What Is HDR?

[shp]

I see it mentioned here quite a few times but could never really seem to figure out what it is. Could anyone please explain it to me? Does it have something to do with exposure metering and all that jazz?

[ScottWood]

Maybe this will help some.

lmgtfy.com/?q=hdr+photography

[Saknika]

It stands for high dynamic range. Hard to explain/understand though, unless you already know the basics like the back of your hand.

[MarianMurdoch]

Basically, you bracket your shots, taking at least three shots with different exposure values. You need a tripod to do this, as you don't want any motion at all, because you'll be combining the photos together. Any shake and you'll have a blurry image. The more images you acquire, the better. Most DSLRs will let you acquire at least 3, though some will do 5 or more. Using a program, you then tell it which images you want to use and it will give you a good starting point. Most times, you have to tweak it, and that's where the frustration, experimentation, and exultation come in. HDR, when done correctly, will give an image a higher range of tonality, more like what we see with our own eyes.

Everyone has a different idea as to what a "true" HDR image should look like. Some like it more "cartoony" while others strive for complete realism. There is a catch, though. As you manipulate an image to become HDR, you can lose some contrast.

The exposure values that you take are up to you, though many swear by taking the following:
-2
-1
Original
+1
+2

"It is essential that the darkest of these exposures includes no blown highlights in areas where you want to capture detail. The brightest exposure should show the darkest regions of the image with enough brightness that they are relatively noise-free and clearly visible."
Source

It's a fun diversion, and can produce some really great images, but it can also be overdone. Plus, you really need to have a good working knowledge of your camera's functions.

In addition, HDR is for static scenes only. You can't do it when the wind is blowing or with objects that move.

Hope that helps a bit. I know how frustrating it is to ask a question at your favorite photo site and only be given links to answers. We all know how to google. (Still love you, Scott) But sometimes what people want are answers from people they have grown to trust.

[danilgarvin]

Well, the acronym HDR comes from the words High Dynamic Range. In a photo, dynamic range means the difference between the lightest and the darkest color value.

[sajid5566]

It is essential that the darkest of these exposures includes no blown highlights in areas where you want to capture detail. The brightest exposure should show the darkest regions of the image with enough brightness that they are relatively noise-free and clearly visible.

[sajid009]

Of course, there are some things that aren't changing. They are:
1. I won't be putting a mass of categories on the front page to replace the Critique section. I however am not adverse to sub-boards. I know there are those of you who don't like sub-boards, but I really don't want a ton of boards on the front page.
2. The guidelines on needing to be an active commenter will stand, because it's the only way I can ensure that things remain fair in the critique board. Until we've grown to the point that there are two or three mods who will ensure that everyone gets comments,

[sajid131]

Thanks! And to answer the question you posed in the discussion section - no photoshop for the upside down glass. It was a trick I was reminded of while watching Reading Rainbow with my kiddo. If you put a flat plate (or anything really) on the glass and flip it over, the suction makes the water stay in. Pretty cool, huh?

[sajid150]

there is no Community Practice image. However, I remembered once that Marian had mentions making the blank space more like an advert to get entries, and since I really hated that blank space I took her up on the idea. So it's not blank, and the photo is something I did that could be sized down and have space for copy. If you think you have an image like this as well that you wouldn't mind used in the same manner, feel free to send it in and I will add it. And then we will have a selection to use and rotate.

[cadboury55]

You need a tripod to do this, as you don't want any motion at all, because you'll be combining the photos together. Any shake and you'll have a blurry image. The more images you acquire, the better. Most DSLRs will let you acquire at least 3, though some will do 5 or more. Using a program, you then tell it which images you want to use and it will give you a good starting point. Most times, you have to tweak it, and that's where the frustration, experimentation, and exultation come in. HDR, when done correctly,