The Trigger Happy SQ

I’ve always wanted to try HDR ever since my brother introduced me to the world of Photomatix. I read about how to do it and thought I’d give it a try during our latest visit to Ilocos Sur.

These two pictures were taken near Playa De Oro Resort, Mindoro, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur during sunset.

High Dynamic Range Imaging is a set of techniques that allows a greater dynamic range of exposures (the range of values between light and dark areas) than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention of HDRI is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to shadows.

Well OK, that’s how Wikipedia explains it to us hehehe.

So on with the pictures…

This first shot is composed of three pictures merged together using Photomatix. My mistake was, I had my ISO at 1600 I think, meaning a lot of noise. So I had to remove the noise first before merging the three images. I used the Auto Bracketing function of my camera to come up with three pictures with different exposures.

This other shot was also made using three images with different exposures.

If you ask me, I prefer the first one because of the colors. But in flickr, they seemed to like this better. It was also 2nd place in Pinoy Kodakeros’ Outstanding PinoyKodakero Award last month, January.

I hope you guys try HDR out. It’s rewarding and you can create unique images :) Good luck!

“A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such a speed…It feels an impulsion…this is the place to go now. But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons.” - Richard Bach

One of my favorite subjects in photography are clouds and the sky. Because everyday, they look different. In some days they can look gigantic and sometimes they can look fiery and colorful.

Cloud photos are abundant in the WWW and here are the links to the sites I frequently visit:

• Gordo’s Cloud Gallery
• Weather Photography
• Cloud Appreciation Society

Here are some photos from my flickr gallery showing pictures of the sky and/or clouds.

Taken from our house…

Santiago Cove, Ilocos Sur

Pictures taken from our house.

San Juan La Union

Along the National Highway, Ilocos Sur

Pagudpud is one of the most visited places in Ilocos Norte. And why shouldn’t it be? It has beautiful beaches and the food is to die for. This December, I’m sure many of you will be planning trips out of town. I highly recommend Ilocos Norte, more specifically Pagudpud.

This shot was taken in Polaris Beach Resort where we stayed last December 2006. Many of the resorts are fully booked during this time so make sure you make your reservations way before your trip. This image has been included in Ilocos Norte : In Focus.

A restaurant next to Polaris Beach Resort. They have videoke here too. :)

Still taken near Polaris Beach Resort.

I hope you guys will visit Pagudpud. It has clear waters, white sand beaches and of course, wonderful food. :)