Mediaeval churches - HDR

[john.margetts]

My main interest in photography is mediaeval churches. We have very many of these in Lincolnshire, including 24 that have been declared redundant but are still consecrated churches. I am attempting to photograph all these last to produce a photo essay of each.

The one recurring problem I have is that of dynamic range. The buildings are cruciform with a tower which leaves a lot of internal corners, all lit by small windows which are themselves very bright. I am learning to deal with this using HDR techniques - I am using the software that came with my Canon 650D which is easy to use and does not give me that HDR look. Here is a sample (Lincoln cathedral south transept - actually better lit than most churches).

I am more than open to helpful suggestions as to how I can improve the results in difficult conditions.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[Designer]

Get software that will extend the range.

I think if you offer money, the stewards will let you use a tripod. (some will, some may not)

 

[PropilotBW]

Beautiful stained glass mural! I like the subject you're shooting. Maybe in your next attempt try to get the rose window in its entirety or do a separate shot of the window

 

[petrochemist]

There are quite a few free packages that do HDR.
The package I've used most recently is Dynamic-Photo HDR which works on either multiple shots as std HDR or a single exposure & just giving a pseudo HDR.
With the better software you can get a large range of effects from a subtle photographic look to the OTT stuff you often see on-line. Well worth a play - churches are just the sort of subject HDR works best at.

 

[gsgary]

As above you need the right software i have a friend at our camera clug that goes all over the country shooting church interiors and he is very good i think he uses photoshop to blend about 6 exposures together, i am also atracted the churches to shoot especially church doors
You should reconise this place

 

[Braineack]

This doesn't look well done at all.

The windows are blown out and the rest of the image just looks pushed too far -- like it wasn't well exposed to being with. Then you still have a big area of complete blackness center frame.

get better software and still aim for that "not HDR look".

 

[john.margetts]

Get software that will extend the range.

I think if you offer money, the stewards will let you use a tripod. (some will, some may not)

I always use a tripod - in the cathedral, no permission is required, nor in most churches I shoot in but some do have a small charge.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[john.margetts]

Beautiful stained glass mural! I like the subject you're shooting. Maybe in your next attempt try to get the rose window in its entirety or do a separate shot of the window

Cannot get it all in in one shot as there is a limit on where I can stand and the rose window is a long way from the floor.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[john.margetts]

As above you need the right software i have a friend at our camera clug that goes all over the country shooting church interiors and he is very good i think he uses photoshop to blend about 6 exposures together, i am also atracted the churches to shoot especially church doors
You should reconise this place

Yes, one of the better Victorian renovations in the south-east transept doorway.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[john.margetts]

This doesn't look well done at all.

The windows are blown out and the rest of the image just looks pushed too far -- like it wasn't well exposed to being with. Then you still have a big area of complete blackness center frame.

get better software and still aim for that "not HDR look".

My trouble was that I was in the cathedral when I took the exposures but at home when I processed them. As I cannot process the photos in the cathedral, I am going to have to make a number of trips to finesse the pictures. When I am in the redundant churches I can do at least some elementary processing so the job will be easier.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[gsgary]

As above you need the right software i have a friend at our camera clug that goes all over the country shooting church interiors and he is very good i think he uses photoshop to blend about 6 exposures together, i am also atracted the churches to shoot especially church doors
You should reconise this place

Yes, one of the better Victorian renovations in the south-east transept doorway.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

All mine are shot on film but I do have a Sony A7 that is good for church interiors

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

 

[john.margetts]

I have a lot of success photographing details with film - carvings and such - but they have a much lower dynamic range than shots including windows.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

 

[gsgary]

I have a lot of success photographing details with film - carvings and such - but they have a much lower dynamic range than shots including windows.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk

I much prefer film here some of Southwell Minster with film

Reala film, much nicer colour than digital

and a crop of above

HP5

Sony A7 just one shot adjusted very quickly, i took this shot just to see what it could do

Before

After very quick levels adjustment

 

[Braineack]

My trouble was that I was in the cathedral when I took the exposures but at home when I processed them. As I cannot process the photos in the cathedral, I am going to have to make a number of trips to finesse the pictures. When I am in the redundant churches I can do at least some elementary processing so the job will be easier.

well you need to make sure you capture the exposures you need. you should at least have 1 frame that has the windows exposed properly...then combine it with the others.

 

[john.margetts]

I much prefer film here some of Southwell Minster with film
]

What film camera are you using? I have been using a Canon 50e with Foma film but I shall be trying my "new" Bronica ETRs soon, again with Foma film.

Southwell Minster is on my list but every time I go they have something on - an excellent photo exhibition on one occasion.

www.johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk