Recently we've been experimenting more with HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos from our Hawaii trips and we wanted to share a few of our favorite HDR photos with our visitors. Below you'll find an assortment of our favorite HDR pictures from Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
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What is HDR?
High dynamic range (HDR) or High dynamic range imaging (HDRI) are a set of methods used in taking photographs that allow a more significant dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. This provides more visibility in the lighter or darker areas than the typical standard digital photograph or methods.
To better explain, think of HDR as a means to provide higher dynamic range in imagery. A camera that does not have HDR will take photos at one exposure level that has a very limited range with contrast. This ultimately results in the loss of detail in the darkest or lightest parts of the photo, depending on the exposure setting of the camera at the time of the photo. HDR compensates for this by taking multiple photos at different exposure levels and then "combining" them together to make a photo that represents the full spectrum of exposures, bringing out details in both the light and dark areas of the photo.
Interestingly enough, this can even be done with a single photo, sometimes called "fake HDR." The results can still be very stunning however, as HDR methods still bring out the detail in both the light and dark areas of the photo in question. Many of our photos on this page were single photo images that had HDR technology applied to them.
If you have a Mac computer, HDRtist is an excellent program to get you started with HDR images; it's free for the first 15 days as of the date this was published. For Windows users, a Google search should provide you with several options, many commercial, but worth the price if you want to see your photos truely come to life with HDR effects.
Have fun, and enjoy our Hawaii HDR photos below!
