How to do HDR

So what is and HDR, well HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. When we see something with the human eye we can see all the detail in the highlights and in the low lights, but a camera can’t do this so it either over exposes or under exposes the highlights or shadows. A good example of this is a sunset, in a shot of the sunset in order to get the sky correctly metered the foreground will have to be under exposed and vis versa. This is Where HDR’s come in, an HDR is when you compile multiple shots of the same subject but with different levels of light.

Kit

You will need an SLR that can do bracketed shots, most cameras offer a bracketing option but if you don’t have that you can adjust the shutter speed in Manual mode. A tripod is a very good idea but not necessary (but keeping the camera still is a must) and a shutter release is preferable but not required.

Method

It is best to take 3 or more shots, the more the better as you will be able to see more detail. Now you have the images you need to combine the images to make and HDR, such software as Photomatix, Hydra and Photoshop (photoshop can create HDR’s but not tone map which is what gives you the HDR look). I am going to use Photomatix Pro 3 to demonstrate how you create an HDR.

First step is to import the images and to do this you go to the process menu and click Generate HDR (shown right). Now follow the simple steps, if yo did your shot by hand it is best to try different types of alignments to see which one gives the best result. Now go back up to the Process menu and select Tone Mapping. Now you will be presented with a dialog box and a preview of your image adjust and play around until you are happy with the results.

Click process and save out your image and you have your HDR photo. A tip for anyone who is doing this for the first time try not to go over the top and make your images look to processed.

Posted on the August 7th, 2009 | Category: Featured, Tutorials