High Dynamic Range Imaging

As I grow in my knowledge of photography, I’ve learned new techniques and terminology within the art,  for example; bokeh, dof and HDR. The first two refer to the blurred backgrounds many photographers try to achieve, and HDR is High-dynamic-range imaging.  “HDR is a set of methods used in imaging and photography to capture a greater dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging methods or photographic methods.” (Wikipedia)  Simply put, 3 pictures are taken of the same item, one overexposed, one underexposed and one with correct exposure.  The 3 are “layered” to compose a photo with such incredible depth and lighting that it almost jumps off the paper, or computer screen.

Of course it got me to thinking about our lives in Christ.  Sometimes our perception of God has so much light shone on  it, from a myriad of sources, that we are blinded and confused, or conversely, there is too little illumination, and we stumble trying to see the whole picture.  In either case, the important details are obscured by either too much or too little light. Jesus tells us repeatedly that he is the light, the perfectly exposed light.  “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” John 12:46.  When we merge our over and underexposed knowledge of Him, with His perfect light, the result is the stunningly awesome, perfect, HDR image of our Savior.

 As a photographer, I’ve learned  that trying to obtain consistent, perfect lighting isn’t easy, but when I do it makes an amazing difference in the quality of the picture.  As Christians, I am convinced that, when we operate within His perfect light, He will produce the HDR, picture-perfect image of Him in us. “….For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6.