The Process of Photographic Negative Digitization and the Use of High Dynamic Range Software for Optimal Image Results

The Process of Photographic Negative Digitization and the Use of High Dynamic Range Software for Optimal Image ResultsA Case Study using theHugh Morton Photograph CollectionA Photographic Journey brought to you by the Digital Production CenterTerminologyDynamic Range: represents the amount of contrast a given capture device can record

High Dynamic Range: compositing images to extend the dynamic range beyond the native capability of the capturing device

Histogram: a simple graph that displays where all of the brightness levels contained in the scene are found, from the darkest to the lightest.TerminologyHistogram:

Histogram Examples

The ProblemThe dynamic range of sensors used in digital photography is many times less than that of the human eye and generally not as wide as that of chemical photographic media

The most severe dynamic-range limitation in photography is reproduction to a paper print or computer screenExampleNegativePositive

ExampleStraight reproductionHdr reproduction

How did we do that?!

Before and AfterBefore HDRAfter hdr

Phase One Setup for Negatives

Camera (lens and digital capture back)Sub-surface illuminatorNegative in holderPhotomatix software interface

Before and After