
Introduction
In HDR photography, the median exposure is the base image in our Exposure Bracketing Sequence. Most of the time, the correct median exposure is not what your camera would consider correct. However, having the correct median exposure is the most important part of HDR photography. An incorrect median exposure can ruin your final result as there will be a lot of detail lost in the final HDR image. Detail loss may occur because of adjustments in the exposure in post production or simply because there was no detail there to begin with. In other words, if your median exposure is too dark, the brighter exposure is not going to be bright enough to capture all of the detail in the shadows. On the other hand, if your median exposure is too bright, your darker exposure is not dark enough to capture all of the detail in the highlights. In this article, we will discuss 3 techniques that you can use to verify that you have set the correct median exposure when shooting HDR images.
1. TRIAL AND ERROR TECHNIQUE
The first technique is the simplest one: Trial and Error. With this technique, you will approach a scene and dial in the correct Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB). For example, you could dial in a 3 frame, 2 stop bracketed sequence. Once you have dialed in your AEB, dial in what you think is the correct median exposure based on your metering mode and the overall scene. Then, simply take a sequence of images. After you have shot your first sequence of images, make sure that the Highlight Alert in your camera is turned on. Then, starting with the median exposure, flip through each image to make sure you can see all of the details in the shadows in your brightest exposure and all of the details in the highlights in your darkest exposure. The Highlight Alert will show you where in your images you have lost detail.
To turn on the Highlight Alert on the Nikon D800, select “Playback Display Options” from the Playback Menu.
Then, go down to “Highlights” and check the box to turn on the Highlight Alert, as shown below.
This Trial and Error Technique is more of a visual confirmation since you are using the Highlight Alert to help you determine whether or not your median exposure is correct. However, this is a great way to check your median exposure. If the median exposure is incorrect, then simply adjust the exposure accordingly until you reach an accurate median exposure.
2. HISTOGRAM TECHNIQUE
The next technique to use is the Histogram Technique, which can be a bit technical. However, the Histogram Technique will yield more consistent results. When you approach your scene, turn on the Live View feature in your camera. Most modern DSLRs should have this Live View feature. Then, turn on the Histogram inside of the Live View. With the Histogram enabled, you can dial in the exposure based on this Histogram.
The image below has a correct median exposure.
The Histogram should have a U-Shape, where the shadows are close to, or pushed along, the left side. The Highlights should also be close to, or pushed along, the right side. Below is the Histogram of the image above. Essentially, your Histogram for the median exposure should look like this Histogram.
With the Histogram up on your Live View, you can adjust the settings in your camera accordingly. Once you are done adjusting your settings, turn off the Live View and turn on your AEB. Then, adjust your focus and any other settings necessary. Once everything is set, start taking your shots at different exposures. Because you have already adjusted the median exposure based on the Histogram, both of your darkest and brightest exposures will be correct as well.
3. INTERNAL HDR TECHNIQUE
Depending on the kind of camera you have, this last technique may not be available for everyone. This technique involves using your camera’s Internal HDR Function. This function allows the camera to shoot a sequence of images and then process them in camera. Using this technique, you will shoot your sequence of images, look at your camera’s internally processed HDR image and see if that HDR image looks right. A correctly processed HDR file should have a Histogram that looks essentially like an upside-down U. You can also look at the image with the Highlight Alert enabled so that you can see all of the details in the highlights and shadows. This technique provides an on-site preview of what that HDR file might look like and we can choose whether or not we want to use the image in post production. Most likely, we will not end up using the camera’s internally processed HDR file because we will be doing our own processing in a separate HDR processing software. However, the camera’s Internal HDR Function does give you a good idea of whether or not you got the median exposure correct. From there, you would dial in the exposure accordingly. If the HDR image looks too dark, then brighten up the median exposure. Likewise, if the HDR image looks too bright, then darken the median exposure.
CONCLUSION
These are the 3 techniques that you can use to verify that you have dialed in the correct median exposure for your final HDR images. A correct median exposure will ensure that you are maximizing the detail of your HDR images. Overall, your final product will look a lot more professional as your images will look a lot cleaner and have better detail and color.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO HDR
- 1.1 – Introduction to HDR
- 1.2 HDR Workshop Introduction
- 1.3 What is HDR?
- 1.4 What is a Stop of Light
- 1.5 Boosting Dynamic Range by Combining Exposures
- 1.6 When Do You Really Need to Shoot HDR Images
- 1.7 Improvements in Technology
- 1.8 Installing the Presets
- 1.9 – What you will Need for HDR Photography
- 1.10 – Tripod
- 1.11 – Remote Shutter Release
- 1.12 –Lens Filter
- 1.13 – Memory Cards
- 1.14 – Backpack
- 1.15 – UNDFIND Bag
- 1.16 – Laptop
- 1.15 – HDR Software
CHAPTER 2: HDR CAMERA SETTINGS
- 2.1 – HDR Camera Settings Introduction
- 2.2 – What is Auto Exposure Bracketing
- 2.3 – How Many Exposures Do You Really Need
- 2.4 – Changing Your Cameras Bracketing Order
- 2.5 – Ceteris Paribus (Shutter Speed Changes)
- 2.6 – Capture All Shots by Shooting in Continuous Modes
- 2.7 – Camera Modes
- 2.8 – Metering Modes
- 2.9 – Timer
- 2.10 – Setting the Correct Median Exposure
- 2.11 – Nailing and Locking the Focus
- 2.12 – In-Camera HDR
- 2.13– In-Camera HDR
CHAPTER 3: HDR CONSIDERATIONS
- 3.1 – HDR Considerations Intro
- 3.2 – Using a Tripod
- 3.3 – Optimal Shutter Speedl
- 3.4 – Optimal Aperture Settings
- 3.5 – Optimal ISO Settings
- 3.6 –Moving Objects and Ghosting
- 3.7 – Using DSLRs with Faster Frame Rates
- 3.8 – Using Mirror Up Mode-Mirror Lockup
- 3.9 – Shooting in RAW vs. JPEG
- 3.10 – Macro Mode with Food Photography
- 3.11 – Clean Your Lenses & Sensor!
- 3.12 – Don’t Forget the Photographic Composition
CHAPTER 4: SALTON SEA, CA
- 4.1 – Salton Sea, CA HDR Introduction
- 4.2 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.1| How it was Shot
- 4.3 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.2| RAW preparation and HDR Export
- 4.4 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 4.5 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 4.6 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.4| Photoshop Layer
- 4.7 – Salton Sea HDR | Pt.6| Final Image Processing
Chapter 5: PAGE, AZ
- 5.1 – Page, Arizona HDR Introduction
- 5.2 Horseshoe Bend HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 5.3 Horseshoe Bend HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 5.4. Horseshoe Bend HDR | Pt.3| HDR Processing in Photomatix Pro
- 5.5 Horseshoe Bend HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Adobe Photoshop Import
- 5.6 Horseshoe Bend HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 5.7 Horseshoe Bend HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 5.8. Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 5.9 Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 5.10 Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 5.11– Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.4| Final Image Processing
- 5.12 – Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.5| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 5.13 Antelope Canyon HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
Chapter 6: MOAB, UT
- 6.1 Moab, Utah HDR Introduction
- 6.2 Moab Utah HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 6.3 Moab Utah HDR | Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 6.4 Moab Utah HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 6.5 Moab Utah HDR |Pt.4| Processing and Photoshop Import
- 6.6 Moab Utah HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 6.7 Moab Utah HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
Chapter 7: SALT LAKE CITY, UT
- 7.1 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR Location
- 7.2 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 7.3 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 7.4 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 7.5 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.4| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 7.6 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 7.7 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 7.8 Salt Lake City HDR Introduction
- 7.9 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 7.10 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 7.11 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 7.12 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processsing and Photoshop Import
- 7.13 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 7.14 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 7.15 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 7.16 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 7.17 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 7.18 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 7.19 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 7.20 Salt Lake Capital HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
Chapter 8: SALT LAKE MOUNTAINS, UT
- 8.1 Salt Lake Mountains HDR Introduction
- 8.2 Heber Valley Fishing Bracketed HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 8.3 Heber Valley Fishing Bracketed HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR
- 8.4 Heber Valley Fishing Bracketed HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 8.5 Heber Valley Fishing Bracketed HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 8.6 Salt Lake Union Pacific HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 8.7 Heber Valley Fishing Bracketed HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 8.8 Heber Creeper Train HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 8.9 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 8.10 Heber Creeper Train HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 8.11 Heber Creeper Train HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 8.12 Heber Creeper Train HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 8.13 Heber Creeper Train HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 8.14 Uinta Summit Panorama HDR |Pt.1| How it was Shot
- 8.15 Uinta Summit Panorama HDR |Pt.2| Single Shot Faux HDR Processing
- 8.16 Uinta Summit Panorama HDR |Pt.3| Photoshop Panorama Processing
- 8.17 Uinta Summit Panorama HDR |Pt.4| Final Image Processing
Chapter 9: BRYCE & ZION, UT
- 9.1 Bryce Canyon HDR Introduction
- 9.2 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 9.3 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 9.4 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 9.5 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 9.6 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.5| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 9.7 Bryce Canyon HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 9.8 Road Side Panorama HDR |Pt.1| How it was Shot
- 9.9 Salt Lake LDS Temple HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 9.10 Road Side Panorama HDR |Pt.3| Photoshop Panorama Processing
- 9.11 Road Side Panorama HDR |Pt.4| Final Image Processing
- 9.12
Zion River HDR |Pt.1| Location - 9.13 Zion River HDR |Pt.2| How it was Shot
- 9.14
zion River HDR |Pt.3| RAW Preparation and HDR Export - 9.15 Zion River HDR |Pt.4| HDR Processing
- 9.16 Zion River HDR |Pt.5| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 9.17 Zion River HDR |Pt.6| Photoshop Layer Blending
- 9.18 Zion River HDR |Pt.7| Final Image Processing
Chapter 10: LAS VEGAS, NV & LOS ANGELES, CA
- 10.1 Las Vegas and Los Angeles HDR Introduction
- 10.2 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.1| How it Was Shot
- 10.3 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.2| RAW Preparation and HDR Export
- 10.4 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.3| HDR Processing
- 10.5 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.4| RAW Processing and Photoshop Import
- 10.6 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.5| hotoshop Layer Blending
- 10.7 Las Vegas Aria HDR |Pt.6| Final Image Processing
- 10.8 Downtown Los Angeles HDR |Pt.1| How it was Shot
- 10.9 Downtown Los Agneles HDR |Pt.2| Single Shot Faux HDR Processing
Chapter 11: BONUS
- 11.1 Heber Creeper Train HDR
- 11.2 Heber Valley Fishing SIngle Shot HDR
- 11.3 Uinta Summit Bracket HDR
- 11.4 Bryce Canyon Panorama HDR
- 11.5 Zion Entrance Panorama HDR
- 11.6 Las Vegas Cleveland Clinic HDR
- 11.7 Palos Verdes HDR
- 11.8 Shen Zhen Pier HDR
- 11.9 China Street Photography HDR
- 11.10 Stearns Wharf HDR
Total Course Run Time: 13H 6M 50S
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