Two months ago I did not know my aperture from my f-stop (answer is … they're the same). As I posted earlier this week, I decided to take a class, and among other things learn about HDR Photogaphy (high dynamic Imaging)! My new camera is a Canon Powershot SX30 IS, and I'm finally learning how to use all its features … including image bracketing (HDR) while I either give preference to Aperture Size or Shutter Speed (takes 3 images while adjusting the exposure up and down from my settings).

One's first impression, HDR might seem to be one of those features only for the camera geek, or professional photographer. I discovered otherwise. During a long bike ride on the Willard Munger Trail in northern Minnesota, I arrived at the St. Louis River gorge near Jay Cooke Park. As it was still morning, the sun had not reached well into the deep ravine. This meant shadows and sun where those two combination did not make for optimal photographs. Coming back at another time was not a preferred option, unless I wanted to add another 30 miles to my bike ride, not to mention another 1,000 foot hill climb.

Enter HDR to the rescue. I set my camera for aperture priority (distance landscapes), and soon had three bracketed photos (normal, shorter exposure, and longer exposure). The photos provided an interesting combination of color and shadow, but never in the same image. Well, using the magic of HDR integration, I combined the photos into one neat photo (see images at end of post).

Here are the three free HDR services and one paid option which I ultimately purchased ($30), and my reviews of each. I realize Photoshop would do a fantastic job, but remember I said this blog post was for amateur photographers. Photoshop is way to expensive for me.

• Luminance HDR: This software comes from Source Forge. As a software nerd I love this organization for some of the great free software that developers worldwide create for the open source community. While Luminance HDR works fine, it's complicated and tough to learn.
• Picturenaut: While this was the most recommended free HDR software I discovered mentioned on other blogs and web sites, I was disappointed with the results, and felt YoHDR as a free service was much easier and yielded better results.
• Photomatrix Essentials: This is the one paid HDR software I researched. It has a free 30 day trial one may download and test. I love the results, and it's easy to use. It gives me quite a few output options without scaring me with difficult choices and commands. Captain Kimo provides reviews of additional HDR software packages, and a discount of 15% if you decide to make the purchase.
• YoHDR: I love this service. While I did purchase PhotoMatrix Essentials for $30, you need to try YoHDR. It was created as a free service by three Silicon Valley engineers. It could not be more simple. You upload three versions of your photograph, and click convert. You then have two output options: photographic and natural. 

As they say … as corny as it sounds, a picture is worth a thousand words. Thus, here are my images from the St. Louis River gorge, and the final photo (actually a few options). The original images have been pair down in size for fast viewing. The HDR photos are provided at full resolution. Click upon any image to view at full size.

The other tool I use is Google's Picasa software (web and computer versions). It allows me to make basic edits, and share on the web.

Orginal Photo: aperture f8; shutter speed = 1/100 second

Unfortunately give the location of the railroad trestle over the river, I was forced to take this photo somewhat into the sun given the time of day. The end result are some color washouts.

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Shorter Exposure (darker): aperture f8; shutter speed = 1/200 second

By shortening the shutter speed (automatic bracketing) I was able to get a deeper blue for the sky, and greens for pine trees.

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Longer Exporsure (lighter): aperture f8; shutter speed = 1/80 second

The longer shutter speed (also taken automatically), I was able to get resolution on some of the shadow areas.

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HDR Result #1: Photographic Option Choice

Notice how this photo combines elements of each of the three original images. The sky is blue, not washed out. Many shadows are eliminated, and one may actually see the bubbles from the upstream rapids.

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HDR Result #2: Painterly Option Choice

As I mentionned, you become an artist. This version allowed me to bring out the color of the granite and all the red pine needles laying on the rocks. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It was fun playing around. These were details I had noticed with my eyes. My challenge was to represent these aspects of the scene in a photograph. A professional photographer could bring out much more using these images, but remember … I said this blog post was for the amateur! Have fun and explore.

A entire new world is opening up to me … HDR Photogaphy! Early this Summer I purchased a new camera (Canon Powershot SX30 IS), and I'm finally learning how to use all its features … including image bracketing while I either give preference to Aperture Size or Shutter Speed (takes 3 images while adjusting the exposure up and down from my settings). My instructor is Leo Melamud whose life in itself is an interesting book. He started out at a top college in Russia, and ended up in Minnesota.

Given a vacation day w/o much planned, and a beautiful, albeit cold sunrise (25F), I decided today was the day to head out and take advantage of the favorable light conditions, and beautiful scenery. I live across the street from Amity Falls (the Deeps), which is just upstream from Lake Superior.

After taking a few images, I returned home and loaded some new (and free) HDR software from Source Forge (Luminance HDR). I'm still learning … which means I'm dangerous, but here is my first result (a compilation of three images). Click to view at full size.

Now off to take a 40 mile bike ride near Jay Cooke Park.

For years I’ve watched and listened to music videos and wondered … will someone ever write a rap song for the Northstar Nerd? Hallelujah, it’s happened! Courtesy of the Travelin Librarian blog I learned about the music video: I’m Reading a Book! I am in nerd music heaven.

This might even challenge Weird Al’s White and Nerdy!

My grandson, Ben, is extremely near taking his first steps … walking on his own. Much to my surprise, while getting a few final items put away in our new townhome, what should I find but a note I penned over 20 years ago when my youngest son, Erik, learned how to walk. This entry is dedicated to my children … Karen, Carl and Erik!

From April 26, 1991 (transposed word for word from my handwritten note):

I will attempt to write regularly and document Erik's development from age 1 on. I should have done this for Karen and Carl, but as I still expected to have more children after both of them, the need to write was not so intense. Years from now it would otherwise be impossible to remember what a joy (and pain!) little children can be.

Within the last three weeks Erik has learned to walk. The first night was special. Carl, Karen and I were strung out on my bed watching TV (Molly was at a Women of Today meeting). Suddenly as I looked over towards my bureau, there was Erik walking across the bedroom floor. I cheered, picked up Erik and hugged him. I bounced Erik up and down in my arms and cheered some more. Although Erik couldn't talk, he giggled and giggled. He was proud of himself and quite happy.

Anyhow, Carl, Karen and I proceeded to have Erik walk … walk … walk. He only was willing to try if he was in the bedroom … I think 7 or 8 steps was his limit. Since it was a special night, I let all three children stay up past their bedtime (7:30 p.m.) so we could all show Mommy. I am proud to say when Molly came home about 8:30 p.m., Erik performed like a star.

Erik is going through a Daddy phase right now. One of his favorite tasks is to help me get dressed.  He particularly  likes to get my shoes out of the closet and bring them to me. Erik's idea of fashion is one sneaker and one leather shoe. This morning Erik insisted that I put on my leather work shoes. The fact that I only had my socks and underpants on didn't phase him in the least. When I took a walk inside thusly attired Karen thought I looked weird!! I just told her that Erik had picked out my clothes for the day.

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Finally, here is one photo from about the correct time period … one of the few I have scanned at this point. Karen and Carl are "helping" Great Grampa Hoeg open his birthday presents! I inserted a photo of Erik from when he was a bit older.