Want to kick the look of your photos up a notch? Of course, if the post processing techniques that you are using are good your photos probably will be too... but why not give them a look that stands out. That's what shooting HDR images is for.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. These images are, well, just that... highly dynamic. These photos (if processed correctly) carry a vibrant, detailed and vivid feeling that you can't seem to get with just regular processing. The dark areas will hold much detail while the lightest areas will also carry a great amount of detail. But you are probably asking, "How in the world do I do this?" Well, below is the answer to that question.
Essentially, one HDR image is created from multiple images
taken at different exposures and then combined in Photoshop. It is
important to note that the image captured should be one that lacks
movement. If there is any movement/difference between the multiple
photos being combined this could create undesirable blur or distortions
in the final HDR image. Of course, there are those creative situations
when the blur could be used to your advantage. Typically you want to
stick with cityscapes and landscapes.
First, find an
image you want to capture. I was at a park that had some beautiful
color and a reflective lake which happened to work nicely together.
Next, with your camera connected to your tripod, what you want to do is capture at least 3 images each at a different stop on your meter. Typically it will be at -1, 0 and 1. This will allow for a dynamic range of darks and lights being combined once you work your magic in Photoshop.
Please note though that it is important to change your shutter speed rather than you aperture or ISO and here is why. If you change your aperture your depth of field will be different for each image which could cause some weird distortions to take place in post-processing. Also, if you change your ISO you may have some images with no grain while others have a large amount of grain. Again, you probably won't like the finished product once the grainy images are combined with the non-grainy. Your best bet is to stick with the shutter speed and just use a tripod. If done steadily and correctly, you will get a beautifully clear image.
Once your images are uploaded to your computer, open Photoshop and go to File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro.
When the pop-up box appears click the browse button and select the images that you want to be combined and click open and then ok.
Your images will be brought up in a window which will allow you to change the levels on each of the three photos before putting them together creating your HDR image. It is important to especially if you have a little bit of movement to select remove ghosting. This will take away any subtle movement which may shadow or distort some detail.
By selecting the different images on the bottom of the window and tweaking the levels on each one (+1 photo contributes the details in the dark portions while the -1 photo contributes the details in the light portions), it will create the colors and details which are desired in an HDR image. Click ok when finished. This will combine all three into one photo. Once in the regular Photoshop window you can make a few more changes which you think will better enhance your HDR image. This can include actions or presets.
Once finished go to File > Save As and name your photo and change the type of file to a jpeg and click save.
You may also want to save the Photoshop file just in case you want to come back later and make a few changes.
Voila! You now have your very own HDR image that you can be very proud of!
