WHAT IS HDR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Welcome!
I’m glad you asked that question, it shows that you have an interest in this art form.
The acronym HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and refers to the post-processing technique that merges a series of images into one. This process yeilds an ability to adjust the color and contrast ranges far beyond that of a single image. Although it is possible to create an HDR “look” from a single exposure, a true HDR image and best results are obtained from multiple exposures.
In most cases, an HDR image is created by capturing 3 exposures of the same scene, each with different settings. For instance, one shot will be properly exposed, one underexposed and the one overexposed. Using this process allows you to extract the best details from the shadows and highlight areas, making photographs look bold and creatively stunning.
As humans, our eyes allow us to see things in a manner that exceeds the ability of cameras in terms of dynamic range. HDR photography helps to close the gap, although not completely. HDR is however, an outstanding art form and way to view this wonderful world we occupy.
Below are two examples.
The image on the left is right out of the camera, unprocessed. Many would be happy with this… until you see what’s possible. 
The image on the right is an HDR image that has yet to be adjusted to take advantage of the dynamic range now available, and it still shows far more vibrance than a standard digital shot.
From this point you can allow your creativity to flow, which is what I love about this art form.
WHAT’S NEEDED TO CREATE THESE TYPE OF IMAGES?
Camera
A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) is required. These run in price ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars. You want a really decnt quality camera but there is no need to spend large sums of money to start out. I recommend that you get a name brand like a Canon or Nikon, proven products that do what they are suppose to do. These are the top brands in the industry, used by many professional photographers. I will say however, that when it comes to HDR photography the camera is not as critical as the software used in post-processing. This is where the real magic happens.
I use a Nikon D5000 camera, which has many of the same features of the more expensive Nikon D90. One point about cameras: these are hand-held computers with lots of processing power and if you tweak the settings on most name brand models, you can get images right off the camera that are better than most others. Invest in a nice model that you can afford and learn how to program and use it.
Lenses
A quality camera lens can easily surpass the cost of the camera in many cases. Don’t skimp on lenses, buy good quality lenses that 1, are made to operate with the brand and format of your camera, and 2, realize that this is an investment into your successful future. I am a strong believer that if you buy a Nikon camera, you should buy Nikon (or Nikkor as their lens brand is known as) lenses. They are perfectly matched to the product that you have already invested in and will provide years of dependable service and above all, great results.
Minimally, you can get away with a couple of lenses like a Nikkor 18-55mm (often packaged with the camera) and a Nikkor 18-200mm zoom. A similar configuration will serve you well if you go the Canon route. This arrangement provides a good all-around lens in the 18-55mm and the reach for those things that are in the distance with the 18-200mm. There are a ton of lenses on the market, be sure to match the format with your camera (Nikon DX – use DX lenses / Nikon FX – use FX lenses) for best results.
Other lenses may be needed, depending upon they type of photography you have decided to specialize in.
Tripods
Listen, if you are thinking about taking the plunge into serious photography, you’ll need a tripod, and a really decent one at that. To produce top quality images, you’ll need to mount your camera on a tripod and eliminate as much camera shake and vibration as possible to get tack sharp images. Think about it, do you really want to mount $2000 (or more) worth of equipment on a $35 tripod?
Get a lightweight carbon fiber model that you can afford, preferably with a ball head.
Processing Software
To create the magic that is HDR photography, you’ll need tools. Can’t build a house without the hammer, saw and other associated tools, right?
During post-processing (that period of time after you capture the image and before you make it available for public consumption) a host of tools will be needed to keep things organized, sharpen your images, add the desired affects and a boatload of other issues that will make your final product unique. Below is a listing of what I use to accomplish the tasks. Most of these are industry standard and many are must-haves if you really want to elevate your brand.
Obtain what you can and master each and every one of these tools for the best results possible. Other than what I have marked as “Must-have”, you can consider them optional, although if you’re like me, you’ll want them all.
Seriously, they each have a specific purpose and I would not list them if they were not worth having in your arsenal.
A word of caution: Many of these products have a 30-day trial period. Yes, you can try them with full finctionality for 30 days. The reason they do this is simple. They kniow that after using these awesome tools for that period of time, you’ll do whatever you can to secure the final purchase, because they truly are that good. You’ve been warned!
Photomatix Pro 4
Best on the market for merging your bracketed images into a HDR final. Go to HDRGuru.co to read more about the product. You can get 15% of of the cost by entering the code “HDRGuru15″. This is a Must-have tool. You can download the trial version that never expires, but places a watermark over your final HDR image. My advice: just buy the thing!
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3
Visit the Lightroom 3 page and read about the software. You can try before you buy for 30-days.
Adobe Photoshop CS5
If you have the funds for this package you should get it, although not a must on the list. The latests upgrades to Photoshop CS5 Extended makes it nothing short of magic.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9
This is a lesser priced version of Photoshop and although it doesn’t have nearly the amount of features, Photoshop Elements 9 is a great tool for the price. This make for a good alternative and if you’re going to process images, you’ll need some version of Photoshop in my opinion.
Topaz Labs Plug-in Bundle
The Topaz Plug-in Bundle is a great set of tools, particularly paired with Photoshop Elements 9. These 8 plug-ins provide a ton of powerful effects.
Acquiring any of these tools is only part of the battle. You must then learn to master them and the power they possess. This is what will bring you a tremendous level of satisfaction.
There are a good number of other products available as well, but I’ll only present you with what I have or am currently using.
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Thanks for your interest!
