Photofocus

Copyright Scott Bourne 2009 – All Rights Reserved

This is a collection of 20 random HDR tips that you might find useful. These tips are based completely on my own experience. I use this information like a checklist (which I now have memorized) every time I go shoot an HDR. Your mileage may vary.

1. Use a tripod
2. Shoot at your lowest useable ISO
3. If possible, shoot in RAW mode
4. Don’t vary the ISO when you make your series of shots
5. Don’t vary the Aperture when you make your series of shots
6. Don’t vary the White Balance when you make your series of shots
7. Set your autofocus mode to continuous or equivalent
8. Shoot in manual mode and vary shutter speed to get different exposures
9. Use a cable release or self-timer
10. For BEST results, shoot five or even seven frames, depending on how much contrast is in the scene
11. Make sure your darkest shot doesn’t contain ANY blown out details
12. Shoot until the darkest shadows are well lit
13. Shoot in one stop increments.
14. Merge to HDR in Photoshop as 32-bit image
15. Avoid shooting scenes that contain movement or you risk artifacts
16. Export HDR image to Photomatix Pro
17. Create a Tone Map in Photomatix Pro
18. Round trip to Photoshop for additional cleanup
19. Don’t forget that your color HDR image may even look better converted to monochrome
20. Save and share

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store