In the world of photography, image processing, and computer graphics there is what is known as high dynamic range –HDR- imaging. HDR is a certain set of techniques that will let though a wider and more dynamic range of luminances between the darkest and lightest areas of a picture or image when compared to a regular digital image. Because of the greater depth allowed by the HDR image, these types of images will look more accurate as far as levels of the image goes. In other words, the image will look more like the real thing as features from the real scene from sunlight to starlight will be highlighted and come though in greater detail.

In photography dynamic range is measured in stops, or what is also known to be called EV differences, between the brighter parts of the image and the darker parts of the image that show all of the detailing of the image. If you increase one stop or EV you are basically taking the amount of light provided and doubling it.

Images that are high dynamic will typically mimic the radiance or the illumination of the actual object in the real world on much deeper and realistic tone as compared to regular digital images. For this reason the HDR images will be much more lifelike and will be in a greater or higher definition as opposed to the regular digital photos.

If you have ever seen an HDR photo and compared it to a regular digital photo you know the difference is night and day. It is sort of like looking at a regular television and then watching a high definition television for the first time. The high definition television almost reaches out and grabs you as the colors and lights are so vivid. This is the same feeling that you get when you see a high dynamic range photo for the first time after being used to dealing with traditional digital photos.

Most high dynamic range photographs are made after capturing many standard digital photos and then mapping or merging them into a single HDR image. This is often done by using exposure bracketing. You can create an HDR photo using any digital camera that will allow you to manually over and under expose the light settings.

These days it is not uncommon for a digital camera to have an AEB feature which stands for auto exposure bracketing. Depending on the camera you go with you can get a range of 3 stops or EV all the up to 18. There are even digital cameras out now that will have an HDR mode and save any images taken in that mode to a tone-mapped JPEG file.

Because we live in a world where everything is getting bigger, better, and brighter it stands to reason that HDR photography is beginning to catch on. Now it is possible for people to view things in photographs that have never been able to be seen before. Viewing an HDR photograph gives you a much better feel and idea of exactly what it is you are looking at and HDR will help the world share its experiences and sights on a much deeper and more vivid level.