Creating an HDR Image

High-dynamic-range imaging (HDR) is a technique used in digital image processing to combine a series of images with different exposures to produce one image with an optimal overall range. You can use the HDR tool to create a new image with a greater dynamic range of luminosity. Ideally, the images you use with the HDR tool will include a well-balanced range of highlights and shadows. See below for additional tips on achieving the best results.

In some cases, the HDR dialog's preview may not accurately reflect the HDR image it creates. This is because the image is scaled down for the preview.

To create an HDR image, your set of images must have the following attributes defined in their EXIF data:

• an f-stop/number
• an ISO value
• a shutter speed/exposure value

Shooting Photos for HDR

You will have a higher chance of generating quality results if you follow these instructions when shooting your images for HDR:

• Use the shutter speed to vary exposures. That said, varying the aperture setting changes the depth of field, leading to poor quality results. Similarly, varying the ISO or aperture may generate noise or vignettes. Set your ISO to its lowest value.
• Generally, do not use your camera's auto-bracket feature as the exposure changes are not significant enough.
• Ensure that the scene you are shooting does not include features in motion. HDR is meant for photos of the same scene with exposure variances.
• Keep the camera stable using a tripod.
• Use your camera's timer to avoid camera shake.
• Keep the focus and zoom constant between images.
• Shoot in RAW rather than JPEG. This will provide for greater range and flexibility.
• Ensure there is detail in the deep shadows of your darkest exposure.
• Ensure no area of the image is blown out in your lightest exposure.
• Ensure the set of images is "balanced" (i.e. the middle image of the set has well-exposed midtones).
• Using a quantity of photos higher than suggested in the table below can result in unwanted artifacts due to improper alignment and ghosting.

To Create an HDR Image:

In Manage Mode

1. Select the images in the File List pane.

Your selected images must have the same dimensions.

2. Do one of the following:
• Choose Process | HDR...
• Press Ctrl + Alt + H.
• Right-click your selection and choose Process | HDR... from the context menu.
3. In the HDR dialog, select a preset from the Presets drop-down menu, then press OK.

To create your own presets, create actions in the Actions Browser under the category "HDR Presets". These will become available in the Presets drop-down menu in the HDR dialog.

4. In the Save Image As dialog, choose a location, enter a name, and choose an image format from the Save as type drop-down menu.
5. Press Save. Your HDR image will be placed in the location of your choosing.

In Edit Mode

1. In Manage mode, select the images in the File List pane.
2. Do one of the following:
• Choose Process | Load Files into Stack.
• Right-click your selection and choose Process | Load Files into Stack from the context menu. Your images will open in the Layers pane in Edit mode.
3. In Edit mode, choose Layer | HDR... or press Ctrl + Shift + D.
4. In the HDR dialog, configure the settings as described below.
5. Press OK. If you have disabled Keep Layer Stack, all other layers will be removed and the HDR layer will be the only remaining layer in the Layers pane. If you have enabled Keep Layer Stack, the HDR layer will appear as the top layer in the Layers pane.

HDR Options

The HDR command will ignore all masks, text layers, and adjustment layers.

Running HDR on large images will require a significant amount of memory.

See also:

• Merging with Focus Stacking
• Using Auto-Blend