In this post, I’ll talk about creating HDR (high dynamic range) images from a single RAW file. This technique is effective for bringing back 1 to 2 stops of detail in both the shadows and highlights, because that’s about how much latitude you have in a RAW file. Basically we’re going to squeeze as much usable image data as possible out of that RAW image. For this tutorial I’ll be using Adobe Camera RAW 5.6 to create my multiple exposures, and Photomatix Pro 4.0.1 to merge them into HDR. If you’re reading this and thinking “HD what?” then head over to Wikipedia for a little background info, but basically we’re out to capture a scene with higher dynamic range then the digital camera sensor can accurately represent.

HDR is often used (abused?) to create surreal images with psychedelic colors and spooky clouds. That’s all fine and good, but the “cartoony HDR look” does get old. I’m interested in using HDR as a tool to close the gap between what my eye say, and my camera recorded. In other words, I’m after “realistic HDR.” As an example, take a look at these images of the famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan. This Zen Buddhist temple is plated with gold, which makes it kinda shiny. There’s a nice reflection in the water, a clear blue sky, and green trees in the background. If I expose for the highlights in the temple, the shadows would be lost, if I expose for the shadows the temple will be blown. What to do? Shoot RAW and HDR it later!

Straight from camera. Processed in Adobe Camera RAW with default settings.

HDR image straight from Photomatix Pro

Read on for the step-by-step instructions and to download the files used in this tutorial. (more…)