What Is HDR Photoshop?

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a term used when speaking of images and image processing. In simple terms, it makes images look like they would if viewed through 3D glasses. The film industry uses HDR to create special effects. An HDR image has noticeable differences between the detail in the brightest or lightest area, and the detail in the shadow or darkest area. When Adobe incorporated the HDR capability into their flagship product, Photoshop, it opened up new doors for graphic artists, and film and video professionals.

Features

Prior to the HDR feature in Photoshop, the recording capability of a camera limited a photographer's ability to capture, with one shot, the entire range of a scene's brightness details. The HDR Merge feature in Photoshop combines multiple exposure brackets into a single image to create an overall higher range of tonal detail. Photos produced using HDR have amazing detail in all areas of the image regardless of light and darkness, sometimes making them look surreal.

Photoshop CS2

In April 2005, Adobe celebrated the 15th birthday of Photoshop by introducing Photoshop CS2. Using 32 bit/channel math, this product marked Adobe's entrance into 32 bit imaging. The software takes common multiple 10-12 bit files and merges them into one HDR 32 bit file or image. Developed to be used for desktop digital imagery, film and video photography, the product was well received. Photoshop Cafe gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Photoshop CS3

Photoshop CS3 started shipping in April 2006 and Adobe announced that the 'Merge to HDR' feature had been updated to help correct problems created by handheld photography. Other HDR enhancements in Photoshop CS3 improved the automatic alignment of the merged exposures and processing routines, which produced a better final HDR image.

Photoshop CS4

Rave reviews for Photoshop CS4 from newspapers like the Houston Chronicle, photography magazines like Outdoor Photographer, and technology publications like PC World and MacWorld, have appeared online and in print. The major praises were for the new user interface and speed. Across the board, experts recommended consumers upgrade to, or purchase, Photoshop CS4. With the new release, the software expanded into 64 bit technology and 3D as well. As far as HDR, CS4 took it to another level, with some professionals referring to it as "High Dynamic Range: Part 2." Due to Photoshop, HDR images are popping up all over, from professional applications to social networks like MySpace.

Expert Insight

The book "HDR and Beyond in Adobe Photoshop CS4: Enter the Next Dimension of Imaging with a Pioneering Fusion of Photoshop High Dynamic Range and More", by Ben Wilmer, and the DVD, "Adobe Photoshop CS4 Real World HDR", by Matt Kloskowski, provide expert insight into the latest in Photoshop and HDR.

References

• Adobe Technologies, Inc.
• Photoshop Cafe