How to Create HDR Images in Photography

Photography is a relaxing pastime and you can change the way an image looks with just a few clicks. High dynamic range (HDR) imaging is a process that allows different exposures of the same picture to be combined into one to see the vast array of lightness and darkness in the same photo at the same time. Follow these steps to learn how to create HDR images in photography.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate a subject to photograph. The subject should be one that is completely still because a moving subject will not work when creating HDR images. If this is your first time creating HDR images then choose a subject that is weatherproof. You may find the inside of a library, church or home works nicely, or a smaller subject like a bowl of fruit works just as well.

2. Set your digital camera on a tripod to ensure the stillness of the camera. With your camera set in RAW mode take a series of pictures of the same subject to capture different images and lighting. While taking the photos change your shutter speed to get a variety of pictures.

3. Load your pictures onto your computer. Choose the three that you wish to combine.

4. Drag the three images to your photo software such as Photoshop. Double check that the photo temperatures and tints are all the same. Do not allow the program to change them automatically.

5. Use the "Merge to HDR" command for your images. Your photography software will then create an HDR image by combining the three you chose.

6. Preview your final HDR image to be sure it is just the way you expected. You may now save the photo and print it for your photography album.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with a number of shots to create HDR images to understand the final effect when combining the three images.