HDR is achieved by taking an image multiple times with different exposures, 1 image correctly exposed by 1 stop, 1 image underexposed by 1 stop, and 1 image overexposed.
The amount of images created with different exposures will vary how the final image is created, the exposures step up equally for each image (e.g. -2, -1, 0, +1, +2). HDR can be achieved with different programs, a simple form can be achieved in ‘photoshop’, but many choose to go with dedicated programs such as ‘photomatix’.
There are two forms of HDR; Tone Mapping, and Exposure Fusion. Both forms are HDR, but quite different in terms of visual impact.
Tone Mapping; a technique used to facilitate the display on output devices such as monitors, projectors etc. It creates a more surrealistic image then Exposure fusion by addressing strong contrast reduction experienced in beforehand mentioned output devices. The amount of surrealism in the image varies on the way and amount the image is tone mapped. The surrealism in the image gives an almost cartoon feel to the image, and I believe it is for this reason that HDR is becoming very popular within today’s culture.
Exposure Fusion; is a technique where the best parts of each image is taken and seamlessly combined to create a final ‘fused’ image. So in practice, the image gains detail in where otherwise would be no details (eg. Over exposed light onto a wall or under exposed shadows in the corner of a room). This form of HDR gives a much more realistic image compared to the tone mapping form of HDR and is less noticeable. In theory, Exposure Fusion creates a much more detailed image.
In conclusion, HDR can be a very effective and useful technique, but is not for every image and may not be for everyone as the surreal form of HDR may be very unappealing to people. Ultimately its up to you, you must experiment on if you like it and the amount toning/fusing you apply to the image. So what are you doing? Go out and get snapping on those things we like to call cameras.
Hey Alex
Just to add to this post, I emailed a facebook photographer "friend" of mine (who often uses HDR for his photographs) so we could see his reasonings behind it !
His Response:
"I like the clarity it gives a shot because of the hdr that it creates . it is a very interesting tool... if you use it in small amounts on shots it can really improve their sharpness rather than the over the top effect that you can see in some shots..." (www.chuckysphotography.com)
Photograph by www.chuckysphotography.com
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