HDR
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 HDR 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hehe thanks all – appreciate the feedback
Matt – a very nice offer there to carry my stuff – haha
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.
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.
Thanks! Mary that is very nice of you
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
Carl,
Cool! Welcome to the site – happy to have you
very stunning pictures! i like them! i has heard before of HDR but never tried them. will try your tutorials, thanks for sharing!
[...] HDR and HDR [...]
Beautiful work, sir. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Many, many thanks for all the cool wallpaper!
Steve.
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!
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
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
[...] 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 [...]
But these were lies from a memeber of a terrorist group. ,
@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
[...] 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, [...]
Like i said it’s amateur approach but still good enough for wallpapers.
http://files.myopera.com/Filip007/files/edo-ferrari-enzo-HDR.png
bellisimo!
[...] Mehr geniale HDR Bilder findet ihr auf seinem Blog Stuckincustoms. [...]
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?
Your work is brilliant! Cannot wait to get started on the tutorials!
i was on that portalarium website on the ‘About’ page.
are all those photo’s from austin texas?
looks crazy.
Trey~Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and the breathtaking pics. Truly, visual nutrition! But I was just wondering do you ever post, say a HDR photo next to the same non-hdr one? Or have a gallery of non-hdr photos? The reason I ask is that I feel like the odd man and a weirdo feeling this way but while initially a hdr photo pops out at me and is stunning if I look at too many of them or stare at one too long, I always get this fakish, Thomas Kincaidish type of feeling come over me. Would just be neat to study and see one of your photos unprocessed versus processed. Again, just flat out awesome work. Thanks.
@Graham Anderson ~Not to defend Trey, but I was amused at your post. No offense, but I’ll go out on a limb and say the goal of 99.9% of ALL photographers is too take visually stunning, memorable, emotional photographs of brief moments in time, the best they know how. (And hey, maybe make a little coin in the process.) Dissertations and philosophies aside, I’d say Mr. Ratcliff does that in spades. Just my $.02
duh, nevermind. I just saw your tutorial. my bad.
[...] sky is so brilliant it can overshadow even a busy, colorful background. That is, unless you use a HDR Photo Technique. Not until the trees are in their full summer glory will the color competition between the sunsets [...]
[...] and I have taken our photography to the next level by learning about “HDR” – High Dynamic Range photography. I was inspired by the blog of Trey Ratcliff – Stuck in Customs – to finally take the [...]
[...] composta da almeno tre scatti dello stesso soggetto ripresi a differenti correzioni di esposizione. Qui una buona guida con molti esempi. Questi gli accorgimenti che [...]
[...] of the best places to learn about HDR or High Dynamic Range photography is at: HDR | High Dynamic Range __________________ _________________________________ Canon 7D | Canon 40D | 16-35mm f/2.8L | [...]
Holy Mother of God! I stumbled across this on my lunch hour and I am completely MESMORIZED!! You are my photographic Pied Piper! I am just getting my feet wet again after years of putting my camera down. I knew what style of photographs I wanted to produce but the means to get there were as clear a mud. Until this….UNTIL YOU!!! I will keep you posted on my progress. I am so excited that I will likely not sleep tonight!
Totally awesome pictures- Love them all