High Dynamic Range

High Dynamic Range  (HDR) Images

Create a High Dynamic Range image, using regular, under and or-exposed images of the same scene.

Paul Stamatiou photo of Norway
From https://paulstamatiou.com/

To do this you will need to find out how your camera does auto-exposure bracketing [AEB]. Typically you make the adjustment with the exposure tool, setting 3 or 5 images for each “burst” and then setting the number of stops above/below normal or 0.

Then you must select a scene that has both very bring and very dark areas.  Sunrise or sunset scenes are often have broad dynamic range. Or anything that has a combination of bright light and shadow.

First compose your scene.  A tripod is essential. Test a few scenes before you set to AEB, to see which will ultimately work best , then try a “burst” of 3-5 AEB photos.  Beware that HDR images take up LOTS of hard drive space, so you may want to ensure you have plenty of space.

Using

  1. Google Nik software (which you must install with Lightroom off), within Lightroom, create at least one final HDR image (you can repeat the process and create many versions, say a color and a b/w image.)  Aim for at least 2 successful HDR images.  You may need 6-8 scenes for this to work out well–so get plenty of “material”.
    OR
  2. Lightroom Merge–>HDR. This is simpler and gives you fewer options, but will work fine.

For each of your  auto-exposure bracketed (AEB) images (2-3) and their HDR versions, export all images as web sized jpg, and upload to a gallery. So you should have a gallery for each HDR set. Use category “High Dynamic Range”. Use captions to distinguish final HDR images, and the “preset” you used.