This can be done manually, but most people use the built-in HDR features of Photoshop starting in CS1 (I think?)
If you wanted to do a rudimentary expanded dynamic range yourself, then shoot two exposures (one slightly underexposed, one slightly overexposed) then layer them in PS with the overexposed version on top. Change its layer properties to have the shadow areas of the overexposed layter dominate the shadows of the underexposed (background) layer. Likewise, you want the highlights of the underexposed layer to dominate the highlights of the overexposed layer. The goal is a blend of highlights from the underexposed layer with a blend of shadows from the overexposed layer.
WARNING: this can lead to very "flat" looking images if you are not careful!
This has been discussed ad infinitum on the internet. However, many people are experimenting with 20-stops of data "smooshed" into the normal 256 layers -- the result of which is often bizarre and surreal.
Michael
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Blackwell [mailto:mblackwell1958@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 02:24 PM
To: 'List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students'
Subject: High Dynamic Range
Well all this talk of range of capture reminded me of a podcast I listen to that is a big fan of HDR. Frankly it was one of those things I was going to read about one day, and just never have yet.
Anyone have any suggestions on good intros and tutorials on the subject? Sounds like there may be some real creative possibilities here.
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