High Dynamic Range (HDR) Digital Photography

Jim ReynoldsFeb 22, 2010

Example 1

Example # 2

Example #3

Example #4

Example #5

About HDR Effects

Renders the scene as the photographer saw it

Captures large range of exposure values (Ev)

Captures highlight detail in underexposed images

Captures shadow detail in overexposed images

Controls noise in shadows

Final images have wonderful color & infinite detail

General HDR Process Steps

1. Take 3 – 7 exposures at different Ev2. Load exposures into HDR Program

(file conversion may be necessary)3. Run HDR creation step

(Generates 32 bit image)4. Run Tone Mapping step

(Reduces image to 16 bit)5. Post process image for tones, saturation, etc

Camera Set Up• Camera on sturdy tripod with cable release• Set camera program to Aperture Priority• Turn off automatic settings such has White

Balance, Autofocus, flash and ISO• Set ISO to low value to reduce noise• Use Manual focus• Continuous shooting mode• Raw 12 bit files

HDR Shooting

• Compose and shoot one image as normal• Then shoot 1 image at – 2 Ev• Then shoot 1 image at + 2 Ev • Or if available, use camera’s Automatic

Exposure Bracketing (AEB) to shoot 3 rapid exposures (Canon)

• On certain Nikon models, shoot 5 – 7 AEB exposures at 1 EV increments each

HDR Programs ComparedProgram Name Platforms Batch

ProcessImage Alignment

Tone Map Operators

Process Speed

Photomatix Pro Win / Apple Yes Yes 2 Fast

FDRTools Advanced Win / Apple Yes Yes 3 Very Slow

Dynamic Photo HDR Win No Yes 6 Fast

Artizen HDR Win Yes Yes 11 Very Fast

Photoshop CS3 / CS4 Win / Apple Script Yes 4 Medium

HDR Programs Compared 2Program Name Comments

Photomatix ProConsistent results, easy to use, fast processing, only 2 tone mapping programs

FDRTools AdvancedGood control of dynamic range, Best contrast and detail, Must convert files to Tiff or Jpg, slow processing

Dynamic Photo HDREasy to use, 6 tone mapping operators provide for great many effects including “grunge”, Windows only

Artizen HDREasy, fast & Good color & contrast. Tone mapping is complicated.

Photoshop CS3 / CS4Works fine with middle to low contrast scenes. High contrast scenes difficult. May create artifacts.

Capitola Pier – Normal Exposure

Underexposed / Overexposed

Photomatix / FDRTools

Which One is HDR?

Credits

• Complete Guide to HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE Digital Photography by Ferrell McCollough