This photo is an example of an HDR photo. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Our eyes are capable of seeing a huge range of colors and contrasts at the same time. A camera just isn’t capable of capturing an entire range of contrasts in one photo. An HDR photo attempts to capture more of a range of contrasts, from dark shadows to bright highlights.
To achieve an HDR effect, I started with this: 
I used my Canon Rebel xsi, DSLR camera with the kit lens (18-55). I used a focal length of 18mm. 99% of the time I use AV (Aperture Priority) mode on my camera and this shot was no exception. My camera chose a shutter speed of 1/200. ISO was set to auto and the camera chose an ISO speed of 100. Using AV mode on my camera allows me to take my photos in RAW format. RAW format collects a lot more data than JPEG allowing better adjusting capabilities during processing.
I opened the photo using the software provided with my camera, Digital Photo Professional. I proceeded to over and under expose the photo. I saved a copy at:
-2 exposure,
-1 exposure,
+2 exposure
and +1 exposure.
I saved them in 16 bit TIFF form. (This is what I call a fake HDR. The correct way to do an HDR is to use a tripod and take 5 different shots at 5 different exposures. I didn’t have my tripod with me and I was on a moving dock, lol)
Next I opened a program called Photomatix Pro. You can download a trial version here. This software combines the 5 photos of different exposures. It will take the bright whites and highlights of the overexposed photos (the white buildings) and the dark, dramatic shadows of the underexposed photos (the dark clouds and windows) and a range of midtones and put it all into one photo.
After it puts them together you can play with the photo to achieve the look you want using Tone Mapping. It allows you to brighten, darken or tweak whatever you want. I then saved the Tone Mapped photo.
I then opened the photo in Photoshop CS2 to smooth out anything that needed done including cropping out that post in the bottom right corner, added a copyright symbol, the frame and my name.
This is the finished product:
You can see that the dramatic sky was pulled from the underexposed photos and the bright white of the buildings was pulled from the overexposed photos. In Photomatix, you can select how intense you want the effect to be. I usually go with the more "intense" look.
This is just a quick tour of HDR processing. You can read more about HDR here.
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Comments: 50
That is very interesting. If I weren't so damned lazy, I would try that.
LOL, you and me both George!
It really isn't hard. George, if you can do a panoramic (I've seen that you can, lol), then you can do this. It takes 2 minutes to under and over expose everything and another 10 maybe to get it to look how you want it to.
Great photo essay Lisa. You make it sound so easy, lol! The finished photo is very dramatic, as were your other HDR photos that you have posted.
Thank you for posting your photo essay at Pretty Pictures.
Thanks! It really is easy.
This is really great Lisa, and the end result is fantastic.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Lisa! Your photographs are always such a delight to see. I am usually happy with mine if they don't come out blurry and look like what I was pointing at! LOL
LOL, your photos are awesome Sandra!
this is very cool
Interesting
Interesting process, but it gives the fiunal version a paprish look to it. Kind of like it's a post card.
It can or it can't depending on level intensity you choose during the processing. You can select "light" and not even be able to tell it's an HDR. HDR's are used quite often in higher end real estate photos, mostly interiors. You have probably seen a ton and never realized it. Depending on what the subject of my photo is, is the intensity I choose. I really was going for a post card look, with bright, vibrant almost cartoony colors so I chose a high intensity.
Lisa - great how to post! Thank you so much for all the details. I'm new to editing and I'm not sure if I'm up to this kind of a challenge. But your post contained so much other worthwhile information that I can pick up on, I'm thrilled to see this and I'll follow the link for more info.
I must tell you that I love your pictures, after stumblings across a few I came and looked some more:)
Thank you so much for the compliment!! I'm glad some of this info will be useful for you! :)
Lisa, you did a wonderful job on this. I don't have a SLR camera and most of this editing was way over my head. But I did enjoy seeing what you have done with this picture and hope that my skills get there someday to achieve great editing like you do. But I have to tell you I love your photos if they are edited or not.
Thanks! You really don't need an SLR camera to do this, any photo would do. You just have to have software that will over and under expose the photo and the Photomatix to put it together. I've heard that Picnik has an HDR effect. I haven't tried it though.
This is neat!
This certainly boggles my brain but the end result is beautiful. I wish I could understand all the capabilities a camera and editing programs have to offer. I look at your photos and I'm aways in awe of how great they look.
Thanks Nana!
Excellent Photo Essay, and VERY informative. Congratulations on being featured on ~Gather Photographers and Photo Shop Artists Review~
Yay! Thanks for the feature, Spartan!
This is marvelous how you took us step by step, and you have a remarkably different photo than what you started out with. Thank you for posting to Any Photo Art.
Thank you for teaching the "fake" HDR effect. I'd love to see the real one in action some time as well. This is an amazing effect blended beautifully! Thank you for posting to Photo Art Monthly Competitions.
Lisa, I have enough trouble trying to take a decent photo . Period . But I'll keep watching for more lessons ,Thanks.
Wonderful post Lisa ... really like the finished photo!
Glad you're ambitious. I have to settle for the luck of point n' shoot.
great lesson
Wow! What a super how-to article Lisa. You are light years ahead of me, girl!! I am bowing to you in a "I'm not worthy" pose right how ;-) Love the last photo...WOW!!!
The only HDR I have tried is on of the wife. the wind was blowing, so her hair was strange looking. I will do more now though.
The final version of the shot was incredible. Great job. I haven't tried this yet. One of these days I'll get a chance. Thanks for letting us know about this.
amazing the difference!
This was very interesting Lisa.
You are a chosen Winner! "How Did You Do That?" Theme for the group Photo Art Monthly Competitions
Congrats on your PAMC win!
Spectacular shot and an informative essay! Thank you, Lisa. Congratulations on your PAMC win! =)
Wow, I love the finished effect! It turned out great! CONGRATS!!!
Just goes to show I know a lot less about photography then I thought I did. I have a DSLR but don't really know very much about the settings. I know a bit about iso and aperature, but not enough. I really need to read my manual so I can learn more.
Thanks!!!
You should definitely read your manual. For better understanding of apertures, ISOs, etc., I recommend this site. They have a ton of information for photographers at any skill level.
Just dropping by again - to say CONGRATS! It doesn't matter that it was over my head - I did learn something from it:)
Lisa, congratulations on your ANY PHOTO ART win with this photo essay. I thought it was very informative .
Your photo won in the group Any Photo Art ~ Photo Art Gallery/Artistic Descriptions
Nice description of the process, Lisa. Congrats.
Thanks for the "how to." I have downloaded the trial program and will give it a try.
Nicely done and thanks for the instructions too. Congrats to you!
Hi... I just joined and this caught my eye... I love HDR and have been doing it more a couple of months. I am still uploading all my HDR stuff, but I really like your tutorial! I hope more people start making HDR shots!
In Photoshop it is under File ------> Automate -----> Merge to HDR.
It's a little harder to use the Tone Mapping feature in Photoshop, I usually just play with the curves until I get what I like.