What is HDR? I've heard a lot about it lately, but I still have no clue exactly what that is. Fill me in? I'm so out of the loop!
High Dynamic Range. Basically it's taking two or more images and combining them so that you can display a wider range of tones (shadows to highlights) than you could get with one single image. Photoshop CS2 has an HRD function that takes several images and does it automatically...although it often looks weird. Obviously, the images have to be exactly the same...tripod mounted landscape shots etc.
I see. I searched "HDR" in my PS CS2 and a few things came up. So if I take 2-3 of the same exact images and combine them in photoshop, my shots will look as cool as all those other HDR shots I've seen?
That's the idea. I think the Photoshop HDR works best with several images. They have to be bracketed, so that you capture a wider range of tones.
Some people try getting HDR with one RAW. Technically this would be EDR (Extended Dynamic Range) and usually doesn't look good. Set your camera on a tripod and take a few exposures at the exact same camera position. Just differ the shutter speed (not the aperture) and you should be able to get some HDRs. I don't see many HDR images that I really like though.
this actually wont work with some programs. If your program requires different EXIF data, obviously a single RAW shot that has been edited in a RAW editor to produce the effect of a bracketed shot will have the same EXIF. and HDR is an aquired taste, due to the unnaturalness of the picture.
Sorry but different shutter speeds = different exposures=Different EXIF. I was pointing out that some people state 1 RAW can be used - not the view I hold.
And make sure your tripod is reliable, else your attempts at creating an HDR photo can end like these_bloopers_of_mine !!!
*giggles* Thanks LaFoto! My tripod is also a monopod, but I find that it is most reliable when I'm using it as a monopod. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one of those expensive ones!
1 raw can be used, but not with automation. You have to combine two ore more exposures yourself, which is not hard to do. I prefer manually combing my exposures so I can control what tones I want where. It's basically mimicking a graduated neutral density filter.