Have you been looking at HDR photos recently and wondering to yourself, "How do they do it?" If you have a digital camera, you can produce the same types of pictures! This article will guide you through HDR photography and how to get the shots you need to make a stunning HDR photograph.
Interested in breaking into the world of HDR photography? This article will guide you through the process of taking photos that will easily merge together to create the best, surreal High Dynamic Range photos you can imagine. In HDR photography, photos are taken at three different exposures to capture the highlights and shadows of the picture. Then, these photos are merged together in a program like Adobe Photoshop CS4 or Photomatix Pro 3.1.
What types of shots to take
Usually, HDR photography is limited to scenes that do not move, although some exceptions can be made to that. The biggest HDR candidates are:
These are just a list of examples that could present themselves as excellent HDR photos. When looking for a place to get a great HDR shot, you’ll want to look for places that have extremes of shadows and highlights. When taking regular shots, properly exposed according to the camera, look for large areas of the photo that are either under or overexposed. When you find that, you will have found an excellent candidate for HDR photography.
What camera to use
Taking photos for an HDR photo varies depending on what kind of camera you have. For point-and-shoot cameras, you will need to switch to manual mode. In manual mode, you will have to manually adjust the exposure of each of the three photos that you are going to use for the HDR merge. This can be tricky and may take some practice. When doing this, it is best to take photos at many different exposures so that you have a lot to work with when you are working with your photo editing software.
If you are using a Digital SLR camera, this task is made easier by the use of Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), which will be discussed later. Obviously, if you have an SLR camera, use it. It will give you better pictures and save you more hassle in the long run.
Getting the shot
One of the most vital keys to taking a successful HRD photo is to use a tripod. Do not use a monopod or set the camera on a stable surface - use a tripod! Although the former can work in some tough spots where you don’t have your tripod with you, it really is taking a risk. The slightest vibration or movement of the camera can cost you the final product. Using a tripod ensures that the three exposures are of the same exact picture, provided the scenery isn’t moving.
Along with a tripod, use a shutter release or wireless remote. This may seem trivial, but any vibration can spark changes in your final HDR photo. You’ll only notice it when you go to merge the photos together. The result will be a ghosting effect in the final product.
This article is continued on the next page...
Learning Your Way Around HDR Photography
High dynamic range (HDR) photography has gone from a little-known photographic technique to a photographer's tool for circumventing one of the innate limitations of photographic equipment. This series will help to give you the background and skills you need to employ this technique effectively.