High Dynamic Range (HDR)  images have been quickly gaining in popularity recently. There is a great creative potential in this image processing technique.  It has also been the topic of many debates as to whether  this technique really enhances one’s photographic skills, or just another way to over-process your images.  I feel the resulting HDR images can range from a more true exposure of the scene to a very impressionistic interpretation that reflects the photographer’s mood.

Over the last year, I began to experiment with HDR with my Nikon D300.  There are a number of approaches to reach a final image, and it can be a lot of fun along the way. With HDR software these days (I use Photomatix Pro, from HDRSoft) , you can create high dynamic range images out of a single RAW image.  Yet, this limits the range of possibilities you have when processing the final image.  Three exposures give you the best range of highlights, midtones, and shadows to work with in your HDR software tools.

In this post, I will talk about how exposure bracketing can give you satisfying results for your first HDR image.

In the next few pages, I will talk about:

1. Taking your shots
2. Reviewing your images
3. Creating your final HDR Image!

On to page 2 “Taking your shots”