High Dynamic Range Digital Photography For Dummies®

Chapter 14. (More Than) Ten Ways to Shoot Better Photos for HDR

Taking better photos for HDR involves two things: taking better photos in general, and effectively using the particular techniques of HDR. If you aren't taking good photos, whether you employ HDR techniques (like using a tripod or AEB) is irrelevant. Likewise, you diminish the effect of shooting wonderfully contrasted clouds at sunset in a five-shot bracketed set if you fail to understand how to set up and compose the shot.

This chapter, therefore, provides helpful hints, reminders, and showcase showdown images to help steer you in the right direction. There are certainly more than ten ways to shoot better photos for HDR, but here is a good cross-section of HDR-specific information and general photography pointers.

Getting a Good Tripod

Get a good tripod. Cheap tripods are, well, cheap. They aren't stable, don't allow you to change heads, break easily, and mark you as an amateur. Good tripods are worth the investment. I have never regretted — not for a minute — spending extra for my Manfrotto tripod (the legs), heads (one ball and one pan-tilt), and a good bag. This was after going through several cheaper versions. You don't have to run out and buy a Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen, by the way). Shop around and find something that suits you. Try Gitzo, Induro, Slik, or Calumet. A good tripod makes aligning HDR brackets easier ...