HDR stands for High Dynamic
Range; and the abbreviation is often used in a longer form, HDRI - High Dynamic Range Imaging. HDR is a form of
photography that enables you to create a picture with a greater dynamic range than
is usually possible. Instead of taking just one picture, HDR uses three images,
taken at different exposure. You can then use image editing software to put
those three images together and highlight the best parts of each photo. In the
case of HDR on smart phones and cameras, they do all the work for you.
But when you should use HDR? Here are few tips for taking some stunning HDR images.
Use A Tripod
A tripod will not only allow you to stabilize each
individual image, but in order to capture the full dynamic range of the scene
you will need to take multiple exposures with your camera and it’s vital that
these frames line up perfectly. A tripod will ensure that each frame you
capture is identical to the previous one, with the only exception being the exposure
times.
Color Control In HDR
One of the biggest complaints from non-HDR fans is the often
over-the-top cartoony coloring that seems to come with tone mapped images.
There’s nothing wrong with strongly colored images. However, knowing how to
control the colors in our image to increase their impact is at the heart of all
color photography.
Keeping Shadows and Highlights to Increase Mood, Energy
HDR by its definition serves to rescue highlights and
darkened parts of a scene. Our goal is to create a range of light much closer
to that in the real scene than our camera is capable of catching in a single
frame. Ultimately, shadows within our images begin to dwindle and our shots
sometimes lack highlights. Here is the thing; shadows are absolutely paramount
in creating good images. In the end, without these, we can be left with flat
images that simply don’t move people.
Know When You Should Use HDR
Use it during sunrise or sunset, especially when you are
photographing into the sun. Use it to photograph during the middle of the day.
Use it to photograph architecture or man-made objects, as HDR has a way of
really bringing out the detail of craftsmanship.
Control The Urge To Go Big
This is where HDR becomes a tricky subject. Some people say
that its their style to create over the top, surrealistic style, HDR
photography and other’s say that they are destroying the world of photography
by creating these highly saturated and oddly lit photographs. It’s easy to get
carried away with tone mapping your images, but if your goal is to recreate
what you saw, the best way to do this is to remember to tone it down a bit
before you press that process button.
Point Up
It is one most commonly overlooked perspectives in HDR
photography, but shooting the sky can create some tremendous photos, especially
with HDR. Many amateur photographers look for perfect blue sky or perfect sunny
days, and while they certainly have their place, cloudless skies can make some
of the most boring photos. Instead, look for action.
Blend With The Original
Sometimes no matter how you process a photo, it just won’t
look completely right. Some parts might be too intense or you might have an
especially noisy sky. One grate way to create problematic HDR image look more
realistic is to blend it in some way with one of the original exposures.
These are only few suggestions for helping you to get a
grate final image. The best way to improve is obviously practice. Shoot a lot,
process a lot and make notes what works and what doesn’t. If you keep these tips
in mind, I’m sure you will be creating stunning HDR photos.
