HDR

 

HDR was initially a struggle for me but once I got through the initial learning curve, I see it as a method I’d love to explore more in the future.   I chose to shoot my image near the abandoned buildings on Grand River Avenue and Abbot.  This area is filled with textures that have always intrigued me and I figured the high contrast would work well with an HDR image.  I wanted to use the rule of thirds to create a bit of negative space to the right portion of the image in using the sky.  Grand River Ave. formed a nice line of perspective into what I would describe as the most intriguing part of the photograph and its anchor.  I boosted the contrast way up to utilize HDR’s capability of capturing fine detail.  I wanted the decrepit and dirty buildings to show their wear and high contrast in the midtones and shadows helped me to accomplish this.  I also de-saturated the image in the second case.  I think this is nice because it makes the image more “lifeless” much like the buildings themselves.   I think something that is working in my image is the prominence of many textures.  I also love the footprints disappearing into the street.  The snow also adds to the bleak and cold look I was going for.   I think my main complaint is that my exposures are a bit too hot and I wish I had a lower exposure to really punch up the blacks.  Overall I am sure to revisit this technique that is new to me and I would love to do a series portraying a gritty urban atmosphere.