Master HDR Photography the Right Way: A Beginner’s Guide

Seljalandfoss waterfall at sunset in HDR, by revoc9

HDR is a technique that has been used to make photos more interesting and realistic. Good HDR photography can be challenging to create but it’s not impossible for beginners who are willing to learn. Here I will explain the basics of HDR photography, how you can get started with HDR photography, and how to create HDR photos the right way.

What is HDR Photography?

HDR refers to ‘high dynamic range’. In photography terms, it is a post-processing technique that uses multiple shots of the same scene, but each shot will have differing exposures. The purpose of this is to produce an image of a scene that goes beyond the camera’s own dynamic range.

For example, some shots can be exposed for highlights and will be underexposed to preserve detail, such as clouds or the colors in the sky. This will create very dark shadows and lots of contrast. The other shots will need to be exposed for the shadows. However, try to avoid blowing out the highlights.

The end result is to produce an image that has decent light and details in all of its tonal values. This is usually how the eye sees the scene during the shot.

This is ‘real’ HDR. It captures the details and colors just as you see them.

What Makes a Good HDR Photograph?

Long tail boat on beach on sunset@ DmitryRukhlenko

A great HDR image is one where you can’t really tell the photo was edited. But you notice something beautiful or unique about the image, but it is a mystery. You can’t quite figure it out. You continue viewing it, and the longer you look the more you appreciate the photo.

That is the effect you want to have on people with your art.

A good HDR photograph is one that does not use oversaturated colors or uses too much structure or sharpening.

Why do People Say HDR is Horrible?

Recently, HDR has developed a bad reputation among some photography ‘purists,’ and probably for good reasons.

Some photographers try to use HDR to capture more detail in bright areas and less detail in dark areas. However, these photographers might misuse HDR. Some people will edit photos with HDR editing software, but they end up creating images that are too dramatic or unrealistic. These are the photos that people call ‘fake HDR.’ People who like these pictures may call them ‘HDR’. HDR photography is not just about overly dramatic photos.

The best HDR photos are subtle while keeping the natural look of your photo. You do not have to remove contrast or go overboard on raising texture, as it keeps the natural look of your picture.

On the other hand, I believe that photography is a form of art, and the concept of a ‘great’ photo is subjective. Not everyone will like everything. Photos don’t always have to be realistic all the time. What really matters is if it captures a person’s attention long enough to appreciate it.

HDR photography can be beautiful. Good HDR photos must not give the viewer a headache.

Requirements for Doing HDR Photography

Indoor St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican@ WDGPhoto

Shooting HDR images requires a tripod. HDR images require using several different exposures of the same scene. You should use a tripod when using HDR because if you don’t, you will move around too much and your photos won’t match up properly.

A sturdy tripod is important because it keeps your camera steady while taking multiple shots. It also helps keep your camera still when you’re trying to focus on a specific part of the image.

A cable or remote shutter release is also beneficial. However, you can get away without using one by setting the exposure to a 3-second delay.

Some other things you should have on hand are spare batteries and a beanbag or bag of rice. The last two items may come in handy if you are shooting in a location that bans tripods.

Camera Settings for HDR

Different camera brands will probably have different ways to adjust settings. Before setting out to shoot, make sure you are familiar with the settings in your camera. Then you will be able to get the right settings quickly and have more time for taking photos. Read your camera manual or watch YouTube videos about your specific camera type.

Set your focus and the middle exposure

Set your lens to Manual focus. You do not want the focus to change during the shot, and the autofocus may introduce slight vibrations to the camera. Remember, you need to keep your camera as still as possible.

There are a couple of ways to find your middle exposure. The first way is by using exposure metering. Metering for HDR Photos is the same as metering a normal photograph. You should expose the image for the middle value, and then use the camera to adjust the other values over and under that exposure. Look at the histogram on your camera’s screen, and try to get most of the data in the middle of the histogram.

Make sure to avoid clipping on either side of the graph. After taking the picture, the first photo will be exposed for your mid-exposure, and the second and third photos will vary the shutter speeds by two stops each.

Finding your normal exposure with Aperture mode (A)

The other option for finding your middle exposure is to use aperture priority mode. Simply switch the camera to A (aperture priority mode) and set it to your desired aperture. You want to maintain the same depth of field throughout your shots.

Take a test shot for the shutter speed the mode sets up for your shot and choose an f-stop. If the shot is normal, remember the shutter speed for this shot. This will be your ‘normal’ exposure setting.

When you have your shutter speed for your base shot selected, switch the camera to Manual mode (M).

Set up auto-bracketing

When you set up your bracketed images, make sure you use Auto Exposure Bracketing (which automatically takes multiple exposures). This allows you to capture all the detail and highlights in the picture. Also, be sure to choose the correct settings for each bracket.

You may find this selection in your camera’s settings. Depending on the type of camera you have, AEB bracketing may allow you to set up 3, 5, or 7 bracketed shots.

What you will need to do here is to set up the bracketing to give you an underexposed, an overexposed, and a normal exposure shot which you will merge in post-processing. More on that later.

For a 3-shot bracket, you want to set it up as -2EV, 0, +2EV. These will be the set exposure values for the next three shots.

For cameras that allow 5 or 7 shots, separate each value by one stop under or overexposed.

What if my camera doesn’t have exposure bracketing?

Some cameras do not automatically bracket images. If you want to bracket an image, you must use manual settings. You can control the exposure with the shutter speed dial. A full stop equals one-third of a stop. Three clicks equal one full stop.

If you don’t have any exposure brackets available, you can simply set the shutter speed to 1/30th of a second, and then click the button multiple times until you reach the desired exposure. For example, if you wanted to bracket 3 exposures at 0, 1/3rd, and 2/3rd of a second, you would click the shutter button once, twice, and three times respectively.

When you’re done, check the histogram again to see how well the image was exposed. Make sure to keep the majority of the data in the center of the graph. If you have clipped some of the data, it will show up as black areas in the image.

What are the Best Situations to Shoot for HDR?

Ruins of the theatre building hdr@ aarrttuurr

HDR is one of those things that are good to use at the right times and for the right subjects. Ideally, you want colors and contrast.

Sunrise and sunset are two of the best times to use it because there is a decent amount of contrast between the light and colors available in the sky and dark shadows. HDR can bring out details in the shadows while also using the proper exposure for the sky.

HDR can also be used during daylight hours in certain circumstances. If you are in an area where there is shade and enough sunlight to provide a contrast, such as a cliff, in a forest surrounded by trees, or downtown surrounded by buildings.

HDR works best when the subject is ‘static,’ or not moving. Capturing any type of movement in any shot of a sequence will produce an effect called ‘ghosting,’ which will be very distracting in the final image.

Sunrise in Satellite Beach, Florida@ jacksonjesse

When is it Best to Avoid HDR?

Usually, when there is a lack of contrast such as an overcast day or bright sunlight with no available contrast or shade, using HDR may not be beneficial.

Also, if you are photographing any scene with a lot of movement or people, you may want to avoid HDR. Movement in multiple images will create a ghosting effect.

Any stationary subject with a good range of colors can be good to use in a shot, but any subject with highly vivid colors is not recommended because HDR will just make the colors look washed out.

Do not use HDR to remove shadows, because this will also create a flat image that will become lifeless.

Finally, HDR will never make a terrible photo better. It is more for that finishing touch on an already good photo taken with the right tools in the right circumstances.

Conclusion

Understanding how to do HDR photography can open up a world of creative possibilities. with these techniques, you can transform ordinary scenes into captivating works of art. As you continue with your photography, keep experimenting and practicing your skills, and seek out the right moments to use this style. Doing HDR photography the right way will allow you to create your own portfolio of stunning images that will leave an impression.