HDR High Dynamic Range

The HDR High Dynamic Range (or High Dynamic Range) technique allows all areas of the photograph to be perfectly exposed, even if they have a great contrast between light and shadow.

In image processing, graphics and photography, high dynamic range images (HDR) are obtained through from a set of techniques that allow a better degree of luminance between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. With digital imaging techniques we obtain this type of effect that the standard photographic method cannot offer us.

A high dynamic range or HDR High Dynamic Range image is an image that contains a range of color and tonality greater than that of normal files, that is, low dynamic range or LDR (Low Dynamic Range) images.

Currently, no printer on the market supports HDR images, and only some special monitors can display HDR images. Therefore, to print or view an HDR image, it must be compressed into an LDR image. This process, called tone mapping or compression, is one of the main processes that occurs in an HDR application such as HDR Efex Pro 2.
What is dynamic range?
In photography, dynamic range is the ratio between the minimum and maximum brightness values, whether of the original scene, the digital image, or the final print.

A high dynamic range or HDR High Dynamic Range image is an image that contains a range of color and tonality greater than that of normal files, that is, low dynamic range or LDR (Low Dynamic Range) images. HDR images are captured using special cameras or created by combining multiple LDR images at once. While LDR images typically contain 8 or 16 bits per channel, HDR images include 32 bits per channel.

Currently, no printer on the market supports HDR images, and only some special monitors can display HDR images. Therefore, to print or view an HDR image, it must be compressed into an LDR image. This process, called tone mapping or compression, is one of the main processes that occurs in an HDR application such as HDR Efex Pro 2.

It’s a very showy technique used well, scary if misused and overused. You should avoid excessive saturation and contrast.

There are basically two reasons to shoot HDR High Dynamic Range photography: necessity and creativity – and because those reasons often overlap, you’ll get great photos and be able to add your own personal touch.

The “necessary” reason to make an HDR High Dynamic Range image stems from the fact that our eyes can perceive an extraordinary range of contrast in a scene, a much greater range than any camera sensor can capture. We see into the bright areas of a scene, and we can also see what’s going on in the shadows. The camera is going to have trouble capturing the extremes of that drastic range. If you choose to meter in the bright areas, you will lose almost all detail in the shadow areas of the scene.

Creativity and good taste are up to everyone.