Creating HDR Photos: The Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Photography

First, note that this is not a book for beginners but rather for intermediate level photographers; it assumes you have a working knowledge of (a) your camera controls as well as (b) some post-processing skills using Lightroom and Photoshop. On the other hand, it assumes you know nothing at all about HDR and want to add that skill set to your repertoire. Starting at ground zero, the author walks the reader through the basics (e,g, what is HDR, what is RAW, etc.) and then gives clear step-by-step instructions on shooting for HDR and then processing for HDR. I especially appreciated that that he gave instructions for utilizing alternative HDR software programs, i.e. Photomatic, Nik HDR Effects Pro, and Photoshop HDR Pro. Even though I had some basic knowledge of HDR when I bought the book, it definitely added to my knowledge base; for example, I did not know there were several ways to produce an HDR image without using any of the automated commercial software.(Surprise: you actually don't have to buy Photomatix, etc. although its fun to play with and, if you pay attention to the various settings of the different presets, you will learn how to create various HDR styles.) Worth the money, good buy. The only caveat pertains not to the book's content but to the images which illustrate the text.Some images seem to have muddy colors and appear to be slightly out of focus. I have noticed similar issues with photos in other books by this publisher (Amphoto). Perhaps the author should choose a different publisher in the future??

I am very impressed with the professional character of the book. The author goes into great and useful detail of HDR photography, including different types of processing using software like Photoshop, even with a single photo when you can't afford to take multiple photos. I like the practical nature of the book. Every piece of information is practical so you can use it right away, from the setup of your camera to the software processing of the photos, not just using the automatic process that Photoshop has, but also using your own manual process, which is by far the best way to learn and understand what you are doing.

This is an excellent book. First, it talks about the history of HDR, what it is (and isn't) and the fact that you don't need to use the various HDR programs to do it. He then describes a variety of methods for taking and processing HDR photos from basic Photoshop techniques to the use of several popular HDR programs. The book contains instructions for each process and there are lots of examples showing what he was trying to do and how he did it. I couldn't put it down.

Harold Davis' book stands out among the crowded field of High Dynamic Range photography books in three very distinct ways. First, the book explains to the reader that HDR is a technique, not software, and not "a look." Davis does an excellent job of helping the reader not only to understand this concept but to grasp why it is so important to the understanding of HDR photography.Secondly, Davis, through his examples and explanations, helps the photographer to understand how HDR as a technique can be used to enhance one's images regardless of the subject matter. Most HDR books focus on the use of HDR techniques for the enhancement of landscape and urban architecture images. He helps us to understand the traditional subjects for HDR but also teaches us how to enhance unlikely subjects, from portraits to flowers, using his techniques.Finally, Davis takes the reader on a journey of learning the value of layers and masks to hand-blend images taken in an HDR series of photographs. These skills not only aid the reader in improving post-processing skills in general, but to also create very unique HDR images. Such techniques lead the photographer through the process of creating very realistic images, a skill that is sometimes lost in the myriad of HDR software packages and enhancement filters.Davis, in two of his previous works, The Photoshop Darkroom and The Photoshop Darkroom 2, lays the foundation for helping the photographer to understand the value of exploring new and unique combinations of techniques. This approach prepares the reader of his HDR book to continue the journey of using interesting and innovative methods to create images based on this popular form of photography.This book would be a good addition to many photographers' libraries of HDR books.

As a long term and old style film photographer, I was familiar with bracketing to achieve the optimum contrast and saturation. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of traveling with an accomplished digital photographer who opened my eyes to the power of HDR and better use of the digital format. This very practical and well illustrated book both updated my knowledge base and inspired my confidence to bring my photography to the next level. an easy read and rich learning experience for the novice.

not having done any HDR work before,I was very impressed with the way it explained how to do and what traps for young players to avoid. In time I will go through the book ,and try at least once each idea to see what works best with my type of work.

Very easy to read and the pictures are great. I tried many of the techniques in my day to day photography to make my pictures look better. Loved the book.

I just read it for the first time. I will now go back and re-read it with my camera at hand to try as I read. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about HDR.

A good and fairly comprehensive introduction to HDR photography. This is a growing area with even smart phones having hdr functions. This book is however aimed more at the amateur photographer than the casual snapper.

Tells a lot about exposures of photographs shown in the book but little of how to use the HDR programs to get the best out of them.

Worth every penny I paid for it. It open my eyes at the different situations in which HDR could be used. Also if you're not familiar with Photoshop and other tools used for photo retouching (this is no a PS book) it give you a great starting point on how to use these tools

Harold is an exceptional photographer. This book walks you through the process of HDR. I have a number of his books and find them all to be great. If you are a fan of Bryan Petersen, check out Harold I do not think you will be disappointed.

I wasn't particularly impressed with this book. The photography itself is mostly overcooked and feels unimpressive (and isn't well printed), which really doesn't inspire even if most of the actual tips are sound, if basic. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who has ever experimented with HDR photography before.