a naïve HDR experiment

[Boris Liberman]

Hi!

> So far, I have understood that HDR images, or rather tone-mapped
> images, could be a nice tool to render high-contrast scenes in a way
> closer to what the brain perceives when looking at the scene, within
> the capabilities of a computer screen. Or a printer output, for that
> matter.
> 
> There have been some outrageous examples of images produced with this
> technique that looks truly outworldly, in the negative sense of the
> word.
> 
> So what's the fuss? Time to try. :-)
> 
> I have no idea if this is the best tool for the job, but it's free:
> http://www.fdrtools.com/fdrtools_basic_e.php
> 
> And here's my test. I developed a raw file with the Pentax PhotoLab 3
> with -1, straight, and +1 stops compensation, and then merged them
> with the FDRtool. I also tried to develop the raw file two times, with
> special attention to highlights and shadows, respectively. The
> highlight priority was then treated to a layer of curves with
> Photoshop to try to bring back some detail in the shadows.
> 
> Here's my result. Dialup warning: file is 266 kB, and 1000 pixels wide.
> 
> http://www.oksne.net/paw/hdrtest.html
> 
> I have no idea if I've done it right, but I think it looks promising
> as a technique to handle this kind of light situation. I'd very much
> like to hear your thoughts too.
> 
> The pic, btw, is taken in Oxfordshire one December evening last year,
> on an evening stroll by the Thames with mr. Ptaak Cottrell. :-)

Depending on how you *see* the final rendering in your mind's eye I 
reckon image in the middle and image on the right are feasible. The 
left-most one is much less attractive.

I should say that I like what you've done with this program and I am 
going to give it a fair try.

I tried few times to do similar things in PS CS2 but I was far away from 
even thinking of showing it to someone.

Boris