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

Quite simply, this is THE definitive book on all aspects of HDRI photography. In setting about trying to photograph and put together my own HDRI panoramas, this book answered every question I had, and tackled every problem I ran into. It's very clearly written, well organized and well illustrated. It contains loads of specific technical information as well as a solid overview of the underlying principals of this specialized area of photography. This is the kind of book you can pick up, open at random, and learn something new and valuable. I'm not sure what I was expecting, exactly, but what I discovered was a volume that is probably one of the best overviews of the technology of digital photography I'm aware of. And it manages to be that while never losing sight of its primary focus on HDRI images specifically. Whether you want to shoot your own images, work with pre-existing HDRI resources, or simply gain an understanding of what it's all about, this book is simply terrific.

This is possibly the best book on digital photography that I have read to date. It is a technical book but not one that is obtuse. The first chapter gives a well crafted description of the limitations of digital cameras, sensors and the output (LDR images). From there a thorough discussion of the HDRI process with a descrption of most if not all the current HDRI software. There where hints here which improved my source images immediately. Merging a set of images into an HDR image is only the first step. Tone mapping is the next step. As is explained in the book tone mapping is the process of converting an HDR image to an LDR image. Christian Bloch explains the need for this process and gives a tutorial on a number of the HDR software packages. Also covered is the use HDR and stiched images to created a panorama image. A single reading of this book is not enough. When I started I was looking for specific information to take better source pictures and get more out of photomatrix pro. Now that I have satisfied that need I realize that a number of topics discussed early on have a greater importance to me. I will probably start reading it again too fill in holes that I left.

Yes it's technical and yes it's probably more than you will ever want to know about HDR but if you are into this type of photography this book is invaluable. The more you progress (and you will do it faster using Bloch's book) the more you will appreciate having this reference. Bloch is an excellent writer, making every chapter understandable. He also has a great sense of humor that I appreciate. A DVD is included that contains examples so you can work along with the chapters as well as access to the various programs used and discounts to purchase. If you have made HDR photos Bloch shows you how to go far beyond what you thought possible and you will find that it is not that difficult. A great book and a great teacher.

I have bought and read other books on HDR Photography, but I wanted to learn more. When I saw this on Amazon.com, I glanced through the contents, because I was looking for evaluations on various software programs that are available to help me decide on what to purchase. This book is far more thorough, and I believe Christian Bloch really knows in detail the history and technical aspects of HDRI photography. I am reading my way through this chapter by chapter; there's a quiz at the end of each chapter, and interviews with HDRI artists/practitioners. Christian Bloch has a sense of humor that some may miss on cursory reading. I find myself taking notes as I read, and the book stimulates me to have other ideas. As I read through this book, I find myself agreeing on the importance of taking the time and care to create HDR raw material before going to Tonemapping. He has suggestions on workflow to achieve this. The CD included with the book is loaded with a lot of resources. For the reader who is looking for a quick cookbook recipe and brief reviews and pictures on a sample of selected software, this is not the book for you.

If, like me, you’re a scientist, then this is a great book. As the author states, HDRI is a rapidly developing field, so the book is rather out of date in terms of available software and operating systems, but the workflow for creating HDR images is the best I’ve seen. The book includes lots of superfluous material that could well be included in the DVD, making it more succinct and easer to manage when reading. The downside of that, most do not read the material available on a DVD. If you are into HDRI, then it’s a great book. Just figure out what’s really important for your work.

This book opened a whole new world of digital photography to me. The magic of HDR is now within my grasp! I can actually go out, shoot a difficult scene with my DSLR and produce an image that even I will say: Wow! when I am done. :) Thanks to the HDRI Handbook 2.0. A lot of information about digital photography and processing in this book. What I like most is how Christian Bloch is trying to make the reader understand what he is writing about. It is not just a set of instructions for certain actions telling you to press this button, then move that slider but instead we are made to understand what is going on in the background. Starting with the basics, explaining the basic principles of (digital) photography, Christian moves slowly to advanced techniques, guiding readers by the hand all the time. I learned a mighty lot and what is even better, the HDRI Handbook 2.0 with it's many practical examples and tutorials is now my standard reference and help when I sit down behind the computer to process digital photographs. For an amateur like me with a modest DSLR camera, the HDRI Handbook 2.0 is a treasure. Highly recommended!

This book is not for the photo hobbyist who wants to go out and snap some HDRs while on vacation. It's a mammoth exegesis and contains everything knowable about the art and science of HDR. May be good for your purposes.

This (e-)book belongs in the (virtual) shelf of any digital imaging enthusiast. Christian Bloch very skillfully gets a pretty complex matter across – never before have read a technical book that connects dot after dot after dot, giving me countless a-hah moments when suddenly bits and pieces of (half) information I had gained before formed a meaningful picture through the author's explanations. Christian Bloch convinces the reader that HDRI photography isn't merely a fad, but an inevitable shift in technology. Sooner or later, everyone with an interest in digital photography will have to deal with HDRI – this book gives the reader a head start. A perfect mix between theoretical background, practical tips (even an elaborate overview of available HDRI software!), and a refreshing dose of humor. Well done.

Il libro spiega in modo esauriente come fare HDR, presentando numerosi software disponibili e spiegando come utilizzarli in pratica. Certo non è una lettura facile o per principianti, ma di sicuro un testo di riferimento per chi vuole imparare a fare HDR.

I have the first version of this book on Kindle and hesitated to buy the physical product at first, but I'm so glad I did. The book is substantial and has many new additions that newcomers and owners of the first edition will benefit from. It is exhaustive in it's exploration of the subject matter but not exhausting. The author writes in an entertaining and engaging style and it's hard not to be won over by his passion for this subject matter. Aside from the business of making HDR images there are tutorials, software, image examples from the bracketed exposures to the sIBL library all included on the DVD and even open source projects to improve the functionality of your camera. If you're interested or exploring HDR for Tone-mapping, panoramas, CG-Relighting this will take you from knowing nothing, to shooting and producing excellent results.

Excelente publicação

Excellent resource.