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The Secrets to a Good HDR!
Written by Matthew Budnick   

So as the functions of our cameras get more sophisticated; they also become more complicated.  We are provided the opportunity to express true creativity through auto-bracketing, which are the fundamental building blocks to a solid HDR exposure.  A High Dynamic Range image, or HDR is the combination of several images that are taken at different exposure values.  Once the images are saved, you must use a post-processing tool such as Topaz HDR Fusion, Photomatix, or Photoshop itself.  We will get to how to use these in a minute, but first let’s explore the custom settings on Canon camera’s that will let you excel in capturing the bracketed images for an HDR image.

With higher end Canons such as the Canon 7d, or the 5d MarkII, they come with customizable camera settings that we can program.  On the camera dial they are C1, C2, C3.  What makes the HDR successful is the capture of extreme exposure values (-5, -3 ,   -1, etc).  Technically speaking, you only need 3 bracketed images to create an HDR, but I have found that taking a minimum of 6 shots create the range that is necessary for a shot to really stand out. By programming your C1 function on your camera to take bracketed pictures is the first step.  Then you should set the exposure value for those photos at -5, 0, +5.  These will be the first group of your 6 that you will need.  You will want to also have matrix metering set as well to ensure the best overall exposures.  Finally, make sure that you are at least a depth of field of f/8 or higher.  This will ensure the maximum amount of area to be in focus.