HDR PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Take 5 bracketed exposures, 2 stops apart

	Image 6 - Blended shot, given a black and white treatment

The ability of a camera to see details in very bright areas and very dark regions is nowhere as good as the human eye. High Dynamic Range photography gets over this problem by using specific techniques and/or software to extend the range of highlights and shadows that the camera can capture.

Bracket and use Raw

For software such as Photomatix, the ideal bracketed setting is 2 stops apart. It is best to use Raw files as their exposure range is quite extensive (+ or - 4 stops roughly in each Raw file). This is because they are 12 or 14-bit files, and the higher bit numbers mean more detail.

8 bit Jpeg or Tif files can be used as well, but their exposure range has already been severely limited by the lower bit number. This lower level of detail approximates to less than 2 stops each side (+ or - 2 stops).

5 shots, 2 stops apart

Your finished shots should end up at -4, -2, 0, +2, +4. It is also best to use a tripod to make sure that the scene does not shift between each shot.

Images 1 thru 5 - Exposures range from (left to right) -4, -2, 0, +2, +4 Stops

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