Simple Steps For HDR Photos

So what is HDR? Why all of a sudden I am talking about HDR? They are photos as well but why some people treat them so special? Some people are so eager to learn about HDR photos. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Basically, HDR has been in this world for quite a while already. It’s just that some people like me just discovered it hence got so excited when had a chance to learn it. To be honest, I have heard about it many years ago but I completely neglected it because it sounded ridiculous to me at that time. Ridiculous in terms of my capability to produce that kind of images, if you know what I mean. You definitely need skills in Photoshop in order to create HDR images.

HDR is not alien no more to us nowadays. If you go to Flickr, type HDR and you will find massive HDR photos produced by various of people on this planet. When I first saw it, I thought it was impossible for me. But then again, nothing is impossible isn’t it? Now that is so unbelieveable the HDR photos are actually on my Flickr page. I took the photos and created them myself. I thought it was very complicated until I experienced it myself. You would not believe if I say it just needs a few simple steps to create one. Certainly you need to be Photoshop literate first in order to operate the application otherwise, you will get stuck in the middle.

First thing you have to do is, take pictures. Now, when I say take pictures, it is not going to be as same as ordinary photos you always take. This is going to be a little bit different. Unfortunately, this only apply to DSLR camera or any camera that has “Bracketing” mode because in order to produce HDR images, you are required to take at least three different exposures of the same shot. It can go up to nine exposures if not mistaken. So, to ensure the photos you take are in the same position, you might want to consider a tripod to hold your camera steadily. By taking three exposures, your camera will automatically capture the original, under and over exposure.

Once you have got the images, you need a software to merge the photos. The only software I know so far is Photomatix. It is very simple and easy to use. I quite like it to be honest. If you haven’t heard or seen it before, go google to get some ideas what I am talking about. You can always edit the final result in Photomatix itself where it has a few tools if you would like to increase more tones and colours, sharpened a little bit and many more. I always do my final editing in Photoshop. I’m not saying Photomatix isn’t good. It is more like I’m used to Photoshop so, it would be a lot easier for me. Then, it’s all about your creativity. How do you want the images to look like. It’s entirely up to you.

Please correct me if I say anything wrong here. Or if anyone out there who knows better you are always welcome to add or correct it on the comment field. I also would like to apologize for not being detailed in terms of explaining how to process HDR photos. But I do hope you understand a little bit what HDR photo means. Thanks very much for reading and viewing. Enjoy your stay. Cheers.

Faris