inspiration for Diptychs

I recently finished a big renovation on my home that includes the familiar tale of a project scheduled for three months and finished in nine.  But that is not the story for today.  Having completed the project, the architect brought in a architectural photographer to document the final product.  Assisting Anice (the architectural photographer) with the shoot was Allen David Russ.  I had a wonderful time distracting both Anice and Allen from their work by chit chatting about photography.

In conversation with Allen I learned that he is now showing a project at the Carroll Square Gallery (975 F Street, Washington DC) called City of Trees.  In addition to the information at the Carroll Square Gallery site, you can see a preview of Allen’s exhibit at his website.  Having checked out the web preview, I intend on visiting the Carroll Square Gallery, and recommend the same to you.  The exhibit features the trees of Washington DC.  Quite honestly, when Allen told me his project focused on the trees of DC, my unsaid response was along the sarcastic lines of “oh, that’s nice.”  I could not have been more misguided.  The photographs are beautiful and inspiring.

Now that I have set the backdrop, I can get to the heart of this post. If you visit Allen’s website (or the gallery) you will find that many of the photographs are presented as diptychs or triptychs. This inspired me.  I have previously written about diptychs (Diptychs in Photography), but Allen’s approach is completely different than my discussion.  Allen’s diptychs are separate panels that flow through a continuous scene.  One of the benefits of this approach is the ability to present remarkable detail in each panel that would be increasingly lost by simply shooting further away or using a wider lens.  Due to their rich texture, the use of this technique is particularly appropriate for the trees featured in Allen’s work.

The diptychs and triptychs also add another dimension of visual interest by telling a two or three part story.  The eye naturally wants to explore each panel individually, move on to the next, and consider the composition as a whole.  This story telling aspect is at the heart of what inspired me.  My list of photographic things to do, now includes an exploration of diptychs and triptychs to expand the story of some of my favorite subjects.  Thanks for the inspiration Allen.  I would also like to thank Anice and Allen for their patience as I peered over their shoulders and took advantage of the opportunity to talk about photography.

The photographs featured in this post were selected to compliment the theme of Allen’s work.  While not diptychs, they maintain the Washington DC theme with a specific focus on the water.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig

Thoughts on Refining HDR Photography

 

Over the past year, I have shared my thoughts, experiences and evolving refinement of the HDR process.  I think this is an important conversation to have and something to which more and more people are being exposed.  HDR is no longer confined to the professional or enthusiast photographer.  HDR is now a feature of some point and shoot cameras (processing of the HDR is handled in the camera) and is even now a standard part of the iPhone 4 camera software.

I’m sure there is a broad range of opinions defining what makes a good HDR image.  At it’s roots, HDR is a great tool for adding dynamic range to your photography.  In other words, HDR helps get more information into the photograph than is otherwise possible with a single exposure.  This capability opens a number of creative doors.  Unfortunately, there are a number of pitfalls with HDR photography.  In my opinion, the goal should be to make an HDR photograph that does not look like an “HDR Photograph.”  By this, I mean avoiding the oversaturated, bubble-gum and cotton candy look common to some HDR photography.  Here are the common pitfalls of HDR photography and some examples:

1. Oversaturation or emphasis of “bubble gum” like colors
2. Unnatural lighting
3. The photograph looks more like a cartoon or a surreal dream scene than reality
4. Uneven colors
5. The appearance of reflection on non-reflective surfaces
6. Halos around edges
7. Noise – particularly in darker parts of the image

The following two images are examples of these pitfalls.

 

If you compare the last two photographs with the first two, you will get an idea of my target for HDR photography – more reality, and less cartoons.  You may have been wondering why I presented two very similar photographs of the Washington DC waterfront with the Washington Monument in the background.  The first shot was taken just as the sun was peaking over the horizon resulting in the pink colors in the sky.  This shot is intended to show that unique and attractive colors can come from HDR photography without being overstated.

The second photograph of the DC waterfront was taken about 45 minutes later after the sky had matured to a deep blue.  I posted this photograph as a point of comparison for the first.  In combination, these two photographs of the DC waterfront demonstrate that HDR photography can be a wonderful tool for enhancing your photograph without going over the edge to the surreal.

As a final word, I will mention that at times the pitfalls of HDR photography I listed can be an asset.  I concede that for artistic purposes there are times when these “pitfalls” are the intent and the final product is remarkably beautiful.  The key word is intent. 

Have fun and go make some great photography.

Craig