High Dynamic Range (HDR)

Something that I've discovered recently and I would like to share this knowledge with public.

Let me tell you how I get into knowing HDR.
I used to check out new artworks in DeviantArt and I saw many landscape photographs that really impress me. What impressed me is that they could capture everything clearly even the shot was taken under bright condition. Usually photos taken under bright condition will look quite dark except for the sky, of course, I mean the shot was taken without flash, photographers seldom use flash on landscape.

So I make my own experiment, starting to shoot in day time. I tried to play with exposure at first and it didn't really work well, then I did some research and I found playing with aperture helps. Unfortunately, it still didn't turn out the way I wanted to.

I'm kind of impatient and decided to go get the answer very directly using Google. Guess what? I search: "how to shoot landscape with clouds". Why clouds? Cause whenever I shoot landscape during day time (bright), after captured, the sky looks really bright until I can't see a single cloud. Cloud is very important to show the atmosphere of the scene.
Thank god, that search engine shows many results and clicked on the first link which brought me here.

After going through that discussion, I found out something called "Dynamic range". And again, I went to Google and search "How to shoot HDR".

And that's how I finally found what I've been looking for. If you are interested in learning HDR, you can search it yourself or you can listen to mine.

Preparing for HDR shot:
1) A tripod stand (this is highly recommended for landscape shot)
2) A digital camera that allows you manually set up the exposure and aperture. (DSLR is highly recommended)

Shooting for HDR:
1) Switch your camera to Aperture mode to avoid change of aperture for your shots later.
2) You need to take 3 shots with different exposure, under expose (-2), normal (0), over expose (+2).

After you got all 3 shots, merge all 3 with Adobe Photoshop (CS3 recommended), and you will get a HDR photograph.

The purpose of getting 3 different exposures:
1) Under expose = shadow
2) Normal = midtone
3) Over expose = highlight

Example:

This is my house, my experiment shot:
I took this in the morning, as you can see, the clouds in the under expose shot was the clearest, whereas the over expose shot can see my house number plate clearly.
After combining all 3 shots, you can see everything clearly! Huuurraaay!!!

There are more to learn, it never ends....

CAS Platinum Expedition 2008

EDIT: I've decided to not upload any more photos of CAS Platinum, but you can add me as friend in facebook and you can view all my photos including CAS Platinum 2008.

Don't forget to check out the Podcast at www.cempaka.edu.my.

The cameramen have worked hard for the both Podcast and the DVD, so hope you guys give some support.

I've also taken some nice shots. Will show you guys once I'm free to upload. Stay tuned. :)

Photos of Day 1: