SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER

Yes, the HDR SIG meetings are on hold until October, but that doesn't mean that nothing is happening in the world of HDR.  I'll periodically update the blog as newsworthy information becomes available.  This means that I'm relying on the members to inform me of newsworthy HDR items -- and also your HDR images for inclusion on this site.

In the meantime, here are some items to let you know what's happening.

1. I recently took a week's trip through southern New Mexico.  Of course, I took a few pictures along the way including a number of 3 exposure pics for HDR possibilities.  I posted a number of these on this blog.  Click tab 1 at the top to see the 17 images I added.  These were all done with a handheld camera and processed with Photomatix.  Yes, I know the rulebook says to use a tripod -- but when you're taking pics outdoors in daylight in wide-angle mode and with with today's HDR software alignment features, you can do pretty well with a steady handheld approach (plus you don't have to hike around with that tripod getting in the way and you have more freedom with getting better angles).  (Hints:  use image stabilization, make sure your speed setting is above 1/30 sec for your max. overexposure frame, and tweak your ISO up a notch if needed to compensate for a slow shutter speed and of course use your RAW setting).
2. There is an interesting HDR article out by Uwe Steinmueller called "The Art of HDR Photography".  This is in 3 chapters and is included under tab 3 above.  You can also click here to get into it  Article
3. By the way, there are numerous examples of HDR images on the web.  I added a number of these in tab 3 above under "HDR Photos".
4. Marty informs me that there is a new beta out for Photomatix -- have not tried it.
5. Oloneo PhotoEngine software has been released.  It has a price tag of $149.  I have requested a complimentary copy for the lab and member discount from the company.  I'll let you know how they respond.
6. There is an intesting web page from a photographer that did an HDR Time Lapse video in Las Vegas called "24 Hours of Neon".  To view the video and read how he did it click here:  24 Hours of Neon  .  This would be a real challenge to anybody in our group who would like to attempt it.
7. I just got my new Android smartphone (Samsung Galaxy).  It has a 5mp camera as a feature.  I know the camera works but I'm still trying to master the whole affair so I feel pretty dumb at this stage.  There are also a number of HDR apps available that I'll eventually try out.  If anyone has used these, let the group know.
8. Speaking of the Android camera, there are apps available that make use of the gps features of the smartphone and can geotag photos with the location of where the photo was taken.  There are several of these avaiable, some for free.  If anyone has tried one or more, let us know.

Again, even though school is out, we can make summer an HDR learning experience.  I encourage you to contribute images, news events, and your personal notes and I'll add them here to our blog.