HDR Photography Using Photomatix | High Dynamic Range Photography
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How to do HDR Photography Using Photomatix
To take HDR photos you will need the following tools;
~ Digital Camera (with exposure bracketing capabilities)
~ Tripod
~ HDR photo editor (i.e. Photomatix)
Finding a Subject for HDR images
What to take HDR photos of
Learn How To Create a Photo Like This
HDR Photo of Sunset Home Reflection
Taking Mutiple Exposures using Exposure Bracketing
Exposure bracketing mutiple exposures
Here is what your 5 photos should look like

The image in the middle is the correct exposure. The two images to the left are over exposed 1 stop each. The two photos to the right are under exposed 1 stop each. All 5 of these photos will be combined to produce your HDR photo.
Download Photomatix for Free
Free Photomatix Download
Once you have Photomatix downloaded, open Photomatix and and click on "Generate HDR Image". Upload the 5 images that you just shot and click OK. Now the options box should open. Click on "align source images" and check "By correcting horizontal and vertical shifts". Now click OK and wait for Photomatix process your image.
You should now be able to see a very dark image and a preview pane to the left where you can see the final photo. Now click on "Tone Mapping" to prepare the image.
Now you should be able to see the final photo. From this point you can tweak the image to your taste. Once you are happy with you photo, click on "Process" and you are all done.
HDR Movie - Silicon Valley Timelapse
This is the trailer for Silicon Valley Timelapse
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Still Image from Silicon Valley Timelapse
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Still Image of building from Silicon Valley Timelapse
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Still Image of Skyline from Silicon Valley Timelapse
Want to learn more about HDR Photography?
High Dynamic Range Photography Book
Mastering HDR Photography: Combining Technology and Artistry to Create High Dynamic Range Images
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
High dynamic range imaging, or HDR, is the latest challenge for those who are serious about digital photography. But with that challenge comes an opportunity to expand skills and repertoire into exciting new areas. HDR, originally developed for use with computer-generated images, captures the full range of tones in a scene, reproducing human perception down to the finest detail without lens flare, burnout, or underexposure. Mastering High Dynamic Range Photography explains exactly how to shoot specifically for HDR, and how to use the new software that lets the photographer combine several images into one glowingly accurate final photo. Step-by-steps and sample photographs reveal how to apply these techniques to many different genres, producing results that are part photograph, part work of art.
HDRI Handbook
Guide to taking better HDR Photos
The HDRI Handbook: High Dynamic Range Imaging for Photographers and CG Artists +DVD
Amazon Price: $94.49 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
The HDRI Handbook reveals the secrets behind High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). This cutting-edge imaging technology is a method to digitally capture and edit all light in a scene. It represents a quantum leap in imaging technology, as revolutionary as the leap from Black & White to Color imaging. If you are serious about photography, you will find that HDRI is the final step that places digital ahead of analog. The old problem of over- and underexposure in analog photography, which was never fully solved, is elegantly bypassed here. A huge variety of subjects can now be photographed for the first time ever.
Canon 5D - Ideal Camera for HDR Photos
The Canon 5D is an amazing camera and perfect for HDR photos
Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Amazon Price: $3,775.00 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
The Canon EOS 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon's superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and "Picture Style" color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application. With its wide-angle capabilities, 2.5 inch LCD and magnesium-alloy body, the 5D is the perfect addition to the Digital EOS line.
The New Nikon D300 HDR Camera
The Nikon D300 is top choice for NIkon HDR Cameras
Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Amazon Price: $1,999.99 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.
Nikon D60 - HDR Camera
The Nikon D60 would be a great camera for taking HDR Photos
Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $799.99 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR
Nikon D80 - HDR Camera Body
The Nikon D80 is a great camera for taking HDR photos
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)
Amazon Price: $700.00 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
One of the key advances developed for the D80 is its high-resolution image-processing engine, a dedicated new high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance. ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600, maximizing available light to help achieve optimal exposure 7 automated Digital Vari-Programs (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait) optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene User-selectable choice of optimization options
HDR Tripod
You need a high quality tripod for taking HDR photos
Manfrotto 728B Digi Compact Tripod with Integrated 3-Way Head and Carrying Bag (Black)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
Bogen Manfrotto 728B Digi Tripod with Quick Release Photo Video Head - Pan and tilt movements are extremely smooth to allow for clean video pans and tilts Maximum Height with extended center column 58.9 inches; Maximum Height (center column not extended) - 56.3 inches; Minimum Height - 19.3 inches Closed Length - 20.7 inches 4 Leg Sections with flip locks and rubberized feet for stability on virtually all surfaces Maximum Load Capacity - 7.7 pounds
Remote Control Shutter Release
Purchase a remote control shutter release for your camera
Mennon IR Remote Control 4 in 1 for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sumsung Cameras
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
Mennon RC-4in1 remote controller can control camera's shutter and other functions of compatible Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Samsung cameras with built-in infrared receivers remotely from a distance up to 5 to 10 meters. You can use this remote controls for instance for self-portraits or to prevent blur caused by camera shake.
Do you like High Dynamic Range Photography?
What do you think about HDR Photography?
Tell me about your High Dynamic Range Photography
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MerrimackValleyRealEstate
Feb 28, 2012 @ 12:17 pm | delete
- Love the images from Silicon Valley, thanks for sharing and the info.
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IMKirsh
Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:44 am | delete
- I started HDR Photography about a year ago using bracketing and Photomatix. Being a landscape and nature photographer, this has solved the "blown out sky" problems that I was struggling to deal with and opened up a new realm for me. It is really an elegant solution to the low dynamic range of digital cameras and I get very good results combining Photomatix and Photoshop.
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MsPenny
Sep 28, 2011 @ 3:42 pm | delete
- BTW the D60 does not have "bracketing" for HDR built into the camera. You have to shoot 3-9 shots. The aperture must remain constant to mainain the same DOF in all shots. Only the shutter speed/ISO can vary. Average is about 5 shots.
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RyanRE Sep 29, 2011 @ 11:06 am | delete
- @MsPenny ~ I didn't realize that the D60 doesn't have auto exposure bracketing. I thought this was standard on digital SLRs. I even have this feature in manual mode on one of my point and shoot cameras.
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MaxL Jul 6, 2011 @ 3:12 am | delete
- Nice lens but some images are now missing (at "HDR Photo of Sunset Home Reflection" and "Here is what your 5 photos should look like "). I would like to link your nice lens in my "Full Spectrum Photography" lens. Please let me know when you have fixed the pictures so I can add the link (if you allow me to, of course! ;)
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deyani Mar 24, 2011 @ 6:12 pm | delete
- I'm currently learning to take pictures in different exposure levels to create a HDR photography, it's fun yet challenging. Will have a look at Photomatix, it looks like a great software to play with.
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blackspanielgallery
Mar 17, 2011 @ 12:23 pm | delete
- Good lens
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williamliu
Dec 6, 2010 @ 8:32 pm | delete
- very well, nice info. so far HDR is unique to learn, not difficully for amatuer photographer,
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Nov 16, 2010 @ 8:27 am | delete
- Hi
I run a photo restoration company and we are looking to expand our services to photographers and photo printing companies. We offer high quality photo restoration and repair and will be willing to undercut any current contracts you currently have. If you are interested in our services, then feel free to visit our site and please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Iridis Imaging - Photo Restoration
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home2market
Jul 15, 2010 @ 12:28 am | delete
- Although I think the examples in this lens take it a little bit too far (the images are a little "cartoonish"), HDR photography is now the way to go for real estate photography and virtual tours. Our photographers will soon be required to shoot their virtual tours exclusively in HDR format. You can see examples of this on our site: http://www.home2market.com
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RyanRE Aug 20, 2010 @ 11:25 am | delete
- You are correct. A lot of the examples that I used were intentionally over saturated to demonstrate what can be done with HDR. When I take HDR real estate photos, I tend to lessen the HDR effects to create a more natural look.
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Myrle-Beach-Photography
May 29, 2010 @ 10:14 pm | delete
- This is a great lens. Very nice photos. If anyone is in the myrtle beach area, come check me out at Myrtle Beach Photography
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Marc_Sandford
Feb 27, 2010 @ 6:06 am | delete
- Cool lens. The photos are like a cross between photography and painting. I'd like to do this.
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JoshNorthrup
Jul 13, 2009 @ 5:45 pm | delete
- Great Lens! I am a huge fan of HDR also. I just finished my first lens on HDR and I am in the process of another.
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ChineseKitesforKids
Apr 26, 2009 @ 10:18 pm | delete
- Stunning. Just stunning. Those are some of the best pictures I have ever seen. An easy 5 stars!
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See more of my Real Estate Photography
Bellingham Virtual Tours Website

Would you like to see more HDR photos? For my real estate business I typically produce HDR exterior photos (seen on this webpage) and blended HDR interior photos. I post all of my HD Photo Galleries on my Bellingham Virtual Tours website.
Bellingham Washington has been my home for over 11 years and I would love to help you explore our beautiful city. Please visit my Bellingham real estate website to learn about the area and find the best deals on homes.
by RyanRE
Hi, my name is Ryan Martin and I love HDR Photography. I hope that you learned something from my High Dynamic Range Photography Tutorial. Photography is... more »
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