A Survey on the Acceptance and the Use of HDR Photography Among Croatian Photographers

Abstract

The emerging field of high dynamic range (HDR) imaging is directly linked to
diverse existing disciplines such as radiometry, photometry, colorimetry and colour
appearance - each dealing with specific aspects of light and its perception by
humans. Although the idea is not new, it has not been widely used until just a few
years ago when digital cameras gained popularity and the computers processing
power increased significantly. Now this photographic technique is widely spread
and used, but even more often – misused. A research was conducted by means of
a questionnaire in order to get some actual information about how Croatian photographers
see the HDR photography and how they employ it. The results of the
survey proved that indeed a great interest exists in the technique, but that many
photographers are scared away from the HDR photography because of the misconception
that the artificial look is an unavoidable side effect of the HDR processing.
The fact is, however, that the final HDR image is a result of the tone mapping process
and post-corrections and adjustments, entirely dependent on the photographer’s
intent and vision, as well as his understanding of various adjustments available.
The results of the questionnaire have also pointed out to other widely spread
misconceptions which are discussed in this paper.