High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging
Craig March 14th, 2007
High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging is a process where a number of bracketed exposures are combined and using a process known as tone mapping, an image with more detail in both the highlights and shadows is produced.
Here’s an example of an HDR image that was created using seven different exposures, each 1 stop apart. Taken in October, 2006 at Angkor Wat, Cambodia at dawn by Craig Ferguson.
HDR photography is becoming more and more popular as digital cameras become widespread and computer hardware and software becomes more advanced and feature rich. Take a look at this HDR group on Flickr for a wide range of examples.
So, all that being said, how do you do it? Well, there are numerous ways, either using Photoshop CS2, or using the popular Photomatix software.
To start, you need the images. A bracketed sequence of 3 at a bare minimum, but generally 5-7 or more images is needed to start. It goes without saying that you’ll want to use a sturdy tripod, remote shutter release and enable mirror lock-up on your camera. Once you’ve taken the photo’s and are back at your desk, you can them bring them into your software of choice and create your HDR image. Most of the basic steps are pretty simple, and there’s always auto-everything to get you started. There’s an excellent page with links to a number of tutorials for HDR, that makes good reading to learn the subtle ins and outs.
How your final image looks is up to you. Some people (myself included) prefer to have the final image look as photographically realistic as possible, while others prefer a more artistic look, and still others go for a cartoony type feel. The Flickr HDR group above should give you a good range of ideas for the different looks that can be achieved.
Enjoy the world of HDR.
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- Digital Darkroom , HDR , Misc.
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