We went to the pumpkin patch this past weekend, for all of about 20 minutes, but we still enjoyed ourselves and I was able to get about 20 shots off. One thing I need to tell any photog now that does not have children is this: No matter how well you plan a day, your little one will ensure it falls through! However, you have to embrace it with open arms and a smile on your face because they are worth every minute of foiled plans. We may have been over zealous with all that we wanted to accomplish, a morning at the public market and an afternoon at the pumpkin patch can be a little too much for our half pint. Regardless, we got what we went for a picture of my beautiful wife and handsome son amongst pumpkins!
I used Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro to pseudo HDR this single exposure of Sarah and Michael. I love HDR Efex Pro’s presets! They are the only, I repeat only presets in any HDR program worth giving a chance. I don’t know why other HDR software companies haven’t jumped on the band wagon of making good presets. Presets really set the stage for a good jumping off point with your tone mapping decisions. The preset used for Michael and Sarah was the “Granny’s Attic” Preset and really gave this pseudo HDR the Autumn feel I was looking for.
Walking around the pumpkin patch I spotted this windmill and found it perfect for HDR. With every photo, a little bit of experimentation in post is always worth the extra 5 or 6 minutes. While playing with the Curves Adjustment Layer I created a VERY simple way to make a cross processed looking image with a few clicks of the Curves slider. I am feeling frisky so I just may show you this Friday, we’ll see. Also, if anyone wants me to do a specific tutorial in the future, send me a message, email, or comment with what you want to see. Have a great week everyone!
Thanks. I’d try it once I got the chance.