D300 hdr

[Greg_Nuspel]

I was playing with my D300 this weekend and trying the 9 bracketed images, they have the method of holding the function button as you hold the shutter button. I found this a bit of a handful and not very productive when trying to keep a camera vibration free while shooting. So I found that if you set up the interval timer as follows:
Start -Now
Interval 2 sec
Number of intervals 1
Number of shots per interval 9

Now when you activate the interval timer is pauses for a few seconds and then takes the nine shots in a row. This way I don`t lose count and don`t have to touch the camera. I only wish you could trigger the timer with the shutter button instead of using the menu.

[F8&Bthere]

Hey Greg, which software do you use to assemble your HDR images?

[Greg_Nuspel]

I use Photomatix, I still have so much to learn with it.

[F8&Bthere]

after watching one of the latest videos involving Trey "stuck in customs" Ratcliffe I'm inspired to get to downtown Calgary one night and shoot some HDR cityscape kinda stuff. I don't know the best spots and I could just wander around looking for them, but schlepping around a tripod and a cpl grand in gear at night downtown might not be the brightest way to go about it. I don't know downtown that well, but I'd like to have a plan- where to park (maybe even shoot from a parkade), where to set up, and get in and out quickly. And I'd also rather not go alone, for obvious reasons. So, if you are ever interested in doing something like that, let me know. Now's the perfect time of year (with the exception of my kids being in school and trying to help my wife to get them to bed early) because the sun is setting at a decent hour yet the weather is still not too cold.

[Mad Aussie]

My Canon is the same ... 2 sec interval takes all 3 bracketed shots in a single burst. Wish it had a 9 shot sequence though!

[tomorrowstreasures]

after watching one of the latest videos involving Trey "stuck in customs" Ratcliffe

He has wonderful imagery, indeed! And a GREAT website as well.
Another person that is worth the time to visit for inspiration is:
this guy
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/80651083@N00/sets/72157601459782842/)

[Greg_Nuspel]

F8&Bthere, it could be fun to try that. I doubt I'll get close to anything he would do but it sounds like fun.

[F8&Bthere]

tripod, bracketing D300 at low ISO/long exposure, with light trails from passing cars and city lights/neon signs, followed by a little photomatix back in the darkroom.... we'd kick his butt!
Kidding, but it would/will be fun trying.

[F8&Bthere]

@ Greg, thanks for the D300 bracketing tip, before I took the thread a bit off topic

@TT- that is an awesome Flickr gallery- I've added it to my contacts so I can find again easily.

@anyone interested in HDR, Calgary area- actually I seem to recall some guy on THE FRAME photography network (Shaw channel 225 in HD) that has already done a few downtown Calgary HDR shots. His work appears mixed into the Viewer's showcase, or whatever it's called. I think his shots were signed either Paul Brandt or PJB (or maybe those are the same guy using different monikers) and I remember that a couple of them were shot in Chinatown. Anyone got a deeper scoop on who I'm thinking of?

[tomorrowstreasures]

you are welcome!

[tomorrowstreasures]

I use Photomatix, I still have so much to learn with it.


I just ordered it. How do you like it so far???
I am also thinking of some of the topaz offerings. any thoughts on Topaz (http://www.topazlabs.com/products.html)?

[Greg_Nuspel]

I do like Photomatrix, I just have to remember to save the settings with the file so I can revisit it and do minor tweaks.

I have no experience with Topaz products yet

[JAS_Photo]

I love my Topaz Adjust 3! Here are some examples:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/topazadjust/pool/

It can be crazy exaggerated:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3718028187_621399c9cb_b.jpg


More subtle:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3873634050_00ff89cab2.jpg


Or bet you didn't know:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3872863625_924a2125df.jpg

I also have the denoise but do not really use it.

[F8&Bthere]

I love my Topaz Adjust 3! ...I also have the denoise but do not really use it.

Raiven, why don't you use denoise, if you don't mind my askin? I just ordered the whole bundle last night with the stuckincustoms discount code because I was betting on liking adjust, detail, and denoise a whole bunch (well i already know i like adjust as i have tried it- but the other two are gambles) and perhaps finding the occasional use for the other plugins as well. It was 5 or 6 plugins in total for US$135 after discount. We'll see how it plays out but from the little I was able to find on them on line I think that these topaz sharpening and noise reduction plugins will be able to match or improve on results I get from the photoshop USM, smart sharpen and noise ninja "demo" that I have used in the past.