Making the Print – Printing Techniques for the Digital Photographer (A Masterclass) by Martin Bailey was released today and is designed to walk readers through professional grade photo printing. I personally have found myself overwhelmed by printing in the past, it can be very difficult to establish a quality print workflow with a lot of trial and error.
Hopefully this book will also take away any frustration with printing that you might have experienced. When printing is easy and results are consistent, all you need to do is enjoy the process, and this should improve the final results of your photographic efforts.
Bailey says, “It’s my intention to help photographers that either don’t yet print—or do but struggle with it to a degree—to not only achieve amazing results when printing, but also to get satisfaction from the process of putting pigment (or dye) on paper. This book will give you a good fundamental understanding of some of the key things to bear in mind as you print, to enable you to consistently make quality prints that look like what you see on your computer display.”
Some of the Many Topics Covered (65 Pages):
Gloss, Luster or Matte?
Avoiding Reflections
Darken your Display
Adjusting Images for Print
Shadow and Highlight Adjustment
Fixing Color Shifts, Later
Media Types
Sharpening
Printing with Profiles
Rendering Intent
Turn off Printer Color Management
Profiles and Black & White Prints
Pages from Making the Print (Click to Learn More)
Printing with Borders
What Makes a Good Print?
Frustration Free Printing
Color Management
Monitor Calibration
Monitor Brightness
Find Comfort in the Histogram
Printer Calibration
Printing Patch Sets on Large Format Printers
Scanning Printed Patch Sets
Naming Your Profiles
Camera Calibration
Soft-Proofing
Fine Art Paper Finishes
Large Format Printers
Pigment or Dye-based Inks?
Gallery Wraps
Printing to Canvas
Resizing and Gallery Wrapped Borders
Lamination
Stretching Your Canvas
Printing for Exhibition
Printing to Size
Making the Print eBook (Click to Learn More)
Take your time as you master printing. Take regular deep breaths, and don’t let them turn into sighs. Being able to close the photographic loop, from capture to the physical embodiment of your work in a quality fine art print can be a most fulfilling experience. I hope that this book will help you easily make high-quality prints, and to love printing as much as I do.
eBook Launch Discount:
For the first five days only, if you use the promotional code PRINT4 when you checkout, you can have the PDF version of Making the Print for only $4 OR use the code PRINT20 to get 20% off when you buy 5 or more PDF ebooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST January 21, 2012.
Photographing the 4th Dimension (Click to Learn More)
Photographing the 4th Dimension: TIME by Jim Goldstein was released recently and delves into the complicated techniques of slow shutter photography, time-lapses, and more. With all the rich information, excellent example imagery (including settings information), and visual aids to explain concepts; I found this eBook to be very helpful and plan to keep it as a reference in the field.
Photography is often thought of in terms of fractions of seconds, but it is a great creative tool to visualize the 4th dimension – time. By applying creative techniques to still images time comes into clear focus. This eBook explores several techniques that will allow you to photograph the 4th dimension and create engaging high-impact imagery.
A long exposure, one second to several hours in length, will capture light from moving objects and render a very different image than the product of a quick fraction of a second exposure. A photo taken in a fraction of a second freezes a subject motionless, while a long exposure creates an alternate reality infused with motion blur, color saturation and light streaks.
Topics Covered (64 Pages):
Prologue
Introduction
Exposure 101
Understanding Human Perception
Visual Perception
Time Perception
Pages from Photographing the 4th Dimension (Click to Learn More)
The Camera as a Time Machine
Long Exposures
Techniques for Long Shutter Speeds
Light Painting
Composites – Star Trails & More
Sequences
Short and Long Sequences
Time-lapse
Mixing Motion with Still Photography
Strobe Effects
Cinemagraphs – Video Effects
Gear
Example Photo Settings
Field Checklists (for quick reference on location)
Long exposures can highlight movement in water via tidal forces, stars as they move across the night sky or people & vehicles as they move about and much more. Personally, it is one of my favorite types of photography, I find it the most fascinating.
Pages from Photographing the 4th Dimension (Click to Learn More)
By introducing artificial light into a scene it is possible for a photographer to shape and guide the viewing experience in ways not possible in other techniques. Using strobes in tandem with longer exposures allows your subject to be lit while also streaking across the image.
Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design, the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new, large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and incredible light gathering ability helping to ensure brilliant images in even tough low-light conditions. Featuring an amazing Canon lens with 4X Optical Zoom, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/16 for beautiful images when shooting portraits and amazing clarity when shooting landscapes along with wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, the PowerShot G1 X camera makes certain that users will have the right optics for most any situation. Now available for pre-order here at B&H
Canon Powershot G1X with Large Sensor
Further adding to the EOS-like feature set of this new model is 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR Shooting has been included to ensure the best possible shot is captured as well. The PowerShot G1 X camera also shoots in Full HD 1080p video ensuring memorable moments are captured in the highest quality.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has a bright, large 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 922,000 dots of resolution providing photographers with the highest quality available in a point-and-shoot. The inclusion of the Mode Dial on the top of the camera and the Front Dial helps provide more intuitive control of the camera.
The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera is $799.99 and is scheduled to be available in February. Now available for pre-order here at B&H
We just made an important and exciting upgrade. For all of you visiting us from smartphones and tablets, the site is now tailored to shine on those devices too! Many adjustments have been made so articles can be read easily from any screen size. So wherever you are, our photography tips can be accessed quickly and conveniently. Stay tuned!
The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content
Jan. 6, 2012 – PRNewswire: The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option. Now available for pre-order here at B&H
Nikon presents their new flagship DSLR: The D4
Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color.
Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.
“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”
Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.
The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.
The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4′s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.
All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.
Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.
Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3 micron pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.
Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.
There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.
Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.
Full HD video recording – Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.
Full manual control of exposure – Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.
Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View – By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
Audio recording for professionals – The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes – Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.
Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor – Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.
Full-time AF – In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.
New LCD screen – The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.
Time lapse shooting – This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.
Remote shutter operation – Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.
NIKKOR lens compatibility – The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.
Professional Construction, Superior Operability
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.
The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4′s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.
Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.
The beginning of a new year is truly a good time to set some goals for what you want to accomplish. Start the year off right! What is your New Year’s Resolution for Photography?? If you made one last year, did you keep it?
The eBook industry has skyrocketed recently as more people acquire tablets and other digital reading devices. Many high quality photography eBooks are now available that offer extremely valuable information. For photographers they can be especially helpful for ongoing training because they are digestible on a computer and then can also be carried for reference on location via a mobile reading device. As we draw close to the end of the year I thought it would be useful to list the most popular eBooks consumed by our readers.
Description: A best-selling instructional eBook that explains how to do amazing photography tricks and photoshop effects. It is very detailed and includes extensive explanations of many complicated methods that are very fun to learn. There is valuable information here for photographers of any experience level. The 2nd edition was just recently released and has been well received by readers.
Author: Evan Sharboneau
Length: 300 Pages & 9 Hours of Video
Price: $67 (Currently 30% off, holiday sale ends Dec. 31)
Description: It is made up of three sections which cover the use of a flash, a reflector and natural light. The full explanations, rich imagery, and detailed diagrams make this eBook very useful to any photographer who would like to use light more effectively. PictureCorrect readers can receive more than 15% off by entering the discount code “PICTURECORRECT” before purchasing.
Description: A very popular instructional eBook for any photographer who feels that they would like to know more about how their camera works, and how to become more confident at using it to take better photos. By the end of it you’ll understand camera settings and be in a much better position to make decisions on how to best use them rather than just sit in Auto mode.
Description: Takes an in-depth look at how to get the most from your off-camera flashes. The author takes you beyond sync speed and softboxes and gets into the details on working with multiple flashes, modifiers, and triggering systems. Learn how to fill in harsh shadows, balance ambient light, rescue fading evening light, or substitute for a complete lack of light.
Description: A practical guide to post-processing of photographs in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. The eBook briefly looks at the philosophy behind post-processing and aims to help you gain an understanding of those tools which are most relevant to making your images striking and powerful. From opening up the .RAW files to applying the finishing touches in Photoshop.
Description: Comprehensive instructional eBook package for aspiring wedding photographers and has guidance on virtually everything needed to start a professional wedding photography business. With 189 pages of information and many other materials such as shot lists and sample contract templates, there is immense value here for any level of photographer interested in wedding photography.
Description: The ebook is all about gaining the skill and confidence you need to create great images with the most basic and available lighting sources. It starts off by familiarizing you with the necessary flash photo equipment and the camera controls involved. The most useful information is the extensive instruction given on most flash situations you may find yourself in involving indoor and outdoor lighting situations.
Description: This eBook explores the black and white conversion options that Adobe Lightroom has to offer. Almost all of these techniques work also in Adobe Camera Raw, which shares the same processing engine as Lightroom. It also discusses certain useful plugins and how you can incorporate High Dynamic Range techniques into your black-and-white post-processing. This is a true technical master class that will keep you busy for a while.
Description: It begins with a look at contemporary portraiture and an explanation of five classic lighting patterns (short, broad, rembrandt, butterfly, and split lighting). The second part focuses on the fact that it is imperative for working photographers to differentiate themselves from others in order not to drown in a sea of competition where so many are producing work absent of any unique style or vision.
Description: A popular comprehensive eBook guide designed to take your landscape photography to the next level. It contains very detailed explanations on the techniques professionals use to capture stunning landscape photos with vibrant colors, silky water and engaging compositions. Plus more than a dozen special tips & tricks which will help you produce effective landscapes.
The eBook industry has skyrocketed recently as more people acquire tablets and other digital reading devices. Many high quality photography eBooks are now available that offer extremely valuable information. For photographers they can be especially helpful for ongoing training because they are digestible on a computer and then can also be carried for reference on location via a mobile reading device. As we draw close to the end of the year I thought it would be useful to list the most popular eBooks consumed by our readers.
Description: A best-selling instructional eBook that explains how to do amazing photography tricks and photoshop effects. It is very detailed and includes extensive explanations of many complicated methods that are very fun to learn. There is valuable information here for photographers of any experience level. The 2nd edition was just recently released and has been well received by readers.
Description: It is made up of three sections which cover the use of a flash, a reflector and natural light. The full explanations, rich imagery, and detailed diagrams make this eBook very useful to any photographer who would like to use light more effectively. PictureCorrect readers can receive more than 15% off by entering the discount code “PICTURECORRECT” before purchasing.
Description: A very popular instructional eBook for any photographer who feels that they would like to know more about how their camera works, and how to become more confident at using it to take better photos. By the end of it you’ll understand camera settings and be in a much better position to make decisions on how to best use them rather than just sit in Auto mode.
Description: Takes an in-depth look at how to get the most from your off-camera flashes. The author takes you beyond sync speed and softboxes and gets into the details on working with multiple flashes, modifiers, and triggering systems. Learn how to fill in harsh shadows, balance ambient light, rescue fading evening light, or substitute for a complete lack of light.
Description: A practical guide to post-processing of photographs in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. The eBook briefly looks at the philosophy behind post-processing and aims to help you gain an understanding of those tools which are most relevant to making your images striking and powerful. From opening up the .RAW files to applying the finishing touches in Photoshop.
Description: Comprehensive instructional eBook package for aspiring wedding photographers and has guidance on virtually everything needed to start a professional wedding photography business. With 189 pages of information and many other materials such as shot lists and sample contract templates, there is immense value here for any level of photographer interested in wedding photography.
Description: The ebook is all about gaining the skill and confidence you need to create great images with the most basic and available lighting sources. It starts off by familiarizing you with the necessary flash photo equipment and the camera controls involved. The most useful information is the extensive instruction given on most flash situations you may find yourself in involving indoor and outdoor lighting situations.
Description: This eBook explores the black and white conversion options that Adobe Lightroom has to offer. Almost all of these techniques work also in Adobe Camera Raw, which shares the same processing engine as Lightroom. It also discusses certain useful plugins and how you can incorporate High Dynamic Range techniques into your black-and-white post-processing. This is a true technical master class that will keep you busy for a while.
Description: It begins with a look at contemporary portraiture and an explanation of five classic lighting patterns (short, broad, rembrandt, butterfly, and split lighting). The second part focuses on the fact that it is imperative for working photographers to differentiate themselves from others in order not to drown in a sea of competition where so many are producing work absent of any unique style or vision.
Description: A popular comprehensive eBook guide designed to take your landscape photography to the next level. It contains very detailed explanations on the techniques professionals use to capture stunning landscape photos with vibrant colors, silky water and engaging compositions. Plus more than a dozen special tips & tricks which will help you produce effective landscapes.
Topaz just initiated a year end sale for this last week of 2011. Starting today, you can save 30% on the Topaz Bundle and ALL Bundle upgrades. So, if you didn’t get everything you wanted for Christmas or if you still have some gifts to give, then be sure to take advantage of this ONE WEEK special. Just enter the coupon code “YearEndSavings” when purchasing.
Beautiful time-lapse photography is difficult enough to achieve, but attempting it in HDR (high dynamic range) photography adds another layer of complexity as was done here successfully in France (Normandy & Britany). This means the photographer has to take bracketed photos at different exposure levels for each individual frame, and then post-process those bracketed sets into HDR in a way that the lighting stays consistent so something called “flickering” does not occur due to rapid changes in lighting between the video frames. This new video has created a lot of discussion between photographers because it is such a difficult technique to master. Take a moment and enjoy:
This video was created by Tanguy Louvigny on Canon 400D and 60D digital SLR cameras along with a Sigma 10-20 mm lens. Louvigny hand made a 3 axis motion control rig to control the slow movement of the camera. The HDR photo sets were tone-mapped with Photomatix (see below). The post-processed photo sets were edited into the video using Adobe Premiere & After Effects CS5. And I think Louvigny also personally composed the music for this video using a Roland mc-808 Sampling Groovebox.
I was personally blown away by the custom motion rig he created for this project. It’s appearance is pretty intimidating to say the least. It is based on Tetrix Robotics (tetrixrobotics.com), interestingly enough controlled by mindstorms brick – a division of LEGO (mindstorms.lego.com), and programmed in Robot C (robotc.net). Here it is on location:
Custom Rig for HDR Time-lapse Photography
HDR Time-lapse Motion Control Rig
Front of the HDR Timelapse Motion Rig
Setting Up the Rig to Capture a Sunset HDR Sequence
Questions Answered by the Photographer:
Are you using a 3 bracket shot or more?
3 shots sequences, 3 f-stops spacing on 60D, it’s sufficient to get enough dynamic range in most situations (well, more would be better but would require more time between moves). The motion control has to stop between each move to give enough time for the bracketing sequence to finish, it’s custom programmed to do so…
Can you provide more details and cost information on your amazing motion rig?
A lot of time and effort Seriously it costed 1 Tetrix kit starter set + ressource set + Tetrix encoders + mindstorms set + some aluminium rods and 2 x 547b tripods to firmly attach them (and a camera !) So all included maybe 2k € or so (those kits are way more expensive in Europe than in the US !)
Can you reveal your Photomatix 4 settings to avoid flicker? I find it tricky, sometimes it works well with near to default settings, but many times flicker is too strong. Can you share?
Sure ! I have no perfect solution to avoid flicker, but here are my (usual) settings in Photomatix:
Strength 70
Color sat 80
Luminosity 0
Microcontrast 1.0
White point vary, usualy around 0,800%
Black point rather low, 0.030% or so
Micro-smoothing 5.5 when too much noise
I try to minimize flicker when shooting, and use Msu deflicker to cure severe flicker in post, that’s it !
How long on average does it take to capture a sequence on location?
Each take is about 1 1/2 hours real time compressed in 10 seconds or so.
How long did it take you to create this amazing video?
It’s a compilation of various shots, so let’s say it took me a year!
Would you have any tips for us regarding sunset and sunrises?
No particular tip for sunsets except exposure bracketing as it helps sustain great sky brightness changes…i do not shoot many sunrises, much more difficult to achieve in my opinion.
How long did it take to build your custom rig?
Worked a month on the first crane version with lots of trial and errors, but it wasn’t sturdy enough so i reworked it to make this 3 axis slider (this was the easy part)!
Did you have to take 3 bracketed shots into into Photomatix each time you were making a frame or was there a bulk method to doing it. Meaning, in order to create a second of video at 24 frames, did you have to bring three bracketed photos into Photomatix 24 times in order to create one second?
Yes 30 times for one second of video, but automated with batch mode processing in Photomatix
Photomatix HDR Processing Software:
Photomatix is the software of choice for most professional HDR photographers. We were able to arrange a discount to PictureCorrect readers on any version of their software. For 15% off, remember to use the Coupon Code “PICTURECORRECT” at checkout. The software can be acquired Here on the Photomatix Site
Seriously it costed 1 Tetrix kit starter set + ressource set + Tetrix encoders + mindstorms set + some aluminium rods and 2 x 547b tripods to firmly attach them (and a camera !) So all included maybe 2k € or so (those kits are way more expensive in Europe than in the US !)