5-minute photo tips: Use Auto HDR and save your exposure struggles!

Tutorials
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How to use Auto HDR to blend three exposures in-camera to avoid extra work in post-processing

In-camera Features
Pros prefer shooting during blue and golden hours, here the HDR technique helps to correctly expose the scene (Image credit: Jignesh Chavda)
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Improves: Color / contrast

Capturing the intricate details of a high-contrast scene with one exposure can be a daunting challenge, as it is bound to either overexpose bright areas or underexpose dark ones. 

Here we can use the HDR technique, which solves the issue by taking multiple frames with different exposure stops. These usually are merged in post-processing to showcase the different bright image elements to perfection. 

SHOOT HANDHELD

This method is handheld-proof, just make sure to select a faster shutter speed to achieve clear results. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to seek additional support in the scene.

To simplify the shooting process and save time in editing, in-camera functions enable the shooting of the exposure handheld while merging images directly on the go – automatically after you press the shutter! 

Tutorial

1. Select JPEG

(Image credit: Future)

It is usually recommended to shoot in RAW, but in this case, it is not necessary as the dynamic range optimization is already done in-camera. Before capturing the scene, make sure to set the JPEG quality and image size settings to maximum. 

2. Enable Auto HDR

(Image credit: Future)

By selecting Auto HDR, the camera automatically shoots in burst mode. This means you will have to press down the shutter longer than usual to fire all frames in a row (don’t forget to stay in position until the camera captures all frames), then it will combine all exposures taken into a single shot. 

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This article originally appeared in Digital Photographer, a monthly magazine, and the kitbag essential for pros, enthusiasts, and amateurs alike!

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Check out our What is HDR photography? explainer for more on the process, and you can also take a look at the best HDR software if you prefer the post-production method.

See more Exposure Tutorials
Kim Bunermann
Kim Bunermann
Technique Editor

Kim is the Technique Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine. She specializes in architecture, still life and product photography and has a Master's degree in Photography and Media with a distinction from the FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While studying, Kim came to the UK for an exchange term at the London College of Communication. She settled in the UK and began her career path by joining Future. Kim focuses on tutorials and creative techniques, and particularly enjoys interviewing inspiring photographers who concentrate on a range of fascinating subjects including women in photography, the climate crisis; the planet, its precious creatures and the environment.