Comparing HDR and Topaz Labs - Grunge Processing

The above is 3 images processed with Photomatix as described.

The above is a single image processed with Topaz Labs as described.


I was inspired to do this blog entry by my friend Daniel. After I posted my wonderful new images from the Palouse he so kindly pointed out that I needed to capture my bracketed shots faster to avoid cloud movement. As many of you know who have attempted this it can be frustrating to the point of impossible, especially when you need long exposures to capture all the detail for a great HDR processed image. (The two examples didn't require long exposures.)

I wanted to compare processing 3 bracketed images with Photomatix and processing a correctly exposed single image. 

My processing workflow is as follows for processing the 3 bracketed images -
1. Select the 3 images and export them from Lightroom to Photomatix. I have a preset I use for my grunge look.
2. Next re-import the tone-mapped image into  Lightroom for processing to enhance clarity, vibrance and saturation.
3. Next edit in CS4 with the Topaz Labs plug ins - Adjust 4 and Details - I have an action for my presets for the grunge look.
4. I adjust the plug ins to accomplish the look I want adding more or less detail.
5. I masked out the sky because I didn't like the look of details in the clouds.
6. I save the image back into Lightroom for additional processing of clarity, vibrance and saturation and add a strong vignette.

My processing workflow for processing a correctly exposed single image is all of the above except skip step one.

The above is 3 bracketed images processed with Photomatix as described. Here you can see a very obvious cloud movement problem.

The above is a single image processed as described.

It is my observation that they both have a great appeal. The details are lacking in the shadows in the single image however the halos and the moving cloud problems don't exist. So if I was to pick my favorite I would choose the one processed singularly.

I look forward to your comments.








Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Abstract Expressionism 2010

I always wanted to be a painter but I never knew my brush would be my camera.

Digital photography has allowed the freedom to play with cameras in ways that would have been wasteful and expensive with film. When playing, I am not concerned how many images that are being captured, instead I am learning how the different strokes effect the capture. When playing I often think of using the colors, patterns and light my camera sees as my brush.

The stroke of my brush depends on the subject matter, the length of exposure and what I am trying to achieve. Below are two techniques I use when painting with my brush; a quick stroke on close objects and a quick stroke on vast landscapes.

With a quick stroke Mark Rothko's style of painting strong lines is what most often occurs.  If you twist the camera quickly back and forth in the middle of a quick stroke the image becomes softer with a feathery appearance.

This image and the one below it was a tree trunk captured on an overcast day on Whidbey Island in WA: 1/2 second at f 6.3 exposure, 70 mm lens and an ISO of 200.  The above  image is a standard quick downward stroke. The below image is a downward stroke with a slight back and forth camera movement.

The next two images were captured on a blue sky day in Death Valley: 1/10 second at f 9.0 exposure, 56 mm zoom lens and an ISO of 100. The first image is a still to show you what the subject was. I was looking up through a grate to the sky. The second image clearly shows the quick movement horizontally and slightly upward.

What was learned from the last two images is how the camera sees the light contrast and how the light is blended together even at a relatively quick exposure time. 

Another way to use your camera as a brush is to paint a vast landscape in one stroke. The two images below where captured on a blue sky day in Yellowstone National Park: 1/15 second at f 22 exposure 18mm and an ISO of 100.  The first one was taken on a tripod and the second with a horizontal movement. 

Please keep in mind that I am showing you the images that "worked". Sometimes upward of 100 images are  painted of the same subject before there is a "keeper'. Most times there isn't a "keeper" worth processing.

So how do you get good at using your camera as a paint brush. Practice a lot and enjoy playing!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Learning Curve 2

Importing folders and folders of photos into Lightroom can be a daunting task. Today I imported all of my 2005 photos. At first I was diligent to delete the ones I didn't want from each folder as I went. I also chose some favorites and put keyword tags on each photo before importing the next folder. That went on for about an hour. Then I realized I had folders of photos inside folders of photos and knew it would take more than the day I had allotted to finish the task. (Actually that wasn't the original task I had assigned myself today, but I get distracted.) I someday I hope to go back and keyword and  process some of the jewels I found today.


It has been a day of "Wow, I forgot about those." to "What is 'an unexpected end-of-file occurred' mean and how do I fix it?" What you may think that I discovered though is that I need a lot more time to pick favorites and keyword each photo. However the most educational thing I learned is that I am seeing different today. I discovered that I have applied all the classes, workshops and friendly advice I have received over the years to taking better photos. 


I also discovered that I don't consider "My Favorite" folders to be my favorites anymore. Sometimes I delete many of the favorites and other times I pick new favorites. (A lesson in never throw anything away!) The most rewarding discovery is that I have documented my life well. My mom and Uncle Dale would be proud of me. It was a great walk down memory lane and 2005 was full of fun adventures.

My advice is to import, delete, flag, color code, keyword tag, etc. as you go and cross your fingers that Lightroom is going to be your catalog and processing software of choice for the rest of your life.




The above photo was taken in Mexico when my mom and I went there to get some inexpensive dental work done. I am in need of some more dental work but am not comfortable going there with the border issues of today. I was asked to pay $1 to the flower lady for taking her photo but I refused, I was then told it would be okay. I then chose to buy $5 worth of paper flowers from her.




Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Learning Curve

I captured this image 5 years ago as a .jpeg. At the time I knew it just didn't do justice to this old kitchen.  So there it sat in my folder waiting.
The options available today are numerous compared to just 5 years ago. The software and plug ins for photography allow for so much creativity.

When going through all my "Roslyn" folders I happened upon this jewel again. This time I used many tool in my tool box to create a masterpiece - well close to it anyway. I am amazed what Lightroom, CS4 and Topaz Labs allowed me to create from "just" a .jpeg file.

I love the possibilities and await for the unimaginable that tomorrow will bring.






Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com - Flickr at terilou.com

Twists and Turns

It has been awhile since I have posted to this blog of mine. The reasons for my absence are many. While processing this image of a mighty oak tree I knew it was time for me to start blogging again. For me, this tree symbolizes how life can take you in directions you never imagined.  It twists and turns; intertwining success, disaster, adventure, failure, opportunities, disappointment, love and lose. 

Success is not built on success. It's built on failure. It built on frustration. Sometimes it is built on catastrophe.     ~ Sumner Redstone

However for each branch that weighs you down, sometimes knocking you to your knees, there are many more larger, stronger ones reaching to the sky. Most times I am focused on my branches that reach upward and only mindful of those weaker ones that fall to the ground. I recognize that without those lower branches I wouldn't appreciate all the wonderful times I have had nor would I have the support needed for longevity.

Recently, an incredible opportunity presented itself that was beyond my wildest dreams. I was showered with friendship and generosity. I was welcomed by many strangers that I am proud to call my friends. Photography has opened up the world of travel, provided an outlet for creativity, and allowed the building of lifelong friendships. I am so ever grateful. 

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Flickr @ terilou.com

Saturday Market In Xanthi Greece - A Sense of Place

A Boy and His Toy

One of the many things I enjoy is finding a Saturday Market when traveling to other countries. It is here that I find a great collection of locals that I can capture in real life moments. During the day's shoot I concentrate on bringing home a collection of photographs that will show my viewers a sense of place. One of the moments I try to capture is the interaction between the buyers and the sellers, the exchange of money and product.

I find markets challenging when trying to use natural light since most booths have canopies that darken the interaction opportunities. Also if it is a sunny day the harsh light can cast strong shadows across the faces. It seems the light is always changing. The next challenge is that everyone and everything is in constant movement. People are always walking into your photo.  The money exchange happens while the person is looking down and not at the seller. A hand goes up in front of the perfect expression you were hoping to capture. So many things to go wrong.

However because you are shooting digital, you can take as many photos as you need to practice in this colorful, exciting and interesting location. Instead of worrying that you won't get the perfect shot, practice seeing. Look for patterns, look for difference in cultures, look for light.

I have practiced my skills in Mexico where I was asked to pay the people I was taking photos of, in Chile where I was given fruit by a vendor thanking me for taking his photo, and this photo was taken in Greece where I roamed with my jaw dropped open most of the day at the amazing chaos.

While capturing such unique opprtunities think about creating a sense of place for the viewers of your photographs when you get home. Get close up details, wide angle views of the overall scene, take photos of signs and don't forget the people.

If you have a desire to learn more about "capturing a sense of place" please contact me for a weekend workshop.

Greek boys hangin out

Mother and daughter shopping spree

Yes he is smoking a cigarette around all that wonderful produce.

I can't imagine having to buy my bras this way.

This lady was yelling something Greek at the top of her lungs for hours trying to get everyone attention. I think every item was 1 Euro.

Details. Little cute barrettes.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler 

Happy New Year

Marching into the New Year!!! Happy 2010 to All!!! Keep your chin strapped up high!!!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler