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

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)

Photoshop Section 

Step 1:

• File
  • Automate
    • Merge to HDR

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

 

 

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

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