I’m newer to photography I have been serious about it for about 6 months and in no way do I consider myself a pro. One day while stumbling around on the web I learned about HDR and it is by far my favorite form of photography. HDR or High Dynamic Range imagery is used to create surreal looking images or realistic images. It does this by accurately representing a wide range of intensity levels found in a real shooting scenarios ranging from shadows to sunlight. If you are do not know how to use your camera to its full capabilities this tutorial may not be for you, but feel free to try.

HDR Explained

What You Need

You will need a digital camera preferably a DSLR with the AEB function, I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and it has everything function you need for HDR. Some higher end point and shoot cameras have the AEB function. Please do note that not all digital cameras have the AEB feature, even some DSLR lack this function. If all you have is a point and shoot camera sorry but you’re out of luck. If you have a DSLR and it doesn’t you’re not entirely out of luck I’ll show you a way to get around it by doing it all manually.  Now as for things you need

1. A DSLR or a point and shoot “if it has AEB”
2. A tripod
3. Photoshop CS2 and over or Photomatix

Please note that if you have an upper end point and shoot camera and it has a manual mode and/or AEB go ahead and follow this tutorial.

The Process

To shoot your own HDR image you will need a camera that has a manual mode and/or AEB “Auto Exposure Bracketing”.

There are two ways im familiar with using manual mode without AEB “not recommended” or using the AEB function.

Without The AEB Function.

1. Set up your shot and get your camera on a tripod.
2. Set your camera to manual mode.
3. Take one picture at exposure.
4. Take one picture “-2” under exposure.
5. Take one picture “+2” over exposure.

With AEB

1. Set up your shot and get your camera on a tripod.
2. Set your camera to manual. “My camera required it to be in manual mode, yours may not.”
3. Find the AEB function and set it so it’s -2, 0, +2 like this…
4. If you have a remote shutter release I recommend using that, or if youre camera can take 3 pictures in a row that works as well.

What You Should Have

Exposure listed from left to right... "0", "-2", "+2", and the final HDR image on the right.

Examples