Introduction to High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography with Alan Kesselhaut
Ever want to have an image that contains a wide variety of contrasts from the levels of darkness in the shadows all the way to the brilliance of the late afternoon sun? Instructed by Alan Kesselhaut, join us for an HDR experience and learn the skills that will take the mystery out of this exciting way of shooting and processing your images.
OVERVIEW: While the HDR (High Dynamic Range) process has gained in popularity in the past few years, the techniques needed to produce a great HDR image still seem daunting to many photographers. One of the constant challenges for photographers is the limitation of the camera to capture a scene as we see it with our eyes. HDR is aimed at addressing this limitation. HDR techniques allow a greater dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. Using software to merge and process multiple frames shot at different exposures, the photographer produces images that capture the feelings that moved us to take the picture in the first place. HDR is a surprisingly easy technique that anyone can master with just a little help getting started. Using Photomatix, HDR Efex Pro 2, and other pieces of software, Alan Kesselhaut will show you how to start with a good HDR image and make it a great HDR image.
THE CLASS WILL INCLUDE: An introduction to HDR fundamentals, along with a discussion of HDR in the context of taking and making a good picture. This will include the 4 secrets of HDR Photography Gear, camera set-up and shooting tips A discussion and demonstration of HDR processing software, Photomatix and NIK HDR Efex Pro 2.
There will also be a demonstration of single image “pseudo” HDR processing using Topaz Adjust 5. A discussion and demonstration of HDR post-processing software and techniques using Adobe Photoshop and NIK Viveza 2, Color Efex Pro 4 and Silver Efex Pro 2 (black and white processing software).
- An introduction to HDR, including the 4 secrets of HDR Photography
- Camera set-up and shooting tips
- A discussion of HDR processing software
- A demonstration of HDR processing & post-processing techniques
"I just wanted to send a thank you to your company for having Alan Kesselhaut's HDR class at the Expo. My father and I attended the seminar and enjoyed it very much. Alan was well spoken, provided useful information, and illustrated his points well. He even went above his duty and took the time out of his personal life to assist me with a few related questions I had. Should you have Alan back for any additional seminars I would gladly participate. We also enjoyed the rest of the Expo and look forward to coming again in the future."
Product Recommended by Instructor
With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places at the Prudential Center for Nets Basketball, Meadowlands Horse Racetrack, Lakota Wolf Preserve, NJ Jackals Baseball, Botanical Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more.
Our technical classes include such topics as basic D-SLR photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlites, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo SuperStore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register prior to the dates of such classes.
Are there age limitations for any of your classes?
The "Understanding Your DSLR" series of classes are appropriate for all ages, along with most of the guest speaker seminars and Digital Learning Lab software classes. However, there are some workshops with model shoots that may be inappropriate for students under the age of 18. Depending on the shoot, a parent or guardian may be able to sign a consent waiver. Please note that there are also some nude shoots that have an age requirement of at least 21 years old with a valid ID shown at the door.
If I register my child/teen for a class, may I sit in on the class with him/her?
If you'd like to accompany your teen, you will need to purchase a seat in the class.
I am registered for a class, but I will no longer be able to attend. What is your cancellation policy?
Classes under $100 require a 48-hour cancellation notice for a full refund. For classes over $100, you will need to notify us 7 days before the start of the class for a full refund.
I was registered for a class, but was unable to attend. Can I still receive a refund?
If the class has already passed, you will receive credit (in the amount of your class registration fee) towards a future Unique University class(es).
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
If there is no specific contact listed on the class description, please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].
OVERVIEW: While the HDR (High Dynamic Range) process has gained in popularity in the past few years, the techniques needed to produce a great HDR image still seem daunting to many photographers. One of the constant challenges for photographers is the limitation of the camera to capture a scene as we see it with our eyes. HDR is aimed at addressing this limitation. HDR techniques allow a greater dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. Using software to merge and process multiple frames shot at different exposures, the photographer produces images that capture the feelings that moved us to take the picture in the first place. HDR is a surprisingly easy technique that anyone can master with just a little help getting started. Using Photomatix, HDR Efex Pro 2, and other pieces of software, Alan Kesselhaut will show you how to start with a good HDR image and make it a great HDR image.
THE CLASS WILL INCLUDE: An introduction to HDR fundamentals, along with a discussion of HDR in the context of taking and making a good picture. This will include the 4 secrets of HDR Photography Gear, camera set-up and shooting tips A discussion and demonstration of HDR processing software, Photomatix and NIK HDR Efex Pro 2.
There will also be a demonstration of single image “pseudo” HDR processing using Topaz Adjust 5. A discussion and demonstration of HDR post-processing software and techniques using Adobe Photoshop and NIK Viveza 2, Color Efex Pro 4 and Silver Efex Pro 2 (black and white processing software).
- An introduction to HDR, including the 4 secrets of HDR Photography
- Camera set-up and shooting tips
- A discussion of HDR processing software
- A demonstration of HDR processing & post-processing techniques
"I just wanted to send a thank you to your company for having Alan Kesselhaut's HDR class at the Expo. My father and I attended the seminar and enjoyed it very much. Alan was well spoken, provided useful information, and illustrated his points well. He even went above his duty and took the time out of his personal life to assist me with a few related questions I had. Should you have Alan back for any additional seminars I would gladly participate. We also enjoyed the rest of the Expo and look forward to coming again in the future."
Product Recommended by Instructor
With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places at the Prudential Center for Nets Basketball, Meadowlands Horse Racetrack, Lakota Wolf Preserve, NJ Jackals Baseball, Botanical Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more.
Our technical classes include such topics as basic D-SLR photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlites, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo SuperStore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register prior to the dates of such classes.
Are there age limitations for any of your classes?
The "Understanding Your DSLR" series of classes are appropriate for all ages, along with most of the guest speaker seminars and Digital Learning Lab software classes. However, there are some workshops with model shoots that may be inappropriate for students under the age of 18. Depending on the shoot, a parent or guardian may be able to sign a consent waiver. Please note that there are also some nude shoots that have an age requirement of at least 21 years old with a valid ID shown at the door.
If I register my child/teen for a class, may I sit in on the class with him/her?
If you'd like to accompany your teen, you will need to purchase a seat in the class.
I am registered for a class, but I will no longer be able to attend. What is your cancellation policy?
Classes under $100 require a 48-hour cancellation notice for a full refund. For classes over $100, you will need to notify us 7 days before the start of the class for a full refund.
I was registered for a class, but was unable to attend. Can I still receive a refund?
If the class has already passed, you will receive credit (in the amount of your class registration fee) towards a future Unique University class(es).
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
If there is no specific contact listed on the class description, please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].