Customer Reviews:
 All the reviews are correct November 18, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I read all the reviews after I read McCollough's book. All the five-star reviews are right on target. I especially liked all the photos he included that show before and after comparisons. His analysis of the different software packages is very helpful. On the other hand, all the other HDR books got rave reviews, so it seems you can't make a mistake buying any of them.
One downside for some: McCollough does not litter his narrative with sophomoric,distacting,and irrelevant jokes like some other writers. He sticks to the subject at hand and does not quote sappy lyrics from aged rock stars! That makes this book a quick read.
Very practical, very useful November 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm finding this book easy and pleasant to read and also very useful. My first HDR effort since getting the book is posted in my blog at [...] In particular, the book has pointed me towards post processing of HDR tone mapped images or even combining various tone mapped images to get the effects that I want.
An entirely new dimension to photography November 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
For a long time, I was quite oblivious to the possibilities of High Dynamic Range photography. It was just one of many new digital 'things' in the world of photography. But after seeing a series of HDR shots of French church interiours, I had to learn more about this fascinating technique.
Initially, I read a number of articles off of the web and studied discussions in different forums, but decided to get a book dedicated to the subject. I got this one, and I am very happy with it.
The text is well written and easily understood. It's neither too technical in nature, nor too simple. The author describes how an image is captured in your camera, how noise is brought about, what limitations there are to different types of camera, and what difference there are between different lighting situations. All in all, everything needed to judge when and how HDR imaging is helpful in any given situation. He goes on to tell about the image capturing process, conversion, and post-processing. He also tells about the use of some special techniques, like single photo HDR and merging of flash photos. The difference between a number of proprietary HDR software is also explained, letting the reader decide which he or she prefers.
All the way throughout, the author makes good use of beautiful photographs to illustrate his points, and show the effect of HDR processing. There are also examples of other HDR artits' work in the book. These images are not for teaching purposes, but rather serves as inspiration for the reader, showing the possibilities and uses of HDR photography.
The advice given in this volume, is fairly straightforward and easy to follow. You'll be out there making your own HDR images soon after reading. I initially thought HDR images a bit too well exposed, a bit too natural, a bit too 'good', if you know what I mean. They seemed unnaturally good. Now I see that they are in fact capable of rendering a much more realistic depiction of reality than normal photography. HDR is a great tool for any photographer to have in his technical arsenal, simply for tricky exposure situations or for out and out art photography. It is much simpler (and much more available) than difficult lighting rigs and multiple flash units going off at once.
I was indeed very pleased with this book, and will definitely recommend it to others.
just did my first HDR Pic. WOW! November 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is a very good introduction to HDR Photography.
Easy to understand and informative.
The Best Book I Read This Year September 8, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I will recommend this book to any person interested on the subject.
The best book I read this year inspirational and motivational reading.
The author is a gifted teacher. I'll give it six stars.
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