You may have heard of HDR, but what is it?
HDR is high dynamic range, which means that the image has detail in highlighted areas and in shadow areas, simultaneously. Typically, a set of images, shot at different exposures, are blended together with special software to create a single image with high dynamic range. I usually take 5 frames, camera on a tripod, at EV-2, EV-1, EV-0, EV+1, and EV+2. That set of images creates a wide spectrum of detail.
Later versions of Photoshop have the tools to process HDR, as do other products. I prefer stand-alone software that is specifically made to process HDR.
Photomatix is one such package that I have tried. My software of choice is Nik Software's
HDR Efex Pro. The results can be subtle to surreal.
Photo: Dave Rackley
Photo: Melanie Kern-Favilla[Back to the Main Site]
