hen shooting a high-contrast scene in bright and mixed
conditions, it’s near impossible to capture one image that
retains detail in the shadows and areas lit by the sunshine.
This is where HDR, or High Dynamic Range, images are
ideal. You have two choices – use the in-camera HDR mode, or take
multiple exposures and merge them in post. The key with both is to
not go overboard, or your images will look unrealistic. Let’s explain...
High Dynamic Range
Capture and create HDR images with added impact
W
In-camera HDR mode
All Canon DSLRs have HDR modes. Beginner cameras
from the 1300D up the 77D have HDR Backlight
Control. But the HDR mode, on enthusiast DSLRs,
like the 80D, 7D Mk II, 6D and 5D Mk III, is better.
These take three exposures – standard, under-
and overexposure – then merges them in-camera.
HDR mode is available on high-spec EOS DSLRs,
but options vary: an 80D only saves the merged
JPEG. On our 5D Mk III it saves our three bracketed
Raws as well as creating an HDR JPEG in camera.With a Raw image you can selectively darken and brighten
areas for a more balanced and full tonal rangeFake HDR in ACR
We often find you can get the best, natural results
by taking one standard Raw image that has sufficient
detail in shadows and highlights, then boosting them
in Camera Raw in Photoshop, or with Lightroom,
using the Adjustment Brush and Gradient filters.STANDARD EV UNDEREXPOSURE EV OVEREXPOSURE EV IN-CAMERA HDR
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