High Dynamic Range Travel Photography

Pushing The Boundaries

St. Michael's Church - Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Digital photography provides a number advantages over film, such as the ability to see and share images immediately, along with documentation of camera settings and the date and time of each exposure.

One advantage is the ability to combine images to capture scenes with a high dynamic range. By combining a series of over and underexposed images, photographers can capture details in dark shadows and bright highlights. This is known as HDR photography.

Banffy Castle - Romania

When this technique first became popular, people sometimes used it to create surreal and stylized images that didn't represent the original scene faithfully. I had no interest in this style of photography and avoided HDR techniques for some time.

My attitude changed when I saw a set of images by Trey Ratcliff. His photos looked perfectly natural. I would never have guessed that they were created with HDR techniques.

Painted Monastery - Bucovina, Romania

I began to explore how to use HDR techniques in my own photography. One of the first applications that came to mind was photographing the interior of churches. If you expose for the dark interior, the windows will be over-exposed. Viewers can't see the beautiful colored windows. They're totally washed out. Exposing for the windows renders the church as dark as it would be at night with the lights off.

HDR to the rescue! I first attempted this technique in Venice, at the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. I took some meter readings, dialed in settings I thought I could capture handheld, took a deep breath and captured a series of five images in rapid succession. When I combined the images on my computer, I was delighted when I could see the blue sky through the windows.

Shops and Restaurants at Dusk - Brasov, Romania

Since then, I have used HDR to capture a number high dynamic range scenes, indoors and out, day and night. It doesn't alway work. It can be complicated when there is movement within the frame, and it can have difficulty rendering highlights in water. But when it works, the results go far beyond what can be captured in a single image. HDR has become an essential part of my photographic toolkit particularly when I am traveling and I only have one chance to get the shot.

Sony a7R III

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2022 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
www.instagram.com/dansouthphoto

All Rights Reserved

Romania

Travel In A Troubled World

With war raging in Ukraine, I decided to look back through photos of my travels in Eastern Europe. Romania borders Ukraine to the south.

This is a beautiful part of the world; the thought of it being destroyed so senselessly is extremely troubling. The loss of life and the humanitarian crisis are of course the most tragic aspects of this and any war, but the obliteration of irreplaceable historic and cultural treasures is a monumental loss.

Sibiu On A Sunny Day

Holy Trinity Cathedral at Sibiu (Romanian Orthodox)

Bran Castle - Transylvania

Engraved Cross At Bran Castle - Transylvania

Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral at Cluj-Napoca

Sony a7R III

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2022 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
www.instagram.com/dansouthphoto

All Rights Reserved

Evening Street Scene In Nice

 When Once We Gathered Freely

This year has been rough on everyone, but please to whatever you have to to stay safe and maintain a positive outlook. Better times lie ahead. We'll all be traveling again soon!

Camera:

            Nikon D700 

Lens:

            Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2020 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
www.instagram.com/dansouthphoto

All Rights Reserved

Castles of the Loire Valley

 Les Beaux Châteaux

The Loire Valley, located about 200 km southeast of Paris, features an amazing collection of well-preserved castles and regal residences, each with a distinct flavor, and all of them featuring a delicately decorated French style.

I have not spent a lot of time in the Loire Valley, but I made a brief stop there some years ago. Here are a few of the properties that I had the great pleasure to visit.

Le Château de Chambord is as grand as it is elegant. 

Château de Chambord - Loire Valley

Le Château de Cheverny features prominently in the Tintin adventures.

Château de Cheverny - Loire Valley

Le Château de Chenonceau is uniquely architected to cross the River Cher.

Château de Chenonceau - Loire Valley

Le Château de Blois is impressively well preserved inside and out.

Château de Blois - Loire Valley

Boats at the Château de Chambord on a pleasant afternoon.

Boats at the Château de Chambord

Camera:

            Nikon D700

Lenses:

            Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

            Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VRII

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2020 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
www.instagram.com/dansouthphoto

All Rights Reserved

Nice - South of France

Enhanced Resolution

I compose music. When I post my music online, I often make a slideshow to go with the audio. Hopefully, this adds interest by giving people something to look at while they're listening.

Hôtel Negresco - Nice - South of France

It's surprisingly challenging to decide which photos to use with a piece of music. I wouldn't think that this would be the case, given that I took the photos and wrote the music, but typically I'll spend days agonizing over the choice. I want to make sure that the mood of the photos matches that of the music, and I want to avoid, when possible, using images that I have used in other slideshows.

Statue of Miles Davis at the Hôtel Negresco

I went through this struggle earlier this year when I posted the three movements of my first Tuba Concerto online. I had composed the concerto in 2015, but for some reason, I procrastinated on publishing the score and registering the copyright. I finally got everything organized this year during the pandemic shutdown.

Untitled - Nice (2009)

I settled on using photos from a 2009 trip to France. I felt that the images were a good match for the music, but using them involved some technical challenges.

Beach Chairs in the Morning - Nice (2009)

I wanted the slideshow to display in 4k, but some of the photos didn't have enough resolution to meet the 4k specification after cropping and applying zoom effects. My 2009 camera had limited resolution compared to more recent models.

Floodlit Pier At Night - Nice (2009)

Sometimes innovations arrive just as we need them. A software package that increases the resolution of photo files came to market recently. I tried it, and I was very happy with the results. I increased the resolution of my files when necessary, and the 4k video looks crisp and detailed throughout!

Nice is once of the most beautiful cities that I have visited in my years of traveling. Highly recommended.

Camera:

            Nikon D700 

Lenses:

            Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

            Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VRII

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2020 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
www.instagram.com/dansouthphoto

All Rights Reserved

UFO Bridge and Restaurant - Bratislava

Dine Above The Danube

One of the first things that you notice when you drive into Bratislava is the big, new bridge with the UFO parked on top. If you took one look at this structure and wondered whether there might be a restaurant up there, you are absolutely correct.

UFO Bridge and Restaurant - Bratislava, Slovakia

I didn't have a chance to dine at the UFO restaurant, but I can only imagine that the views from there must be spectacular. If your travels take you to Slovakia, add this place to your must-see list.


Camera: Sony a7R IV
Lens:     Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2020 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Hungarian National Gallery

Buda Castle - Budapest

Camera: Sony a7R IV
Lens:     Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2019 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Notre-Dame de Paris

Le Coeur De La Ville-Lumière

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Camera: Nikon D700
Lens:     Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED IF

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2019 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Tables and Chairs - Bucharest

Hectic Travel

It happens. You're dashing along trying to keep up with a travel companion who's determined to get to a museum by some pre-decided hour. Along the way, you spot something that's too visually interesting to pass up.

Would you...?

- Break out your kit and work diligently to capture the best shot you can?

- Keep walking and regret a missed opportunity forever?

- Compromise and take the shot as quickly as possible?

Tables and Chairs - Bucharest

Perhaps you can guess the strategy that I applied while capturing this line of small blue tables at a sidewalk cafe in Bucharest.


Camera: Sony a7R III
Lens:     Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2018 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Evening Stroll Past St. Michael's Cathedral

Alba Carolina

A young family takes a spirited evening stroll past St. Michael's Cathedral at the Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Ilula, Romania.

Evening Stroll Past St. Michael's Cathedral, Alba Iulia

Camera: 
                Sony a7R III

Lens:
                Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM


Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2018 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

London Eye At Sunset

Changeable Skies

The English refer to their weather as changeable. True to this description, the weather offers a variety of lighting possibilities for photography. A gray, rainy morning can give way to dramatic combinations of sun and clouds in the afternoon. 

London Eye At Sunset

I took this photo some years ago during one of the most impressive bursts of color that I have ever seen in the skies over London. It's not as dreary a place as you may have been led to believe!

I always enjoy traveling in the UK. I'm quite keen on returning to London for more photographic adventures under changeable skies.


Camera: Nikon D700
Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Legs In A Window

Good Vibes and Golden Opportunities

It was such an Amsterdam moment! I looked up and noticed a lovely pair of legs in the window. It was a bright, clear afternoon. Apparently, the person attached to the legs wanted to enjoy a little sunshine.

My camera was in the backpack. I experienced that uncomfortable cognitive pause where I wondered whether I would have enough time to capture the shot. Luckily, my hands unzipped the bag, grabbed the camera, and mounted the 70-200 while my brain was still pondering whether it was a good idea.

Legs In A Window - Amsterdam

I grabbed a few quick shots - the legs kept changing position. This image is the most flattering. 

As for the person in the window - who I never met, by the way - I would to think that they would be proud of this image. It's novel, and I feel that it show them in a complimentary way.

I never want my photography subjects to feel to embarrassed or annoyed. I want our interactions to be positive and mutually beneficial, and I want the outcome to be a pleasant surprise. I want the person to feel respected and appreciated, and I want them to be happy with the result.

While I was shooting, a German couple walked over and stood beside me for a moment. They noticed the legs in the window, and took some shots with their cell phone cameras. The lady sounded very excited (in a good way) when she said something like Gross Kamera mit Objetif (big camera with lens). I think she was hoping that I would come away with a good shot.

Good vibes are powerful, and they are always appreciated.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Creative Flash 5 - Balancing Sunset

Santorini Chapel

When trying out new gear or learning new techniques, expect some failures along the way. I had lots of failures as I tried to incorporate flash more extensively into my photography. And the most catastrophic failures always seemed to happen outdoors.

Happily, this photo of the chapel at sunset on Santorini turned out as I had hoped. I was a little nervous, because previously in this situation, I hadn't always walked away with the results that I expected. 

Balancing Sunset - Santorini Chapel

Step By Step

- I mounted the camera on the tripod, attached the cable release, and looked for a suitable composition. 

- I focused on the cross at the top of the arch and locked it in place by setting the autofocus switch on the lens to manual. 

- I set the exposure mode to manual and dialed in settings that rendered the sky correctly.

- I attached the wireless flash transmitted to the camera's hot shoe and set the flash level.

- I attached a warming gel to the speed light and put it in remote mode on the proper channel and group.

- The camera and tripod were to the left of where I was standing. I used my left hand to trigger the cable release while holding the speed light in my right hand at a raised position. 

- It took a few tries to find the best position for the light along with the best power output setting. As mentioned above, expect failure and be prepared to make adjustments on the fly.


By contrast, here is a second shot of the chapel captured without flash. I shot this one a few minutes earlier as I was fine-tuning the composition. 

Santorini Chapel Silhouette

The chapel renders a lovely silhouette and offers a creative alternative. Each version has its own appeal with the flash version showing additional detail. It's nice to have options.

Camera: Nikon D800E
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Flash:    Nikon SB-910 with full CTO gel / SU-800 commander

Light happens.  Be ready.  Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South

http://www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Windmill, Moon, and Flags

Chances and Challenges

I took a lot of shots in order to capture this one image. The biggest challenge was trying to catch the scene it at the precise moment when both flags were extended by the wind. That didn't happen very often, and it never lasted more than an instant.

I was shooting from a small and heavily traveled walkway. There was no room to set up a tripod. It took a lot of control to keep everything lined up precisely in the frame while holding a long lens by hand. 

Then there was the small matter of tourists walking into the shot and standing there. The windmill is on the property of a popular hotel.

Windmill, Moon, and Flags - Santorini

It was a challenging shot, but somehow I had the good fortune to get an exposure with all of the desired elements before the best light faded. (I would have been a grumpy dinner companion if I had missed it.)

But I walked away reasonably certain that I'd captured the shot that I had imagined. I even treated myself to a latte.

Camera: Nikon D800E
Lens:     Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VRII

Light happens.  Be ready.  Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South

http://www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Changing of the Guard - Athens, Greece

Evzones at Constitution Square

The Evzones are elite Presidential Guards selected from Greece's armed forces.

The guards go through elaborate shift rotation exercises (a.k.a. The Changeing of the Guard) approximately every twenty minutes throughout the day. The changes are very popular with tourists.

Palace Guard - Athens

The brown uniforms seen here are worn after sunset. During the day, they wear white with red vests. Note the cleats on the soles of the shoes.

Trivia - I was not aware of this when I photographed the guards, but according to Wikipedia the Evzones have a minimum height requirement of 6'1". These gentlemen are BIG. And FIT. They are well-trained, armed and ready, and they are a big hit with the tourists.

Camera: Nikon D800E (ISO 800)
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Light happens.  Be ready.  Shoot hard.

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South

http://www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved