Phenomenal Examples of HDR Photography (Plus Tutorials)

High dynamic range imaging, commonly abbreviated HDRI or simply HDR, is a technique used to more accurately represent a wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes. Many photographers either use computer renderings and the merging of multiple photographs or other, more traditional techniques, in combining multiple images into a single positive.

When you see these images, they are generally more vibrant than “regular” photographs, so they often make the scenes look less natural. The HDR effect can be achieved in Photoshop in post-processing, but the easiest method is simply to take images using exposure bracketing.

In this showcase, we provide inspiration as well as numerous tutorials to help you along the way in creating phenomenal HDR photographs.

The Basics of HDR Photography

The two main methods of creating HDR photographs are by using Photoshop techniques or by merging multiple LDR (low dynamic range) images together. Additionally, tone mapping techniques can be used to produce images with exaggerated local contrast for a unique artistic effect.

Dynamic range is measured in EV difference, or stops between the brightest and darkest parts that show detail. Ideally, you are taking photographs in RAW format to preserve the most details (it’ll be necessary when combing images).

An increase of 1 EV indicates a doubling of light. Essentially, you are changing the ISO on your camera, in order to change the dynamic range (or stops).

The first HDR photographs were created around 1850, when Gustave Le Gray rendered seascapes using both the sky and the sea. By 1930, the concept was developed by Charles Wyckoff and his work was displayed in Life magazine. From the 1980s on, the technique was popularized, as more people had access to the tools and techniques to produce these images.

To create your own, you need patience more than anything else. Before you see the desired effects, you’ll need to out and shoot some images in the RAW format. It’ll also be helpful if you have a method of stabilizing the camera while you are taking these images. They need to be exactly the same, especially if you are using the true method. A tripod will be your best solution. Finally, you need software like Photoshop or Photomatix to merge and edit the photos.

Best Tutorials and Resources

At this point, I will turn you over to a number of excellent tutorials available to create the effect either using “traditional” methods or Photoshop.

• HDR Photoshop Effect Tutorial
• Merging HDR in Photoshop CS3 and CS4 Tutorial
• Exposure Blending Tutorial
• Make an HDR Image from Multiple Shots
• HDR Tutorial using Photomatix Pro
• HDR Landscape Photography Tutorial
• HDR Photography Using Layer Masks in Photoshop
• Capturing and Editing HDR Photographs
• How to Easily Fake an HDR Effect in Photoshop
• Fake HDR Effect in GIMP
• Achieve HDR Style Effects Using Photoshop and the Lucis Art Filter

Phenomenal HDR Photography Showcase

Below you’ll find some excellent examples of HDR photography. While we have not included all of the best works, we hope that it is an excellent start. All images are copyright the original photographer and each image has been linked to its source.

Additional Resources

While we tried to provide numerous examples within the post, you might want to explore further using the links below.

• Wide Dynamic Range Photography – A similar technique to achieve a particular effect.
• High Dynamic Range Photography in Photoshop – This includes a lot of background information, too.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this showcase of DHR photography. Now, it’s your turn to go out and shoot some of it!

Please let us know what you thought of this post and the images showcased – which photographs were your favorite?

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