This page has a brief description of HDR. It is a big subject, and words fail at some point. If you are like me, you learn from visual example. This site has countless examples, tutorials, and the like so you can find out as little or as much as you desire about the subject.
If you want to learn how to do it, then I suggest you visit my HDR Tutorial and it will tell you everything you need to know.
HDR Photos
HDR is an acronym for High Dynamic Range. It is a post-processing task of taking either one image or a series of images, combining them, and adjusting the contrast ratios to do things that are virtually impossible with a single aperture and shutter speed. I would say that about 75% of my images use the technique, and if you are new to it, then you may notice a slightly different “look and feel” to the photographs. There are all kinds of nerdy technical things I can say about HDR, but in case you are like me, you can learn best by example. I posted a bunch of my HDR photos below.
To me, the HDR process helps the photos look more… let’s say… evocative.
I can talk a little bit more about the philosophy behind the photography style here for a quick moment. You might consider that the way the human brain keeps track of imagery is not the same way your computer keeps track of picture files. There is not one aperture, shutter speed, etc. In fact, sometimes when you are in a beautiful place or with special people and you take photos — have you ever noticed when you get back and show them to people you have to say, “Well, you really had to be there.” Even great photographers with amazing cameras can only very rarely grab the scene exactly as they saw it. Cameras, by their basic-machine-nature, are very good at capturing “images”, lines, shadows, shapes — but they are not good at capturing a scene the way the mind remembers and maps it. When you are actually there on the scene, your eye travels back and forth, letting in more light in some areas, less light in others, and you create a “patchwork-quilt” of the scene. Furthermore, you will tie in many emotions and feelings into the imagery as well, and those get associated right there beside the scene. Now, you will find that as you explore the HDR process, that photos can start to evoke those deep memories and emotions in a more tangible way. It’s really a wonderful way of “tricking” your brain into experiencing much more than a normal photograph.
HDR Camera and HDR Photo Equipment
What kind of camera do you need? Really, almost any DSLR camera will do. The bulk of the look comes from the software process, as described in the HDR Tutorial.
I have a Nikon D3X, but it does not require a camera that beefy to make photos like the ones you see on the site. In fact, many of my photos were taken with a camera that only costs a fraction of this beast. I have a full rundown of my SLR Camera recommendations here on the site as well. You can get started in this hobby fairly cheaply! 
Many people ask, “Why not just use HDR Photoshop?” I don’t advise just using Photoshop, and I have a little article at that link that talks about it.
What is your philosophy behind art and photography?
Ahh! That is a good question, even if I did write it myself! Well, the answer is too long for this format, but you can find a few nuggets of truth inside this article I wrote entitled “10 Principles of Beautiful Photography“.
HDR Video
I’ve been experimenting a bit with HDR Video. Most attempts I have seen out there so far are unsatisfactory. It’s my goal to bring the same look to video that I have in the shots beneath.
And here are some HDR photos for you:
May 14th, 2009 22:57 | Matt
Trey,
How is it that you can had HDR shots with moving people and animals in it? Are you using different layers for them? I’ve started using pretty much everything you say on here. Frankly, I am nothing short of amazed by your work. I love it- I look at it every day. You have taught me so much with your tutorials and have really helped me to make a lot of money with my own photography. Thanks so much for that. The gift of knowledge is priceless…and it is free. You are awesome man.
May 14th, 2009 23:41 | Stuck In Customs
Matt – I talk a bit about that in the HDR tutorial. There is a final step that helps you mask in one of the original RAWs.
May 19th, 2009 11:49 | Matt
Trey,
Thanks man- I’ll look into that. So, would your reccomend that if I am shooting HDR that I do it in RAW? So far I haven’t been.
Also, would knowing that I shoot HDR and travel photography like you do- would you reccomend the D300 or the D3? I’ve read a lot of reviews on it, but truthfully, your opinion would mean the most to me.
Ps…you are my hero. Thanks for making so many great tutorials. I have purchased many of the lenses and software that you ahve reviewed. You have given me the tools to become a far better photographer. Thanks man.
May 19th, 2009 13:32 | Stuck In Customs
hehe thx…
I suggest shooting in RAW yes
Also – I have a My SLR Camera recommendations over there on the right – see it? That has some good suggestions.
May 19th, 2009 14:59 | Matt
Awesome. Also, I reread the HDR tutorial, and you already answered that question about shooting in Raw. So- my REAL question is this: what will it take for me to be invited to shadow you on your next global excursion? FYI- I am COMPLETELY serious. I travel as much as possible, and would love nothing more than to tag along with a master. I’ll even voluteer to carry your stuff. Hahah.
June 15th, 2009 17:23 | Wibo
Have just read your HDR-tutorial. Best one I found till now. Gonna work at my HDR-techniques in the coming weeks again, because I really got exited again now haha.
I created only one HDR-picture which I’m content with. Still not really good, but it’s ok hehe. http://www.flickr.com/photos/weeebo/2825903184/
Anyway, with your site I have another website that I should follow
Greetz, Wibo
Groningen, Netherlands.
Student photography.
June 15th, 2009 22:25 | Trey Ratcliff
Hehe thanks all – appreciate the feedback
Matt – a very nice offer there to carry my stuff – haha
June 17th, 2009 02:17 | Manop
HDR is one of the most important factors to consider when buying the DSLR cmaera. Thanks for clearly explain it!
PS. You have really nice photos.
July 14th, 2009 21:58 | Mary
I am a former Disney World castmember, and now frequent WDW vacationer. My favorite thing to do there (right after—possibly even with riding the attractions) is taking pictures.
I stumbled onto your Disney pictures tonight and I was moved beyond words! The intensity of the emotions that came over me was overwhelming. You really did capture the essence of how my mind’s eye sees the parks.
WOW!! Thank you for sharing your amazing works.
July 15th, 2009 08:07 | Stuck In Customs
Thanks! Mary that is very nice of you
July 31st, 2009 16:42 | Carl Bostek
Matt,
I’d never heard of HDR until this morning when reading an update on Ken Rockwell’s site. I followed his link to your page and was blown away by your pix.
I’m looking forward to reading everything on your site and studying your tutorial. I might even break down and buy PS if I can’t do anything with Elements or Graphic Convertor. Guess I’d better start reading!
Thanks for the great pix and all the info.
Cheers,
Carl
July 31st, 2009 23:10 | Stuck In Customs
Carl,
Cool! Welcome to the site – happy to have you
August 5th, 2009 00:48 | zerokilled
very stunning pictures! i like them! i has heard before of HDR but never tried them. will try your tutorials, thanks for sharing!
August 10th, 2009 21:04 | Nearly Getting Arrested in Downtown Atlanta
[...] HDR and HDR [...]
August 11th, 2009 16:50 | Lightpourer
Beautiful work, sir. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Many, many thanks for all the cool wallpaper!
Steve.
August 17th, 2009 15:23 | lp
simply incredible. i’ve always been somewhat wary (read: lazy) of image processing, but since discovering the possibilities of HDR and what it can do, i can’t imagine not touching up my photos! thanks for sharing all of your insight and techniques!
August 28th, 2009 04:07 | filip007
I just use http://www.pixlr.com/editor/
with 30% brightness + 30% contrast + Vignette filter and job done in 2s.
Ok my it’s not true HDR but it’s very close to that.
http://bit.ly/vW8XA
September 7th, 2009 22:40 | Yolanda Romeo
Wow your HDR images are awesome, love them!! I have done some HDR work and now will go check out your tutorials and maybe pick up some tips
October 12th, 2009 01:47 | 25 fantastiska HDR bilder av Trey Ratcliff | ZtrixQ.se
[...] Ratcliff är en av världens bästa fotografer och jag har samlat ihop 25 otroligt snygga HDR bilder. Trey är en fotograf som har världens som sitt arbetsfält och har vunnit massvis med [...]
October 23rd, 2009 08:21 | Boy17
But these were lies from a memeber of a terrorist group. ,
November 11th, 2009 05:48 | Jonas
@filip007: While the http://www.pixlr.com/editor/ Pixlr online editor is a delightful tool (and recommended), and while your 2s technique might give generally useful results, it has absolutely nothing to do with the motivations behind HDR.
To be sure, generally “increasing contrast” in a photo will actually blow out color information and generate over/under-exposed areas, which is precisely the opposite of the HDR motivation. HDR may have contrast in hues, but it tends to have LESS contrast in light levels– kinda “flat” in that regard.
Similarly, increasing brightness can also cause loss of information in areas of your photo that are already bright– another affront to the concept of HDR.
The vignetting filter has absolutely nothing to do with HDR. [And again, can work against it by removing color information around the edges of your photo.]
Kind regards,
Jonas
November 11th, 2009 20:23 | HDR Photography — All Good? « Loose Associations
[...] in the forum rather than replying to this blog post. For more information on HDR photography, check here. Posted by looseassociations Filed in technology ·Tags: art, artists, High Dynamic Range, [...]
November 15th, 2009 13:28 | filip007
Like i said it’s amateur approach but still good enough for wallpapers.
http://files.myopera.com/Filip007/files/edo-ferrari-enzo-HDR.png
November 15th, 2009 16:42 | Deanna
bellisimo!
November 18th, 2009 07:38 | Stuck In Motion - Stuck in Customs | Webnfoto.com BLOG zu Webdesign & Fotografie
[...] Mehr geniale HDR Bilder findet ihr auf seinem Blog Stuckincustoms. [...]
November 20th, 2009 05:50 | Graham Anderson
Isn’t the best way to describe this to say that the eye rapidly adapts its aperture so that it can distinguish ratios of intensities over more orders of magnitude than a CCD can?
Also, you imply that the goal of HDR is to make photos appear more like humans perceive reality, but many of the photos on this page look fake. A viewer spends more time considering the process of creating the photo than the subject matter. What is the actual goal of your photography?
December 1st, 2009 14:06 | Brenda
Your work is brilliant! Cannot wait to get started on the tutorials!