HDR Photography - The Secret to Mind-Blowing Photos (GALLERY)

Don’t invest in a fancier camera; buy better software. As megapixels reach their practical maximum, software is improving to heighten image quality.
HDR, or High Dynamic Range photography, is quickly becoming one of the biggest phenomenons among professional and amateur photographers alike. The real beauty in these highly-detailed, extremely vivid images is that anyone can do them.

An ordinary photo gets most of its detail in the midtones, and under-exposed photo from the highlights, overexposed from the shadows. By taking photos at different ISO levels (light sensitivity), then layering them on PhotoShop or other photo editing program, high intensity detail can be seen throughout the entire image.

Dark Mission, currently a New York Times bestseller, is an example of how modern technology could go back into history and redefine what we can learn through the moon without physically having to go back. Richard C. Hoagland, the author and founder of the Enterprise Mission, wants to take the old black and white photos from the moon and apply HDR techniques.

Some of the photos were over-exposed, some were under-exposed, so he thinks if they layer them, scientists could gain tremendous insight.

If it’s that easy, why haven’t they done it? Apparently the US government “lost the photos.” Make whatever you will of that.

Meanwhile, get out there with your camera and start shooting! Check out the HDR Pool on Flickr for inspiration.