How to Take HDR Photos

Creating HDR Photos is challenging and can take some practice. This tutorial will help you create an HDR Photo with Tone Mapping using the Photomatrix Pro software. This software is used by most photographers to tone map images.

You can use Photoshop to create an HDR image, but the tone mapping is very difficult to pull off.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DSLR Camera (Canon or Nikon)
• Tripod
• Photomatrix Pro (free trial)
• 3 photos at different exposures

1. Set your camera to Aperture Priority mode to get started. Aperture Priority mode is usually listed on your DSLR camera as 'A' or 'Av'

2. Using a tripod take 3 shots of the same thing at different exposures. For example, exp -2, 0, 2.

3. Upload the files to your computer and open up Photomatrix Pro.

4. Click on Generate HDR Image and select the three images you uploaded to your computer that were taken at 3 different exposure levels.

5. Select OK once your three images have been chosen. If you didn't use a tripod you can have Photomatrix Pro auto-align your images, this is highly recommended. Click OK and then click on Tone Mapping.

6. Choose a preset at the bottom or customize the output by adjusting the sliders.

7. Once you have created the desired effect, click on PROCESS, and then File > Save As, to save your newly created HDR Photo.

Resources

• Photomatrix Pro Free Trial