Today’s post is another shot from the Terenure v Lansdowne rugby match on Sunday afternoon, and I suspect this one might divide the room, so to speak, as I’ve pushed the processing even further than I did with the image of the scrum that I posted a couple of days ago. On that occasion I merged two exposures of the same RAW file to bring out detail in the sky while holding it in the shadows. Today’s image is a similar technique, but with 4 exposures merged. The effect is more pronounced, and probably not to everyone’s taste.
This pseudo-HDR approach is something I like to try on images where I’ve lost detail in the highlights. It’s easier to recover detail in that region that it is to recover detail in the shadow areas, at least without adding noise to the image, especially at high ISOs. So for a shot like this where the sky is blown out in parts, for instance, processing the RAW file at -2 stops, or even like I did here at -3 stops (which means 1/8th the amount of light as in the out-of-camera exposure) can pull back that detail.
In this case I merged the -3 stops exposure with a -1.5 stop exposure, the out-of-camera exposure and a +1 stop exposure. I tried to keep the overall effect as photo-realistic as possible rather than overdoing the painting or cartoon-like effect some HDR processing can produce.
A technique like this is the only way you can realistically get HDR images from sports photography. The standard approach of taking multiple frames in quick succession at varying exposures won’t work due to the movement that will cause all sorts of unsightly effects when you merge the shots. As to whether it is a technique that is even suited to sports photography is a matter of individual taste I think, but I’m finding that the rugby shots from last Sunday are well suited to at least a hint of HDR processing. I think part of the reason is I want to keep detail in the mud, and in the shadow areas that can be so dominant in areas of the photo where groups of players are in close proximity, as happens at most of the photo opportunities that a rugby match offers.
As for the content of the shot itself, the timing works with both players in the air at full stretch for the ball. I’d have rathered a better shooting position, and later moved to align myself with line outs, although the touch judge was often positioned where I wanted to be. The presence of two sets of posts is a little jarring I think, and due to the fact that there are two pitches end to end.
If I recall correctly this was a Terenure line out (they’re in the purple and black) but it looks from the shot as if Lansdowne might be about to win it. I was probably too busy checking that I got the shot to notice who did win it!
It works extremely well for me Ronan. I think the key to good processing is not to make the image look “false”. This looks pretty damn realistic to me even if it increases the range of the human eye. I like it a lot!
Hey Ronan… HDR is so divisive! What I would say is that if you want to use it for any sort of sport you want your action big in frame. I know you were probably at this match primarily to watch it. Had you been there solely to get photos, in this scenario, look straight through the ref’s head to the railings beyond. That would have been the place to be. Even with a 70-200mm you would have had the 2 jumpers and also the lifters’ torsos in frame and a load of moody sky.
I haven’t played much with RAW or HDR, but I’m certainly looking to have a play with it after a few other blogs I’ve read recently as well as this one.
Cheers.
The sky is a little over-cooked, but I think it looks great! Who says it has to look exactly as it did live?
The two ruckman might benefit from a bit of a dodge in PS or LR to give their arms and faces just a touch more pop from the background.
What a great capture though. Love the action in this shot and the ominous sky helps the scene quite a bit. The rugby throw in is my favorite part of the game (though I must admit I’m primarily a Aussie Rules fan).
Cheers!
I love, love, love the processing on this shot! Most HDR shots are instantly obvious but this shot is not obvious, it just looks perfectly lit and exposed.
The only processing change I could suggest would be to lighten up the vignette effect on the sides, especially the right bottom corner – it’s a bit too dark for my taste. Or balance it with some dodging (or gradient burn, or vignette effect) on the bottom edge so you don’t have such a dramatic change from dark muddy grass on the sides to bright grass on the bottom middle.
As for your shooting position, I’ve often found that the perfect place for the photographer is where the judge or ref or ump is standing.
The trick is finding a way to be near their location, but not interfering with their job (if they are outside the field of play) nor having them block your view of the play. For shooting youth soccer (association football on your side of the pond) I like to shoot just around the corner from the line ref, sitting or kneeling ~2-3 yards/meters outside of the “end zone” end of the field. Because the line ref has a good view of this side of the field, the field ref usually stays more to the center or far side of the field and is less often in or blocking my shot of the action. If the ref is in the shot they are more likely to be behind the action (from my view) showing them keeping a close eye on the action, which can make for a dramatic shot. I have no idea how this would apply to rugby, but share it in case it gives you any helpful ideas, or for when you get a chance to shoot football.
I also wanted to ask what software you use to do the HDR merge.
Hi JC – sorry for the late reply. I use the Photomatix plugin for Aperture 2 for HDR merges – intuitive and easy to use. Would recommend giving it a try. I believe it’s available standalone, or for Photoshop too.
Thanks for the detailed comments JC – your comment on the vignette is probably correct – I tend (not always, but mostly) to process images for the blog without local edits – so any changes are applied across the image. And so the vignette gets applied evenly around the image. If I’m printing later I often rework some of the processing. In this case the vignette was to enhance the moodiness of the sky. Regarding shooting position, I had earlier tried aligning myself with the linesman but got the feeling I was irritating him a little. In rugby he needs to stand centered to the line out which is where I would like to be for a head-on shot. Thanks again for the comments and your own experience… much appreciated.
Thanks for the comments too Danny, Bruce and Brad. In general this shot seems to be well received, but Bruce I take your point on the action being big in the frame. Your suggestion on where to shoot from is great Bruce. If my brother-in-law allows me back to take more photographs of his games I’ll keep that in mind. I may be bad luck to the team though seeing as they lost pretty badly for the one match I did go to!
Thanks Ronan,
It’s been a while since I’ve popped back here.
In terms of position I walk the touchline. I’m between parallel and 45 deg of play going forward until they reach the 22 and then I move round behind the posts. I just about get away with it with my 70-200mm on my D700 although I’d rather play with the latest 300mm F2.8 (currently running at around £4k+)! Looks like the touchline there isn’t too crowded so you should get away with moving around if you wish.