When you can’t capture detail in the brightest and darkest parts of a scene in a single frame, you can take several bracketed exposures and blend them together later in Photoshop or similar software, such as Photomatix.
You’ll need to mount the camera on a tripod while you take the shots to ensure that the frames will line up when you blend them together – and shoot in Aperture Priority mode so that the depth of field is consistent throughout the whole sequence.
Combining the well-exposed shadows and highlights from separate shots with the camera’s ‘midtone’ exposure, you can create an image that has a wider dynamic range. This kind of treatment isn’t to everyone’s taste, however, because at its extremes it can create an unnatural, hyper-real effect.
+2 stops of compensation
All we’re concerned about in this bright exposure is capturing the detail in the rocks.
+2/3 stop of compensation
Here, we’re looking to preserve detail in the sea and the darker areas of sky.
No compensation
This exposure is exactly as the camera sees it. It’s a useful image for revealing hidden detail in the clouds.
-1 1/3 stops of compensation
A darker exposure ensures that the brightest areas of sky retain some detail.
PAGE 1: Common questions about bracketing
PAGE 2: How to start bracketing exposures
PAGE 3: Understanding dynamic range
PAGE 4: Try exposure blending
READ MORE
Depth of Field: what you need to know for successful images
Manual Focus: what you need to know to get sharp images
Posted on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 at 4:15 pm under Beginner.
Tags: camera tips, DSLR tips, HDR
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