High Dynamic Range Imaging

This week I thought I’d take a look at photo manipulation, namely high dynamic range imaging (HDR) HDR os a way to ‘digitally develop’ photographs using tonal information contained within multiple exposures of the same shot.

I’m sure everyone has seen examples of HDR images around the web or used in adverts and movie posters. Why is HDR so desirable? A composite image can retain the interesting details from all exposure settings within one image.

Since it’s first commercial use in the mid 1940′s, to illustrate nuclear explosions on the cover of life magazine, the desirability of HDR has only been hindered by limitations imposed by computer processing power. With online basic solutions such as createhdr.com appearing, HDR is becoming more available to the masses.

It’s easy to see why so many people are fans of HDR when you compare side by side what the original image would have looked like if left untouched.

I tried createhdr.com with an image I’d taken whilst walking around Nottingham and I must say that the effect, although not on par with professionally developed HDR, is surprisingly pleasing.

The possibilities of this type of photo manipulation are endless from a simple tweak to bring out the detail of the image, correct colour or create atmosphere.

Right through to creating surreal scenes such as the ones below that look more like illustrations barely retaining their photographic element.