In the fine art world, there has been a new genre of photography emerging called high dynamic range. It's a digital imaging technique where three images or more are combined to create a higher contrast picture where the highlights and shadows both have detail, giving the image a dramatic feel without any use of studio lighting (can be achieved with one image only if it is extensively dodged and burned). In short, it can give you a properly exposed image with little to no work at all.
As an avid flickr user, I've notice many photographers are now using this technique. Although I feel that photography is a technical process just as much as an art form, it takes away a sense of dignity.
I find these images visually compelling, but they seem to be produced for that sole purpose only: how 'cool' can I make my image look. I love digitally manipulating an image as much as the next guy, but as a photography major I feel it is necessary to learn the basics and foundations of the trait as like any other art form.
In an art school where you have no choice but to dig yourself into an early financial grave, I'd like to think my money and long hours spent in the darkroom aren't going to waste.
-Jonathan
As someone with absolutely no background in photography it was hard for me to follow this post and some of the terms used. However, I have seen photographs similar to the bottom example but would have not guess that this was the same process being used in the first photograph. The first photograph to me looks amazing, but I can make the connection and relate this to music that is over produced and auto-tuned to make an artist sound good when they just don't have the talent versus real artists recording more honestly. In the art world and in life as a whole, it is discouraging to those who are working hard for their results to see those who put little effort in get all the attention and credit, but alas, this is something we need to toughen up to as I can promise you it will occur in many aspects life- including art :)
ReplyDeleteBlue Man Group feels your pain- making fun of modern art at their shows. Watch here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqrbpWlCiXg
Anastasia Nelson
I am also a photography major and have found myself feeling the same way. Personally, I think photographs that still retain an element of "realness" will prevail over HDR. But I do think some situations like sunsets and landscapes can really be improved by HDR. As for the interior shots, I think this method just makes everything look unrealistic, over-edited, and somewhat cartoon-like. Its a quick-fix for what should be something that a photographer really dedicates their time to in order to get it right.
ReplyDeleteLet's just hope this is one of those gimmicky phases that will come and go, and that those of us who have really committed ourselves to this art form will come out on top.
- Kris Hendon
High dynamic range in photography is something I was unfamiliar with. All I do with a camera is point and shoot and this is even rare for me. I do see how it can be frustrating for someone in the field or studying photography but I also can see a plus side for those who are not photographers. For me, photography is a crucial part of my field. I am studying fashion design and make clothes to be sold through the internet. So I can either pay someone who knows what they are doing to take pictures of my work or I can do it myself with a lessor result. I opt to do it myself at this point purely for not having funds to hire a processional photographer. So I can see this high dynamic range being useful to someone like me who use photography for other means of getting their work out there but may not be well versed in taking an excellent photo. I think if it is used under that sort of pretense then it is fine. I am not trying to be a photographer nor would I ever sell myself that way, but I do need good pictures that capture my work so its nice to know there are more options for the picture taker.
ReplyDelete-Kira
The frustration is palpable. I have the same attitude with the faux-vintage photos that have all but taken over the internet. Like that though, I feel that this sort of photography is only a trend. At the same time however, I think that maybe there is some artistic merit to this method. The second photo in the post is a good example of that (assuming it's the same method). I'm not promoting shooting that way for the sake of shooting that way, but if you can find a way that it compliments your theory, than do so.
ReplyDeleteAs with many digital tools, HDR photography is generally overused without purpose. There is the occasion where the concepts of HDR photography allow for some stunning images. Recently I was on a photo shoot in an interior of an apartment on Lake Shore Drive. We needed all the details of interior, as well as the dramatic sunrise above Navy Pier. The only way to get that was to bracket the shot [ taking an exposure at each level ] and show detail in both the shadows and highlights. The resulting image looks great, but only through this digital process. It was needed to obtain the shot. This idea can be passed through many different mediums. Use the digital tools when you need to use them, skip them when they aren't necessary. But then again, maybe irony in photography is in these days.
ReplyDelete- Jeremy
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from. I take photos as a hobby and its' terribly upsetting when you see someone else's photo which is amazing and then later learn it's extremely photo shopped, to the point where it feels as if it's not even their photo. I try to not get discouraged and look at in two different realms. The people who appreciate film photos and people who are totally just into digital manipulation. I say just keep your head in there and do what you love and think is important.
-Kelsey
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteThis topic brings a lot of strong opinions and I think that it is great that you bring it up. I am not very knowledgeable about the technique you are talking about but I understand your frustration. I personally could not agree with you more and usually prefer the traditional style. I think that it is more true and evokes a lot more of the emotions that the artist wants the viewer to see. I feel like this is a common conversation when talking about many different art forms. Is technology killing art? Agreeing with you I always like to think of the other side and even though it may seem like an easier route. I always like to ask is this maybe just a different art form using some of the same tools but adding a twist. I believe that these artists are still making creative choices and many times make very unique and great art.
Tommy
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting concept that I didn't know a lot about. It is very visually appealing but I do understand where you're coming from in that it may not possess traditional qualities or the needed basics of photography.
Maybe on the contrary, this new style of photography can incorporate both traditional and progressive. For example, if one took a picture that you created using a darkroom and added a modern spin by manipulating it with high dynamic range style, it would blend the basics as well as the new, without "selling out" in a sense.
Since you're a photographer, along with so many other artists, when dealing with your art form, do what you know and believe and use the style that makes you the happiest and most fulfilled. Without ignoring the changes in your industry, you do have the ability to slightly just tune out what doesn't appeal to you.
-Regina
I think that technology is having a controversial effect on art right now. This argument is similar to the "Talented singer vs. Autotune" or "editing actual film vs. editing with Final Cut."
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is important for basics to be understood. I think this is essential to appreciate art from the past, current art, and art being made for the future. However, I don't think these shortcuts are necessarily all that bad. For one, it's adding a new element. There are songs you wouldn't be able to replicate without autotune, and there are photographs you wouldn't be able to capture without High Dynamic Range.
There are still aspects to consider, such as meaning, mood, composition, color scheme, etc. that are more artistic than they are technical, and if these elements are applied to the technical aspect, it creates a new type of artistic photography, rather than a shortcut to a pretty photo.
- Zach Pint