Monochromatic HDR Photography: Shooting and Processing Black & White High Dynamic Range Photos 1st Edition

This is a great book and very informative regarding High Dynamic Range image processing. Harold Davis is an excellent photographer and very capable teacher. This book is a great resource for beginners as well as seasoned photographers alike!

Previously, I couldn't imagine doing HDR in black and white. To me, being able to capture those tones in HDR was the whole point. However, after reading this book and seeing the results, I am inspired to do some of this. I am convinced that, in some cases, the colors might distract from the full impact of the image. I don't think it's something you do in every case, but there certainly are times when a monochromatic image would have a bigger impact.

Having tested the water with several HDR add-ons and been disappointed with the results, which always seemed so predictable, I’m not sure what prompted me to buy this book, but I’m glad I did.While the title invokes the world of HDR photography, this book is really bigger than that, it’s about light and tonal depth. Other than subject matter, that’s photography. The author presents a variety of methods for exploring and expanding your ability to adjust both.There’s a useful chapter on how to recognize a scene with B&W potential. You’ll need Photoshop and a basic understanding of layers in order to follow the process. It will also be useful to explore this book with an attitude that post processing on the computer is like the old darkroom days, something to enjoy. Davis does an excellent job of presenting a complicated subject, but it can be challenging; a lot of flipping back and forth, therefore, I recommend getting the paper version of the book.Having been working with this book for the past several weeks, I’ve come to appreciate the fact that he stops short of giving access to his files and step by step instructions for duplicating his images. I’m having a great time inventing assignments that allow me to explore the methods he is presenting.I highly recommend Monochromatic HDR Photography, it will move your photography forward.

I was eagerly waiting for this book to come out, so when it was finally available I bought the Kindle version of it. I am returning the book due to the extremely poor formatting. Image descriptions are all in the wrong places, sometimes completely out of context and this makes reading the book difficult and confusing. I may order the printed version of the book, which I am sure won't have these problems, but the Kindle version must be reviewed for proper formatting.I am using an iPad to read the book using the Kindle app for iOS, if that makes any difference.

Once again, the best book ever!This step by step book takes the photographer from seeing, visualizing, capturing the color image, and post processing via Photoshop.Learn how to take color images with lots of contrast (full sun) and convert them to wonderful black and white images with detail, structure and contrast.Harold carefully explains (in layman's terms) a number of ways to convert the color images you exposed carefully to get the wonderful contrast that makes such great black and white images. The images and the descriptions show you the way to create your own visual black and white masterpieces.The book also covers the use of a black and white filters that help add texture, structure, and contrast to your finished images.Photo examples help show the reader what, why and how to get the results they are looking for.Another jewel of a book that the reader will use and treasure for years to come. Thanks Harold, we needed this book!!!

I'm not going to comment on the text, but rather on the photos included with the book. I'm viewing it with the Kindle ap on an iPad Pro and I expected that since this is a "photo" book that some extra pain might have been taken to make those photos look really nice. Not on my system!Which is a shame since this is a book about tonality and high end B&W photography. So, beware. Some photos look better than others. The thumbnails of individual frames used to make HDR images are particularly bad with serious artifacting so bad that it's sometimes difficult to read the filename embedded in the thumbnail. Naturally, the regular text in the book looks good.So, this is why I'm giving the Kindle version book a 2 star rating. If you pinch the images down so they're smaller, then they look better, but we shouldn't have to do that. If you really want to read this book then buy a hard copy and skip the Kindle version.

If you are not somewhat familiar with Photoshop, Nik Software, and Photomatix then this book is not for you. If you have a degree of experience then dig in, but don't expect to suddenly 'know it'. The techniques are at times convoluted and complex, but with thoughtful reading you will gain a lot buy reading and then practicing the techniques.I do wish the author would have stated whether he did or did not make additional changes in Photomatix or the Nix software programs.

I admire the black and white images of author Harold Davis and wanted to learn how he created them. In this book Harold gives up his secrets with step by step tutorials, it is you are in his studio with him. If like me you enjoy spending hours post processing your work and wringing the last ounce of creativity from your captures, this is the book for you.I bought the kindle version not to view on my kindle but with kindle for PC to read on my large monitor. It allows me to view the authors sample images in detail, use the highlighter tool to mark text and make margin notes that I can refer back to at later. I find the cloud reader or Kindle for PC perfect for reading technical manuals like this book.

Die Ware war sehr zufriedenstellend, würde immer wieder bestellen. Super Die Ware war sehr zufriedenstellend, würde immer wieder bestellen. Super

This is the third book by Harold Davis that I've bought in the past three months. I had learned lots from the first two, and wondered if in fact he'd have much to say that was new. Well, I needn't have worried!The first book I bought by Harold Davis was on flower photography, and his techniques have transformed my approach to this, and many other, photographic subjects.Then I bought The Way of the Digital Photographer. It's rare for me to buy books, because I normally do my learning from online sources. Harold's philosophy and teaching are clear and easy to follow. Even when he changes gear and becomes more technical, he explains his methods in a step by step fashion that's very successful. He's humorous too, which helps!What I especially like is that he gives worked examples of every technique, and, like every good teacher, moves from the simple to the complex, and from the familiar to the unfamiliar, recapping at every stage. As an ex-teacher-trainer myself I'd say his writing/teaching is impressive.Then along came Harold's Monochromatic HDR Photography. Which I bought! I thought I had already learned lots about post-processing from his previous books, but Harold takes it to a whole new level - with stunning results.All the books are must-haves for those photographers who want to produce the very finest work that the digital negative contains.Bravo!

Very useful.

In wurde durch die Zeitschrift Fine Art Printer auf dieses Buch aufmerksam. Ich hatte mir schon vor längerer Zeit sowohl Photomatix Pro als auch Nik HDR Efex gekauft, aber nach einigen Versuchen in Farbe kaum noch benutzt. Die meist ziemlich unnatürlichen und bonbonbunten Ergebnisse waren nicht nach meinem Geschmack. In Schwarzweiß sieht das allerdings völlig anders aus und mich hat schon das Titelbild des Buches fasziniert. Die feinen Strukturen in der Holzwand hinter der Werkbank gefielen mir sehr gut. Das Thema kann man eigentlich nicht mit Büchern erlernen, sondern nur durch Probieren. Dieses Buch halte ich aber für eine gute Hilfe und Orientierung. Die Fotos, über die sich ein anderer Rezensent beklagt, dienen der Veranschaulichung beschriebener Arbeitsweisen und nur so sollte man sie bewerten. Mir hat das Buch in Aufbau und Inhalt gefallen und inzwischen werden Photomatix Pro und HDR Efex bei mir wieder oft benutzt.

Excellent book