DP Review has posted part one in a guide to high dynamic range (HDR) photography. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1012/10122206HDRpart1.asp
Generally, HDR means taking a series of photos that differ only in their exposure. (A tripod is generally necessary.) The exposures are then combined into a single image.
HDR technique is useful in situations where one part of the photo is very bright, and other parts are dark. For example, bright sunlight streaming down into the famous cave in Antelope Canyon. http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm
A single photo might over-expose the rays of light, or under-expose the dark walls of the cave. Combine multiple exposures and the result may be improved. The result is different than traditional bracketing because it combines the best from multiple exposures, instead of choosing the most pleasing single shot.
You don't need a high-falutin' DSLR to take advantage of HDR. A point and shoot can do it too if it has a mode that allows you to manually adjust the exposure. Software like later versions of Photoshop can merge multiple HDR exposures into a single image.
Generally, HDR means taking a series of photos that differ only in their exposure. (A tripod is generally necessary.) The exposures are then combined into a single image.
HDR technique is useful in situations where one part of the photo is very bright, and other parts are dark. For example, bright sunlight streaming down into the famous cave in Antelope Canyon. http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm
A single photo might over-expose the rays of light, or under-expose the dark walls of the cave. Combine multiple exposures and the result may be improved. The result is different than traditional bracketing because it combines the best from multiple exposures, instead of choosing the most pleasing single shot.
You don't need a high-falutin' DSLR to take advantage of HDR. A point and shoot can do it too if it has a mode that allows you to manually adjust the exposure. Software like later versions of Photoshop can merge multiple HDR exposures into a single image.