<<< o >>>souk portrait #8 10 comments + add yours
chromasia.com

This is my last shot from my recent trip to the 2009 Gulf Photo Plus training event, and like the previous seven shots in this small series it was shot down in the Souk. Unlike the others in this series though, this one is a pseudo-HDR image, not because I especially wanted to produce an HDR-like image, but because the original a) lacked detail, and b) was slightly over-exposed. If you're interested you can take a look at the original here:

.../archives/souk_portrait_8.php

And you can find out more about creating pseudo-HDR images from a single RAW file here:

.../tutorials/online/hdr3_info.php

In this instance, running the image through Photomatix Pro enabled me to really bring out the detail in the original and, because I used reasonably conservative settings, the end result still looks fairly natural.

As always, let me know what you think.

captured
camera
lens
focal length
aperture
shutter speed
shooting mode
exposure bias
metering mode
ISO
flash
image quality
RAW converter
cropped?
12.44pm on 5/4/09
Canon 1Ds Mark II
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
70mm
f/4.0
1/30
aperture priority
+1/3
evaluative
100
no
RAW
Photomatix Pro
1x1
 
HDR + travel [Dubai, UAE] + people [portraiture] + no print
comment by Ananth at 07:56 AM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

It remains a wonder for me when I see the original image and compare with the final outcome. As usual a great portrait, thanks for sharing.

comment by Jeremy at 08:35 AM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

That's a great example of how to pull an interesting image from what was a pretty blah original!!

comment by Craig at 08:56 AM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

Well it's a great portrait and to be honest I would never has guessed it was tone mapped so all in all a result I'd say!

comment by LightningPaul at 10:05 AM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

Excellent idea for using HDR tone mapping techniques to enhance details. I tried it before but the result was not good. In your case it's excellent!

comment by Jennifer at 10:51 AM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

Interesting - you may convert me yet ;o)

comment by steve deer at 01:01 PM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

this is hdr at it's best (invisible!)

comment by Brooks at 07:18 PM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

If I've learned anything from you Dave, it's that you can find merit in almost any image. It's kinda funny because the image I posted on my blog today is a bit similar to this (ie. the original had little to know merit but I think the processing made it much more compelling). I wouldn't usually ask but I'd love to hear your, and anybody elses, thoughts on it. It's @ http://brookspotteiger.com/photoblog/index.php?showimage=48 and I put a link to the original in the description. I'm anxious to see some Bulgaria images ;)

comment by Dennis at 08:17 PM (GMT) on 30 May, 2009

Great portrait with exceptional processing. Incredible what you got out of that straight shot.

comment by Ted Szukalski at 02:25 AM (GMT) on 31 May, 2009

Very strong and yet placid portrait

comment by djn1 at 04:07 PM (GMT) on 1 June, 2009

Thanks everyone :)