I’ve been dabbling with HDR images for several years now. The process involves taking three (or more) images at different exposure levels and then using software to blend the images together – the over-exposed image captures good detail in the shadows and the the under-exposed image captures good detail in the highlights. The end result can often be striking. The results can often be striking and, because the human eye has a much higher dynamic range than a camera it can often better approximate the detail that someone sees in reality.
Because three images are being blended, it is difficult or impossible to capture HDR images of people or moving object which is why they are typically only seen of architecture or landscapes. In the early days I used a tripod and manually adjusted the exposure. These days my camera has a bracket setting and will take 3 images at the proper exposure in quick succession.
Because of the required software post processing the results can’t be fully appreciated in the field and the images are only compiled after returning home. Here is a set of HDR images that I took on the recent trip to Turkey….enjoy!
Kusadesi Hillside with houses painted in a stunning gradient
Kusadesi hillside as seen from the corniche
Ephesus column with morning sun
The library at Ephesus - it is good to get there before the crowds.
An HDR image with people in it is a challenge because multiple photos are involved and people tend to move. Here is a rare one where everyone held still for the entire bracket.
Columns at the temple of Athena at Preiene
Athena Temple columns
An HDR shot of one of the passageways at the amphitheater at Miletos
Another shot of the passageway at the amphitheater at Miletos
Pedestrain tunnel at the amphitheater - the layout of the facility is recongizable in any modern stadium as well.
A sunset shot of the Galeta Tower durning sunset - taken from a boat on the bosphorus.
The Sulemaini mosque as seen from across the Bosphorus.
Another shot of the Galeta tower. This one caught a flight of sea birds streaking past.
Istanbul Mosque and hillsside during sunset
Another stunning mosque during sunset on the Bosphorus.
The Asian side of Istanbul with hillside homes and a couple of mosques including one with Eid celebration lights strung between the minarets.
The Hagia Sophia is made for HDR. Lots of deep colors and moody shadows.
Looking up at the central dome (blue) and a secondary dome (gold) with a Seraphim in between.
Sunlight streaking in through upper windows. The lens flare really makes this photo work.
One of the Seraphim flanking the central dome.
Another picture of the early sun coming through the upper windows.
Massive hanging laps lit the huge open space.
View of the central dome with some of the scaffholding that I think is just as old. At least is has been there since 2001 for sure.
This shot from the upper gallery really gives a sense of the massive enclosed space. Not a bad architectural feat when most of the world was living in mud huts.
Another interios shot that shows the scaffholding.
The remains of an ealry Christian mosiac in the upper gallery. Some was destroyed but this piece was only plastered over and was later restored.
