The newest photo trend, named High Dynamic Range or HDR photography is slowing picking up fans as it becomes integrated into cameras (the iPhone 4 and 4S models both have an HDR option built in), involves a series of photos, blended together to capture the best lighting and colors. On a manual DSLR, there are settings that allow you to take multiple photos in rapid succession at different exposure levels. These can be combined using photo editing software to create an image that can be both either surreal or with vivid colors and lighting. Since the Nikon DSLR I use (and my iPhone for that matter) both allow HDR photography, I’ve been experimenting. So far, I’m pleased with the results as a creative outlet. There are various options for output from black & white to painting, grunge or simply enhanced colors. Below are a few examples.
Avatars, Surrogates and Human Emotion
Should we clone humans? It’s a difficult question for some, and very clear cut for others. What technology has allowed us to do is explore this brave new world virtually, either through Avatars or Surrogates (two recent Hollywood films) which are simply replacements for real humans. Although computer technology has created very realistic copies on screen, they lack the complexity and emotion of real people. Robots lag even further behind in technology development. While I can see the benefits of both–replacement body parts in the case of cloning–or manufacturing work and production–in the case of robots, I think we’re still a long way off from replacing people, even on the TV screen. Even while I watch a movie and feel amazement at the magic of CGI, I still look into the eyes and faces of real people. It has been said that “the eyes are windows into the soul.” Perhaps that is what is missing with technology. (Editor’s Note: It doesn’t hurt if it’s the eyes of Clive Owen or Johnny Depp or for the men, Kate Beckinsale or Charlize Theron. They do tend to pull you in.)
Below: Two Photos from modeling photoshoots that show that elusive human intensity and emotion. Look at the eyes.







