A few months ago I finally received the very delayed HDRI
Handbook by Christian Bloch. Bloch, one of the authorities on HDR
and a pioneer of the technology’s use in postproduction, rewrote his
diploma thesis (first published in 2004) from the ground up to make it
in the quintessential guide for those looking to expand their
knowledge of the technology or those just interesting in learning more
about it.
The Book
The 344-page book is printed in
high-quality full color on every page. It begins with a detailed
overview of digital and analog imaging, explains the method and
technology of high dynamic range, and proceeds to cover the current
limitations that the method overcomes and creates.
Chapter 2 contains a very enlightening overview and comparison of the
current state of HDRI file formats. This chapter also serves as a
great HDRI file format reference. For photographers, the meat of the
book begins in Chapter 3, which discusses the process of capturing
high dynamic range images. Chapter 4 covers tone mapping with detailed
comparisons of several different software packages. Chapter 5 covers
processing of HDR images. Chapter 6 is a great overview about shooting
panoramic HDRIs. I was happy to see it included. The principles are
the same whether you’re shooting regular or high dynamic range.
Chapter 7 is of little use to most photographers as it covers the
applications of HDRI in CGI work. Being a CGI nut myself, it’s
invaluable, but many photogs can easily ignore it.
The DVD and Web Site
As Bloch mentions on the accompanying Web site, the book is really one part of a three-piece
system that includes a DVD and the Web site. The book provides the
instruction, the DVD is loaded with sample images and versions of the
software the book uses as examples. The website is used to expand on
the book and keep its content up to date. Though I don’t know how much
stake I put in the DVD being a significant part of the “system”,” it
is really nice to have all the materials available to you
simultaneously. I find the site much more significant. User forums
expand on the book’s content, and the site also updates the software
list and interesting news regarding the developing field.
My Thoughts
I admit, I have not read 100 percent of the book yet. I’ve flipped to
the parts that interest me the most. I’m roughly 70 percent through it
at this point, which is unheard of for me (I tend to use instructional
books mostly as reference, looking things up as I go along) and speaks
to the author’s ability to make the subject approachable and
interesting. The section on tone mapping is fascinating. It contains
large images comparing different methods and real world step-by-step
walkthroughs of scenarios. At times it is apparent that English is not
the author’s first language, making for paragraphs that I had to
re-read a few times to make sense of. But this happens rarely, and is
only me nitpicking. In all honesty, this is a very thorough and
enlightening book about a difficult subject, and it’s presented in a
very easy to swallow package. If you’re interested in what is arguably
the next frontier in imaging, pick this book up. I carry it with me
everywhere I go, reading bits as often as I can.
Very nice review. You have peaked my interest, as agood review should.
Thanks Old Timer. It really is an excellent read.
pedantic note. It’s “pique” not “peak”