What Is Good HDR? HDR Meaning
Let’s start with the end in mind, i.e. the effect. The quality of HDR implementation in photography can be compared to a well-executed post-production or retouching: it is best when it remains unnoticeable. This means that the photo, even though it is made up of several layers with different exposure levels, looks natural, as if it was captured in one perfect moment. Good HDR is subtle, avoiding exaggerated, unnatural colours and harsh contrast that can make an image appear artificial or processed.
The best HDR is imperceptible.
In fact, the aim of good HDR is to achieve a level of detail and tonal range that is impossible to achieve with traditional techniques. It allows the photographer to reveal detail in the dark and light parts of the image while maintaining natural tonal and colour transitions. Good HDR should therefore enhance the image without distracting from it. What makes HDR truly unique is its ability to capture a scene in a way that is closer to how the human eye sees the world in real life – with rich colours and shadows.
Furthermore, in good HDR it is crucial to maintain a balance between lights and shadows. Over-exposed lights or overly dark shadows can destroy the naturalness of a scene, creating an image that appears unnaturally processed. Ideal HDR maintains this balance in a way that enhances details and colours without introducing distortion.
HDR What Is It?
HDR what is it? High Dynamic Range, is a technique used in photography and cinematography to produce images with a better representation of the range of brightness observed in nature. In practice, with HDR, we can capture and reproduce much more detail in both the very light and very dark areas of a photograph, which is often out of reach in traditional photography due to the technical limitations of cameras.
HDR photography, instead of taking a single image, we take a series of images of the same scene at different exposure settings:
- standard
- underexposed
- overexposed
The exposures are then combined into a single image using specialised software. In the end, the HDR photo contains more detail in the shadows and lights, offering an image closer to how the human eye perceives reality.
The technique has its roots in analogue photography, where different exposures were combined at the film development stage. Nowadays, thanks to technological advances and software developments, HDR has become more accessible and easier to use, finding applications not only in professional photography but also in everyday use, such as in smartphones.
The benefits of using HDR are particularly apparent in situations with high contrasts, such as when you want to capture a landscape with a bright sky and a darker foreground. In such cases, HDR allows detail to be preserved in both the light and dark parts of the image, which in traditional photography often results in a loss of detail.
However, the use of HDR also requires moderation and sensitivity. Overuse of this technique can lead to unsightly, unnatural-looking photos with exaggerated colours and contrast. Therefore, it is important to use HDR with care, bearing in mind that its main purpose is to enhance the naturalness and fidelity of a scene, not to transform reality into something that is far from natural looking
3 Top Tips
- HDR works best in high-contrast situations, such as during sunrise or sunset, in deep shadow or with strong lighting. Avoid using HDR when the scene is evenly lit or when the subject is in motion, as this can lead to blurring or other undesirable effects.
- Controlling your exposure settings allows you to be more precise when creating HDR images. If you are experienced, try manually adjusting the exposure time, ISO and aperture to get the perfect images for post-processing.
- HDR is a technique that takes practice. Experiment with different settings and scenes to understand how to get the most out of your camera.
HDR on camera
The use of HDR technology in traditional cameras opens up new possibilities for photographers. It allows images to be captured with an extremely wide tonal range, far beyond what is possible with standard shooting techniques. Here are some key steps and tips on how to use HDR effectively in-camera.
Choice of Equipment and Settings
First of all, not every camera has a built-in HDR function, so it is important to check the technical specifications of your equipment. On cameras that support it, you can usually find the HDR option in the settings menu or as a dedicated button. If it’s not there, simply take 3 photos yourself with different exposure levels (light, normal and dark).
For best results, position the camera or phone steadily – for example, on a tripod.
For optimum results, set up your camera on a tripod. This is crucial to ensure the stability and consistency of the different exposures, as even a minimal shift between shots can distort the end result. Next, set the camera mode to AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing), which will automatically take a series of shots (usually three) with different exposures: standard, underexposed and overexposed.
HDR on the Phone
The HDR function has become a standard feature on today’s smartphones. However, using HDR on a phone is a little different to this technique on traditional cameras. Here’s how to get the most out of HDR on your smartphone.
On most phones, the HDR function is readily available and can often be automatically activated by the device when appropriate. On some models, you can find the HDR option directly in the camera app, allowing you to manually enable or disable this feature. It is important to read the manual to understand how HDR works on your particular model and how to get the most out of the feature.
Principles for Effective Use of HDR on the Phone
- Get the timing right – as with cameras, HDR on your phone works best in high contrast scenes. Use HDR when you want to capture detail in both the light and dark parts of the frame, for example when shooting landscapes with bright skies and dark ground.
- Stabilisation – although most smartphones have inbuilt image stabilisation, keeping the phone still when shooting HDR is key to getting a sharp shot. This can be achieved by resting the phone against a fixed object or using a smartphone tripod.
- Avoid moving subjects – When using HDR, avoid shooting fast moving subjects. Because HDR combines several images, movement can cause blurring or other artefacts. However, don’t give up experimenting. A blurry forest stream at sunrise can look pretty good in HDR.
Differences Between In-Camera and On-Phone HDR
Although the principle of HDR is similar regardless of the device, there are some differences. First of all, most smartphones automatically process HDR photos, limiting the user’s control over the final result. On the other hand, this automation makes HDR on a phone quick and easy to use, which is ideal for people who don’t want to spend time manually processing photos.
In addition, HDR quality can vary from one phone model to another, as different devices use different image processing algorithms. High-end smartphones usually offer better HDR photo quality, thanks to better sensors and advanced software.
HDR Applications
To get the best results, it is important not only to understand how HDR or techniques work, but also to know the tools to create the high dynamic range effect. Below, I provide software recommendations to help you achieve professional HDR effects.
Relatively sophisticated software is used to combine images and create the HDR effect. There are various tools available on the market, both paid and free. Here are some popular ones:
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop is a versatile digital editing tool. Among its many features, Photoshop CC also offers specialised tools for creating and editing HDR images, allowing users to extract maximum detail and tonal range from their images. The available trial version allows users to test the programme for free.
💡 How To Create HDR in Photoshop
Adobe has created an advanced tutorial to inform – how to create HDR images using Photoshop.
Aurora HDR
Aurora is often praised for its intuitive interface and powerful editing tools. It is a good choice for both beginners and advanced photographers.
Editing and Adjusting HDR Photos
Once the photos are combined in HDR software, you can adjust the end result to suit your style or artistic intent. Many programs offer adjustments to elements such as colour saturation, contrast, brightness, as well as advanced tools to correct local areas of the photo.
Remember that the key to using HDR effectively is moderation. Too much editing can lead to unnatural effects and distortion. Aim to make your HDR images look as natural as possible, while highlighting details and tonal range that are impossible to achieve with traditional photography.
The Most Common Problems and How To Deal With Them
The use of HDR, despite its many advantages, is also associated with potential problems and challenges. Below, I outline the most common difficulties and how to deal with them effectively.
Overexposed and Underexposed Photos
One of the most common problems when creating HDR images is incorrect exposures. If the differences between individual images are too large, you may notice that the final image is overexposed (too bright) or underexposed (too dark) in some areas.
To Avoid This Problem:
- Make sure that the exposure differences between each photo are appropriate. Usually differences of 1-2 apertures work best.
- Use a tripod to ensure that all images are exactly the same in terms of composition.
- Use the automatic exposure bracketing features available on your camera to help you keep your series of shots consistent.
Moving Objects in an HDR Scene
Another typical challenge in HDR is moving objects such as passers-by, vehicles or trees moved by the wind. These can cause blurring or ‘ghosting’ in a composite image.
To Avoid This Problem:
- Try to photograph scenes with no moving subjects or minimal movement.
- Choose a time when there is the least movement in the scene – for example, early morning or late evening.
- In some HDR editing software you will find tools to reduce the ghosting effect. Use these to minimise the impact of moving objects on the final image.
Examples and Inspiration
Understanding how different lighting conditions affect the HDR effect and what techniques professionals use can significantly help you create your own high-quality HDR images. By analysing the accompanying images, you will pay attention to the details that contribute to their success and be inspired to explore your own photographic possibilities.
The Street at Dusk
The first image shows a stone street at dusk, where the contrast between the warm lights of the shop windows and the cool tones of the sky and stones is clearly visible. Using HDR, the image retains detail in both the darkest and brightest areas. Of particular interest is the way the light reflects on the wet pavement, adding depth and texture to the composition.
Tip: Look for scenes with different light sources to experiment with contrast and colour. Using HDR allows you to capture such scenes without losing detail.
City at Night
The second image shows a night view of the city from above, showcasing flashes of street lights and illuminations of buildings. The use of HDR brought out the richness of detail in both the light and dark parts of the image, while avoiding overburning of the lights and excessive darkening of the less lit areas.
Tip: Use views from high to create dynamic HDR compositions that offer a wide tonal range from the darkest to the brightest areas.
Mountain Path at Sunrise
The third image shows a path through a mountain meadow at sunrise. Here, the use of HDR has allowed details to be delicately brought out in both the bright sunlight and the shadows of the meadow, maintaining natural contrast and colour saturation.
Tip: Use views from high up to create dynamic HDR compositions that offer a wide tonal range from the darkest to the brightest areas.
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Summary
Creating HDR images is a fascinating journey through the world of photography to discover new possibilities and perspectives. During this journey, we had the opportunity to explore various aspects and techniques related to HDR, from basic information and practical advice on how to use HDR in cameras and phones, to advanced processing techniques and examples of inspiring photos.
