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How do I take HDR Photos?

One of the challenges of HDR is getting the photo. We've devised this guide to help you choose which is the best method for your camera and situation.

By Camera Type

By Method

iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4

The iPhone 4 is the most popular camera on Flickr in June 2011, it's not hard to understand why. The camera inside the iPhone 4 is pretty good and because it's in a device that most people take instinctively, they've already got their camera. The iPhone 4 features a built-in HDR application, which isn't half bad. When it comes to capturing multiple exposures and then processing them on a computer, the iPhone 4 can't help.

ThereÕs an App for that! Bracket Mode from Cogitap Software (iTunes Link) Enables a form of Auto Exposure Bracketing on your iPhone. Put simply, you point and shoot and itÕll capture two exposures, one covering the dark ranges and one covering the light ranges.

Compact Cameras

Compact cameras are great, they fit into pockets, go everywhere with us and capture great moments. These cameras are designed to be small, so sometimes they don't have the complete control or features of a hulking great big DSLR. However you can still use compact cameras to get some HDR effects.

Sometimes these little compacts feature a RAW image mode or an AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) mode, if yours does then check out the guides for a Professional Compact.

If you have tripod and the conditions permit (calm weather and subject isn't moving too fast), then read "Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually", otherwise read on how to "Use a single JPEG image for an HDR photo"

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Professional Compact

Professional compacts are bigger than normal compact cameras, they offer more control and better image quality, yet are still smaller than the other kinds of cameras. Commonly they offer more advanced features which we can utilize for HDR photography.

Most of these cameras offer an Auto Exposure Bracketing mode. If you're not sure if yours does or how to use it, I'd suggest checking online or the camera's manual as each camera is different. Some of these cameras only offer an AEB of 0.3 (1/3), 0.7 (2/3) or 1.0. In experience these limitations haven't yielded great results for HDR. I'd suggest other methods, but try using AEB as it is the most convenient method.

If you have a tripod and the conditions permit (calm weather & subject isn't moving too fast), then I'd suggest trying "Take multiple exposures with a tripod and using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)", if your AEB range is small < 2.0, I'd suggest you also try "Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually". Doing it manually is slower but you can capture more dynamic range (which is what you may need).

If you don't have a tripod handy and it's not too windy or your subject is fairly stationary, you can try "Take multiple exposures handheld using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)" or if your AEB range is small, "Take multiple exposures handheld manually". Finally as a last ditch resort, you can always "Use a single RAW image for an HDR photo".

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Superzoom

Superzoom cameras look like mini-DSLRs, yet have huge zoom ranges that DSLRs can only dream of. Commonly they offer more advanced features and control which we can utilize for HDR photography.

Most of these cameras offer an Auto Exposure Bracketing mode. If you're not sure if yours does or how to use it, I'd suggest checking online or the camera's manual as each camera is different. Some of these cameras only offer an AEB of 0.3 (1/3), 0.7 (2/3) or 1.0. In experience these limitations haven't yielded great results for HDR. I'd suggest other methods, but try using AEB as it is the most convenient method.

If you have a tripod and the conditions permit (calm weather & subject isn't moving too fast), then I'd suggest trying "Take multiple exposures with a tripod and using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)", if your AEB range is small < 2.0, I'd suggest you also try "Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually". Doing it manually is slower but you can capture more dynamic range (which is what you may need).

If you don't have a tripod handy, and it's not too windy or your subject is fairly stationary, you can try "Take multiple exposures handheld using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)" or if your AEB range is small, "Take multiple exposures handheld manually". Finally as a last ditch resort and if your camera supports a RAW image mode, you can always "Use a single RAW image for an HDR photo".

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Mid-Range aka ILC (Interchangeable Lens Compacts) or EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lenses).

Mid-range cameras are DSLR cameras that have been stripped down and squeezed into compact camera bodies. They have the image quality and control of a huge DSLR, with the convenience of fitting into a (largish) pocket or purse. These cameras merge the best of both worlds and should be ideal for HDR, however at the time of writing this guide many of them feature lame AEB (less than 1.0), which severely reduces their capabilities as HDR cameras.

All of these cameras offer an Auto Exposure Bracketing mode. If you're not sure how to use it, I'd suggest checking online or the camera's manual as each camera is different. Most of these cameras only offer an AEB of 0.3 (1/3), 0.7 (2/3) or 1.0. In experience these limitations haven't yielded great results for HDR. I'd suggest other methods, but try using AEB as it is the most convenient method.

If you have a tripod and the conditions permit (calm weather & subject isn't moving too fast), then I'd suggest trying "Take multiple exposures with a tripod and using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)", if your AEB range is small < 2.0, I'd suggest you also try "Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually". Doing it manually is slower but you can capture more dynamic range (which is what you may need).

If you don't have a tripod handy, and it's not too windy or your subject is fairly stationary, you can try "Take multiple exposures handheld using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)" or if your AEB range is small, "Take multiple exposures handheld manually". Finally as a last ditch resort, you can always "Use a single RAW image for an HDR photo".

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DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras, the big daddies of the camera world.

DSLR cameras are the be all and end all of cameras, equipped with the right lenses and plenty of practice these cameras produce beautifully detailed and artistic photos. Once you've gone DSLR you'll never go back.... Maybe... Seriously DSLRs offer the most level of control and generally better image quality than most cameras.

All of these cameras offer an Auto Exposure Bracketing mode, if you're not sure how to use it, I'd suggest checking online or the camera's manual as each camera is different. Some of the more affordable DSLRs only offer a reduced range of AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) such as 0.3 (1/3), 0.7 (2/3) or 1.0. In experience these limitations haven't yielded great results for HDR, I'd suggest using other methods, however you should try, as the AEB method is the most convenient method.

If you have a tripod and the conditions permit (calm weather & subject isn't moving too fast), then I'd suggest trying "Take multiple exposures with a tripod and using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)", if your AEB range is small < 2.0, I'd suggest you also try "Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually". Doing it manually is slower, but you can capture more dynamic range (which is what you may need).

If you don't have a tripod handy, and it's not too windy or your subject is fairly stationary, you can try "Take multiple exposures handheld using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)" or if your AEB range is small, "Take multiple exposures handheld manually". Finally as a last ditch resort, you can always "Use a single RAW image for an HDR photo".

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Use a single JPEG image for an HDR photo

Nearly every single digital camera on the planet can capture a JPEG, below are some tips we've compiled to help you squeeze the best information from your JPEG to make the best HDR you can.

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Use a single RAW image for an HDR photo

Many cameras feature a RAW file format, basically it's the raw camera sensor data and the camera settings. Then through the use of software, this information can be converted into a picture we can see. This RAW file contains far more information than a single JPEG which makes it ideal to use for HDR. While it has the great advantage of being able to use just one photo (no tripod and can capture motion), it has several disadvantages. RAW images tend to be very noisy and they don't always contain that much more dynamic range than a single JPEG.

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Take multiple exposures handheld manually

This method requires some practice as it's not the most reliable or even recommended way to capture an HDR. However it'll work on most cameras and if everything goes well, will give you more dynamic range than a single JPEG or RAW.

It involves the use of the EV button (), if you're not sure how to use this option then please consult your camera manual first.

It your camera has an "A" mode switch the camera to this mode. When choosing an Aperture stay away from the smaller numbers when it's bright and the larger numbers when the light is dim or dark. Personally I use f8, unless I need more light and then I use the smallest number I can (like f2 or f3.5).

  1. Take in a deep breath and steady yourself, we want to do this as quickly as possible and as steady as possible.
  2. Press the EV button () and set the EV to +2, then click the shutter to take your first shot.
  3. While trying to hold your camera in the same position, press the EV button again and set the EV to -2, once again click the shutter button.
  4. Breath normally and use the EV button to set the EV back to 0.
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Take multiple exposures handheld using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

The preferred way of capturing HDR photos by many is to use the AEB or Auto Exposure Bracketing mode. In this mode, the camera will alter the settings and capture all your shots in a single shutter press (or long shutter press).

Please Note: AEB is different across different cameras. While AEB is the preferred way to capture HDR photos sometimes the AEB on a camera doesn't cover enough light range or can be frustrating to use (such as requiring a shutter press for each frame and/or unable to use on a timer). If you're unsure on how to use the AEB mode on your camera, please consult your camera's manual.

  1. Switch your camera to "A" mode (I'm presuming your camera has one, if not then so be it). When choosing an Aperture, stay away from the smaller numbers when its bright and the larger numbers when its dim or dark. Personally I use f8, unless I need more light and then I use the smallest number I can (like f2 or f3.5).
  2. Enable the Auto Exposure Bracketing mode of your camera. If your AEB only does 3 frames, then I'd recommend a distance no larger than 2 stops per frame.
  3. Take in a deep breath and steady yourself, we want to do this as quickly as possible and as steady as possible.
  4. Press the shutter button, if your camera requires, hold down the shutter button until the last frame has been captured.
  5. Breath normally and relax.
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Take multiple exposures with a tripod manually

The classic technique of capturing HDR photos dates back to the early days of HDR. It's probably one of the most used techniques (especially if your camera doesn't have Auto Exposure Bracketing). You simply require a tripod and a digital camera. You'll need to use the EV button () on your camera, if you don't know how to use this I'd suggest checking out the manual for your camera.

  1. Set up your camera on the tripod and frame your scene.
  2. Switch your camera to "A" mode (I'm presuming your camera has one, if not then so be it). When choosing an Aperture, stay away from the smaller numbers when its bright and the larger numbers when its dim or dark. Personally I use f8, unless I need more light and then I use the smallest number I can (like f2 or f3.5).
  3. If you have a remote switch use that to take a photo, if not I'd suggest setting the timer to 2 seconds and clicking the shutter button
  4. Press the EV button and adjust the EV to -2, take your second shot (either via remote switch or 2 second timer).
  5. Press the EV button and adjust the EV to +2, then take your last shot the same way you took the other two.
  6. Press the EV button and set it back to 0. We do this so that the camera is ready for the next set.
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Take multiple exposures with a tripod and using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

The de-facto standard and most reliable way of capturing HDR photos, Yes ladies and gentlemen, this is THE way to capture HDR photos.

It makes use of the Auto Exposure Bracketing mode to quickly and easily capture consecutive exposures while being as stable as possible using a tripod. I'm presuming you know how to use the AEB mode of your camera, if you don't, then I'd suggest reading the camera's manual.

  1. Set up your camera on the tripod and frame your scene.
  2. Switch your camera to "A" mode (I'm presuming your camera has one, if not then so be it). When choosing an Aperture, stay away from the smaller numbers when its bright and the larger numbers when its dim or dark. Personally I use f8, unless I need more light and then I use the smallest number I can (like f2 or f3.5).
  3. Enable the Auto Exposure Bracketing mode of your camera. If you AEB only does 3 frames, then I'd recommend no larger distance than 2 stops per frame.
  4. Now if you have a remote trigger for your camera, press it. If required, press it again and again until all your exposures have been captured.
  5. If you don't have a remote trigger, you can use a timer. However, some cameras will not capture all exposures when the timer goes off, requiring you to press the shutter button again and again to capture all exposures.
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