I have been using HDR a little more. Like so many photography tools, I think it is often overused. But if used correctly, I think it can be a valuable and useful technique. That said, I would still rather use a GND filter if possible!

Chow,

Ron

@Paul – it is at least worth using the trial program to see if you get results you like. And yes Paul, it is one bonus you will also get from shooting raw.

Probably as many do, having put “pen to paper” and seeing their work get out there, I look back on that article now and wish I could go back in time and revisit the subject with everything I know today. But I think it holds up okay considering being ~2 years old in a fast moving area of digital photography.

While I have mellowed my stance on other techniques, including grad filters, I’ve also reached a better understanding about what HDR is really good for and how to use it for my purposes. I continue to think it’s going to be an area of important development in photography. After all, we are “writing with light” or however you want to say it… what’s not to like about getting our hands on all the light that was at play, and harnessing it to deliver the vision? It’s like the Zone System on steroids.

Theory and execution part ways many times, of course, and execution is where we need a lot more work. This means both better tools and the techniques to use them, as well as something you alluded to — a different way of seeing photographs, with a dose of that paradigm shift thing. I do find that HDR work gives a number of my images a certain “something,” partly tangible & partly perhaps just my subjective interpretation… but nevertheless something I’m starting to feel has legs as a legitimate “style” or “school” rather than just a funky fad that will flash in the pan and be gone. I can’t imagine not having HDR, now… and I want more of it, easier & better.