Frame Averaging Case Study: Patriarch Grove Pre-Dawn
Related: dynamic range, frame averaging, Inyo National Forest, Patriarch Grove, peak bagging, White Mountains
This case study in the nascent frame averaging section of Making Sharp Images shows the benefits of frame averaging, comparing a single frame to 2, 4, 9, 12 frames in an extreme dynamic range situation in which a maximum shadow boost and other contrast control measures were needed.
For this image, I wished to preserve all the detail in the very bright sky and have reasonable detail in the very dark shadowed areas, at least in terms of dynamic range. I have never before been able to make an image of this kind with this high a quality in terms of dynamic range—the foreground was nearly black.
Making Sharp Images: Frame Averaging Case Study: Patriarch Grove Sunrise
This study applies to any kind of digital camera of any brand. Includes images up to 60 megapixels, plus crops.
Sony A7R IV + Sigma FE 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art @ 14mm
ENV: Patriarch Grove, altitude 11600 ft / 3536 m, 33°F / 0°C
RAW: LACA corrected, push 1.5 stops, +100 Shadows, -69 Highlights, +40 Whites, Chroma NR {10,50,50}, USM {10,50,0}, push 1.8 stops
[low-res image for bot]
