HDRI Assignment

Original Photo

Edited Photo

HDRI Assignment

In this assignment, we were tasked with capturing multiple exposures of a single composition, then learning and utilizing the tools within Adobe Lightroom to merge the exposures into one High-Dynamic-Range image (HDRI). Then, we were tasked with applying edits we learned in previous weeks using Adobe Photoshop. We were also tasked with learning how to use the RAW capture mode on our cameras, if our cameras had it.

For this assignment, I was supposed to learn how to create and manipulate an HDRI image. This entailed gathering three images using my camera through one of two methods: Either I manually change my exposure every time I take a shot, or I learn how to use a feature known as Exposure bracketing. It accomplishes the same task with the same effect, but the changing of the exposure is done manually by the camera.

The intended composition of m scene included the white plant as the subject, with the wood chips, bricks, and green plants as the background and/or foreground. 

I used the white of the subject as a way to draw the viewer's eye, as it popped well against the surroundings. I also felt that the bricks worked as leading lines, redirecting the eyes to the subject, as well as the background. 

The focal point of my image was the white plant. I decided to make the plant the focal point because it stood out enough to direct the viewer's eye, but not so much as to distract from the rest of the composition.

I feel that I achieved my goal of directing the viewer's eye to the focal point using color and leading lines.

My biggest problem during this process was learning how to use bracketing on my camera. I thought the camera would automatically take three different exposures with one press of the button, but instead the camera required three button presses. I noticed after enough time that the second image I was taking automatically hanged exposure settings, and that is when I realized I had been taking pictures incorrectly.

In photoshop, I used a Vibrance layer to make the background match the focal point in terms of color. I also used a Brightness/Contrast layer to darken the entire image so that every part of the composition is clear.