High Dynamic Range Imaging will be a landmark in the history of imaging science. In the 1930s two professional musicians, Mannes and Godowsky, invented what became known as Kodachrome and the world of color photography was forever changed. We are now on the cusp of a change of similar magnitude and the catalyst is not color, nor even digital - it is HDR.

Over the last decade I was fortunate enough to learn about HDR imaging from the authors of this book and was graciously welcomed by them as a researcher new to the field. You could say they were kind enough to give me a backstage pass to one of the coolest shows in imaging science. I had already been fortunate to be in the center of the first row for the revolution in digital color imaging that started in the 1980s and is now pervasive. These authors gave me the even rarer privilege of witnessing the beginnings of a second revolution (and perhaps even playing a small role). As HDR becomes as common as color in the coming years the changes in digital photography will be as significant as the change from NTSC to HDTV in digital television. In fields such as medical and security imaging it could change our lives.

It might be too late for another backstage pass, but these authors and this book can catch you up on what has happened in the past decade (both backstage and at the wild after parties) and get you ready to be part of the next significant revolution in imaging. You truly might not believe your eyes. This book will hold a cherished spot on my shelves and those of my students for many years to come.

High Dynamic Range Imaging is invaluable to anyone interested in making or using images of the highest quality. Read it, live it, climb aboard, get ready for one heck of a show, and whatever you do, don't sit back and relax!

Mark D. Fairchild
Xerox Professor of Color Science
Director, Munsell Color Science Laboratory
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science
Rochester Institute of Technology