The HDRI Handbook 2.0: High Dynamic Range Imaging for Photographers and CG Artists

The HDRI Handbook 2.0 is the most comprehensive guide to High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). Once Hollywood's best kept secret, this cutting-edge imaging technology is a method to digitally capture and edit all light levels in a scene. It represents a quantum leap in imaging technology, as revolutionary as the leap from black-and-white to color imaging. HDRI is the final step that places digital ahead of analog. In 2007, The HDRI Handbook was the first book dedicated to opening this technology to a large audience. These days HDRI is a fully mature technology available to everyone. Professional architectural and landscape photographers have already adopted HDRI as part of their regular workflow, and it has become one of the hottest trends for ambitious amateurs and creative professionals alike. Now, The HDRI Handbook 2.0 redefines its own gold standard by revealing all the latest techniques, software programs, and equipment. Author Christian Bloch provides readers with practical hints and tips, software evaluations, background knowledge, workshops, hands-on tutorials, and inspiring guest galleries. Beginners will get a methodically solid introduction and advanced readers will be able to refine their technique to perfection. A new breed of community-driven HDR software is included on the companion DVD, so you can hit the ground running. Whether you are a photographer, CG artist, compositor, or cinematographer, this book is sure to enlighten you. Topics include: Understanding the foundation of HDRI Tools for a high dynamic range workflow How to capture HDR images: today and tomorrow Tone mapping for creating superior prints HDR image processing and compositing Image editing on a new level with 32 bit Shooting and stitching HDR panoramas Image-based lighting and CG rendering Creative uses and unconventional applications