High Dynamic Range, or HDR,
- HDR is where multiple exposures of the same scene are layered together to create a dramatic effect.
- Higher end cameras have this effect built into the camera
- Lower level, such as our Canon Rebels do not have this ability so we must create it in photoshop
Setting Up Camera
- Aperture: Set to f/8 – f/15 (depending on how much you would like in focus)
- Shutter Speed: Press shutter half way to take a light reading
- You will be moving the shutter speed until correctly exposure
Photography Section
- You will be taking 5 photos
- each photo will be a different exposure
Photo 1:
- Correct exposure
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Photo 3:
- Do not move the camera
- Meter again and move the shutter to 2 or 3 (Overexposed)
Photo 4:
- Do not move the camera
- Meter again and move the shutter to -1 (Underexposed)
Photo 5:
- Do not move the camera
- Meter again and move the shutter to -2 or -3 (Underexposed)
When all the images are combined in photoshop, you will get a finished image of the car
Photoshop Section
Step 1:
- File
- Automate
- Merge to HDR
- Automate
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Step 2:
- Click Browse
- Select the 5 photos with the different exposures
- Click OK
- Sit back while Photoshop combines them
Step 3:
- You will see the 5 images at the bottom of the screen
- Make sure ALL 5 boxes are checked
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Step 4:
- You will be moving the Adjustment sliders to make your photo pop more
- The following Adjustments are suggestions ONLY. You may alter them as needed for your photo
- Exposure: Lessen or Increase as needed
- Detail: Increase to 300% or a little less as needed
- Shadow: Decrease
- Highlight: Decrease
- Vibrance: Increase to 100% or a little less as needed
- Saturation: Increase
- Click OK when done
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Step 5:
- Open the photo in ACR (camera raw)
- Under Basic
- Vibrance: Increase
- Saturation: Decrease or Increase according to your photo
- Contrast: Increase
- Brightness: Decrease or Increase according to your photo
- Shadows/Highlights: Decrease or Increase according to your photo
- Temerature and Tint: Decrease or Increase according to your photo
Step 6:
- Under Color Mixer
- Move the sliders for the various colors of your image
- Use Saturation/Luminance/Hue
Step 7:
- Add Logo in Photoshop
- Flatten Image
Save as PNG
You will NOT be able to save as a jpeg
Examples of Amazing HDR photography
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