Tag Archive for: photography

HDR photography

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I’m preparing a presentation on HDR photography and thought it might be nice to share some highlights ~

HDR photography stands for high dynamic range, meaning that the range of tonal values in a photograph is greater than what can be achieved in a single exposure. This is accomplished by merging together multiple exposures. The result more accurately represents the scene as seen by the human eye. Our eyes are able to see a much greater range of tones than one exposure can possibly record. However, it’s anticipated that someday cameras may have the capability to capture an HDR image in one exposure.  And that day may be here sooner than we think!

To create an HDR photo, you need to use a tripod so that the multiple images are in exactly the same position. You can use a function on your camera to take a series of under- and over-exposed images or you could manually under and over expose subsequent images in varying increments of a stop, a third of a stop, etc. You can use three, five, seven or any number of exposures to create the HDR image. Although, the higher number of images merged, the longer it will take and the larger the file will be.

HDR set before the merge

To merge the photos, you can use Photoshop or other programs that include tone mapping, such as Photomatix Pro. In Photoshop, you go to File, Automate, Merge to HDR, and select the photos you would like to merge. Photoshop will automatically align the images and create the HDR image. I like to use Lightroom and export the photos to Photomatix Pro, which also aligns and merges them. I purchased Photomatix Pro, so that I could refine the HDR images with tone mapping. The amount of information you have in an HDR image can be overwhelming and it doesn’t always look good. With tone mapping, you can choose to condense and expand qualities of the HDR image to either represent the vision of the photo in your mind’s eye or the true to life scene, as seen by the human eye.

Here’s the finished version of the organ at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood:

HDR image from St. Paul's Cathedral

The best subjects for HDR photography are those that don’t move, such as landscapes or architecture. People are generally not a good subject for HDR, because of movement. However, you could simulate an HDR portrait by using one exposure and adjusting it and saving it at varying under- and over-exposed increments.

Christmas Outtakes

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This week we put our Christmas tree out on the curb and said “adieu” to a wonderful Christmas season. But I have just one more post related to the holiday because in our big family, it lasts into the new year with the various family Christmas dinners. And dinner with the Wells and Bowman family always promises priceless photo ops – I can say that cause they’re family. My sister-in-law and her husband have five little boys and they are all precious in their own way. I thought I’d post some of our outtakes, because they are the ones we will come to treasure over the years. As Aunt Kate, I command little authority as a photographer and there is an orchestra of family members behind me and the camera coaxing and cajoling these boys to smile. It’s fun and we definitely created some moments as you’ll see below.

Browns fan

Yes, my Pittsburgh friends, I have Browns’ fans in my family. They live in Ohio, so you can’t blame them. This little guy was not very smiley when it came to having his photo taken. His grimace suits the jersey though.

Sticking his tongue out

What is it about little boys that after a certain age, sticking your tongue out is the only way to pose for a photo? Just kidding, this guy smiled sweetly during our group family photo, but I happen to prefer this look for an ornery four-year old.

Twins

You can just tell that these two are going to be popular with the ladies someday.

Chaos

I’m glad I didn’t delete this one, which is a natural inclination when I find that something unexpected has ended up in the frame. Remember what I was saying about being a photographer and trying to photograph your own family? I’m learning to enjoy the chaos.

Sad bunny ears

Ok, this one seems slightly cruel to include, but it was a priceless moment. My mother-in-law and I just laughed and decided we’ll get this one out for a chuckle when he graduates from high school. This little guy is the oldest of the brothers and the most adverse to having his photo taken. He was tearing up and refused to smile. His mom is to my left insisting that the sooner he smiles, the sooner we’ll be done. My husband is behind her, giving her bunny ears to lighten the mood and Tyler is starting to crack up through his tears. He’s trying to tell his mom that Uncle Brad is giving her bunny ears.

While that photo is funny today, I can’t help but posting this one below. Because Tyler is such a smart and sweet boy, I want to make sure I end these outtakes with a photo that really reflects his nature. And yes, that is Muhammed Ali in the background. I love my in-laws!

All smiles

Omni Bedford Springs Resort engagement session with Sara and Luke

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I met up with Sara and Luke in Bedford for an engagement session in the posh Omni Bedford Springs Resort. We were both en route from holiday family gatherings and the resort happened to be a terrific place for an indoor engagement session, out of the snowy cold. I highly recommend staying there if you’re traveling across Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful 200 year-old resort that was recently renovated with respect for it’s original design and a nod to the luxurious. Anyhow, Sara, Luke and I were happy to spend a couple of hours there. And this couple was a complete delight. Below are a few favorites from our shoot:
Engagement collage

Sweet nothings

At one point through the shoot, a man walked by in just a bathrobe. Sara and Luke were trying to keep from cracking up for their photos, but they couldn’t hold it for long.

In an embrace

I really liked photographing them in this lounge. It had tons of natural light and wicker chaise lounges lined up all along the windows for guests to stop and enjoy the view.

Leisurely stroll

Proposal

Kissing her hand

I love sequencing moments and this adorable couple can pull it off.

At the fireside

Their wedding will take place at Green Gables in Jennerstown this summer. Sara and Luke, I’m looking forward to working with you again at your wedding!

Celeste & Aaron’s wedding album

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Ok, so it’s time to blog about Celeste and Aaron’s wedding and share all of the fabulous details.  I’m including spreads from their custom-designed album because it really tells their story best ~

wedding album

I mentioned in previous posts, that they were married just outside of Philadelphia, Pa., during the snow storm of the decade. It was just one week before Christmas and the snowy skies really complimented this lovely wedding. Celeste, her sister and mom ventured out into the snow for early-morning hair appointments. Celeste’s gown emanated with ’40s Hollywood glamor and her sister-in-law made the feathered head piece and bird cage veil to really pull the look together.

custom-designed

The wedding was at noon at The Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli. Aaron and his best man entered the sanctuary after twelve rings of the church bells. The ringing of the bells added some excitement, signifying the beginning of the ceremony. I really like the photo in the lower right corner after Celeste and her father walked by, with Aaron waiting at the altar.

ceremony scenes

The sermon was adapted from a 1920s prayer book and was one of the most beautiful messages I’ve heard at a wedding.

in the chapel

I was able to get behind the organ for some sweet moments between the happy couple. I also like photos of people singing and couldn’t resist the opportunity during a hymn.

kiss and pronouncement

This was a great kiss. I love how Celeste put her hand on Aaron’s cheek. After the ceremony, they signed a book that contains records from every couple married in the church.

family portraits

Celeste and Aaron decided to have their portraits taken before the ceremony so that they could go straight to their reception from the church. This is something I recommend for couples who are comfortable seeing one another before the ceremony. There is less pressure on the couple, so their photos are much more relaxed and natural. Plus, there is a sense of relief after the portrait sessions are complete because the couple is that much closer to the reception.

in the snow

Our outdoor photo session was a cold one, but it was so worth it! The snow was falling steadily and the pastor of the church let us borrow a small crate that Celeste could stand on to keep her shoes out of the snow. They wore coats to match their attire, because it was important to them to have some photos taken outside. The light was lovely in this small courtyard at the church.

toasts and menu

Their afternoon reception was held at Flemmings Steakhouse and Wine Bar with several courses of sumptuous wine and food pairings. They didn’t opt for the typical sit down dinner and cake. Instead, this setting encouraged more mingling amongst the guests and a more jovial atmosphere.

Reception

Celeste and Aaron took a few moments to dance to the music provided by a jazz trio. Later, Aaron got out his video camera to capture a few sentiments from family and friends. Also, note the photo at the lower right of Celeste and her twin sister who is expecting her first child any day now. The baby was kicking and Celeste’s reaction was priceless.

Mr. and Mrs.

Cheers to the newlyweds! Many blessings to you and your marriage.

Celeste and Aaron’s wedding slideshow

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Here’s a slideshow for newlyweds Celeste and Aaron! They were married last Saturday in Paoli, Pa., just northwest of Philadelphia. Congratulations on your first week of wedded bliss! I’ll recap this beautiful wedding in a blog soon. For now, enjoy the slideshow!