How to make HDR photos: The pros and cons of 3 different methods

HDR photos appear noticeably better and are also more convenient to view on phones and other portable devices. If you are wondering how to make HDR photos, this article is the one for you. Let’s dig in to find out what methods are there to make HDR photos and the pros and cons of each.

A glance at HDR photography

HDR creates a single image with a much greater dynamic range by combining numerous exposures of the same scene. The ultimate result can be anything from a slight quality improvement (such as a brighter sky in a scene that would otherwise be gloomy) to a dramatic boost in dynamic range (such as an image that can mimic the effect of a high-quality digital camera.)

HDR when used properly can enhance a photo's details. If you're photographing landscapes, people, or anything else with a lot of bright and dark parts, this is a great method to create HDR image that looks professional. To capture the various exposure levels of a scene and produce a more realistic image, HDR photography is primarily used. It works best when you want to take a more detailed picture, such as a landscape or a close-up of a person.

Since HDR photos undoubtedly have several benefits, the question is how to make HDR photos. In general, there are 3 main methods: using natural density filters, in-camera HDR and digital retouching.

How to make HDR photos: 3 different methods

Method 1: Use a natural density filter to increase the dynamic range

• How to make HDR photos using the natural density filter?

The most obvious way to increase the dynamic range of your images is to use a natural density filter. Natural density filters are those that act like an overlaying piece of translucent glass that you place over your lens and camera. This filter allows light to enter the camera while simultaneously darkening the portion of the image that’s in front of the lens.

• Advantages of using the natural density filter method to make HDR photos

+ Increased dynamic range, resulting in more accurate images

+ No need to move or reframe your subject when taking a picture

+ Strongly recommended for outdoor photography when light is particularly harsh

• Disadvantages of using natural density filters method to make HDR photos

+ Can cause image blurring, especially when used with wide-angle or zoom lenses

+ Requires an additional piece of equipment that you’ll need to always carry with you

+ May cause lighting issues when used with close-up or macro photography

+ Can be expensive

+ Can get dirty

+ Can make your camera more susceptible to damage

+ Extensive cleaning and maintenance may be required

+ Not all cameras can use natural density filters

Method 2: In-camera HDR

• How to create HDR images using in-camera hdr?

The second method for shooting hdr is to use in-camera HDR. This method operates similarly to natural density filters, but it’s built into your camera. This means that you don’t need to carry an extra piece of equipment with you, and the controls are already built into your camera. This makes it especially useful for those who are new to photography, or who don’t have much experience modifying their cameras.

HDR in-camera software is available on most modern cameras. When you’re taking a photo, your camera will automatically detect the light in the scene and adjust the image sensor to capture a more accurate range of colors. Your camera may adjust the image to capture a wider range of colors, or it may increase the exposure by brightening the middle portion of the image and darkening the corners. This method is especially useful when the scene has a lot of contrast, including dark shadows and bright highlights. It’s also helpful when you want to create an image that’s more realistic, such as a real estate interior shot.

• Advantages of using in-camera to shoot hdr photos

+ No extra equipment is needed

+ Great for beginners who want to learn about photography

+ Suitable for all types of photography, including macro and close-ups

+ Captures a more realistic look, resulting in more compelling photos

+ Can be used to create effects such as blurring out objects in the scene

+ Can be used to reduce noise in low-light situations

+ Easy to use

+ Available on all modern cameras

• Disadvantages of using in-camera HDR to shoot hdr photos

+ Can cause image blurring

+ May cause image noise if used with high shutter speeds

+ Can make your camera more susceptible to damage

+ Extensive cleaning and maintenance may be required

Method 3: Create hdr images with photography retouching

• How to make HDR photos with image retouching?

The third method for adding dynamic range to your images is to use HDR photo software that allows you to manually blend multiple images to create an HDR image. This is the most time-consuming method, but it can result in the most stunning images.

Select the RAW image format and shoot in the RAW+JPG format to preserve the most information in your images. When you import your RAW images into the editing software, create a “layers” folder and create a “layer” that has two different RAW images. Adjust the levels of these two RAW images until you achieve the effect you want.

• Pros of using photo retouching to create HDR image

+ No need for special equipment, although some software programs may have additional features

+ Creates a high level of control, making it possible to achieve nearly any effect

+ No image blurring, although some programs may have limited controls for noise reduction

• Cons of using photo retouching to create HDR image

+ Suitable for advanced users who want to create stunning images

+ Long-term process that requires patience and practice

+ Can be overly edited, resulting in harsh HDR images

When getting started with HDR photography, it can be confusing to know which method is best for you. Knowing how to make HDR photos and understanding the differences between natural density filters, in-camera HDR, and manual blending in editing software will definitely help you make a more informed decision