HDR Stitching How To Seamless Images Stitching Guide

If your HDR images are not up to par and you’re wonder how to get seamless image stitching right the first time, you’re in luck. With just a little research and practice, you will be processing HDR images with great results in no time.  You will of course need a digital camera and stitching software like PT GUI (for example) with HDR imaging capabilities.

Any motion in any of the LDR or Low Dynamic Range images you take will result in an HDR image that will display motion, as well. Using a tripod is the best way to prevent images out of alignment within each bracketed set.

Even with a tripod, some images that are impossible to capture without motion.  For example a crowd, running water, moving cars etc.  Fortunately there are some high tech software tools that can remove ghosting to some extent in your post processing.  Our favorite is contained right within Photomatix Pro.  See our ‘Dealing with Ghosting‘ page for tutorials on deg-hosting.

When shooting  an image that requires you to reposition the camera Overlapping the bracketed images will also ensure that the HDR image will have a seamless appearance. If you do not leave enough room for the software to blend the images together, there can be visible seams within the middle of the image. The amount of overlapping that works best for your situation depends on your camera type and the HDR imaging software that you use. Overlapping from 15 to 20 percent is adequate in most cases. Experiment with your equipment to find your “sweet spot” and soon you will know which amount of overlapping works best for you.

The easiest way to accomplish a smooth transition from one frame to another is to utilize the AEB or Auto Exposure Bracketing feature; this makes taking HDR images virtually error free. Most digital cameras have an AEB feature built-in. It will vary the exposure for you on each frame and with just a click of the shutter, the camera automatically takes the images for you. Remember to stagger your exposure levels if you are manually setting the exposures. This can be done by varying your shutter speed in manual mode as well as by staggering the exposure levels while using the Aperture mode.

A digital camera that features image stabilization is a favorite among professional photographers. With the use of a remote control, you can snap the image without ever touching the camera. This is a great way of removing any motion from transferring to your image by you touching the camera during operation. If you do not own a remote control, utilize the timer function on your camera. This function, once set, will snap an image after a 10 second interval. This works very well instead of a remote control for the shutter button.

How to get seamless image stitching right may seem daunting. However, if you follow a simple work-flow, it can be fun and easy. HDR or High Dynamic Range Imaging only requires the basic photographic equipment; equipment that you may already own. To ensure your HDR images have truly seamless image stitching and beautiful, rich HDR detail, take a few minutes and do some research online. Online websites geared toward digital photography and HDR imaging can help those who are learning a new technique. Digital photography has come a long way in the last decade; HDR imaging is just another aspect of digital imaging.

What Is HDR? Ultimate High Dynamic Range Photography Guide Fundamentals

What is HDR? 

 HDR or “High Dynamic Range” is the process of taking multiple images with varying range of exposures that are “layered” over each other to form an extremely detail rich image that is strikingly beautiful.

High Dynamic Range photography is not a new concept; however, with the advent of digital photography it is now easy for photographers to manipulate their images with processing software and even in camera with much better efficiency.

Images shot with normal or “standard exposure” often lack detail in the highlights and shadows due to single exposure limitations.  Traditionally cameras are only able to record a single exposure per image.  While some of the newest cameras to hit the market (including the iPhone) do have a built in HDR function, the more popular method is via post processing software.  This is because the software approach allows for much greater control and flexibility. Though logically we can expect that in camera HDR capability will continue to grow in leaps and bounds over the next few years.

The Process:

The process of taking multiple images all at different exposures and allowing photographers to capture a greater dynamic range and thus more details is in essence HDR or High Dynamic Range photography.

One image captures perfect exposure within the shadows, one with excellent details in the highlights and one standard exposure.

Blending the multiple images enriches a photograph, dramatically; HDR imaging allows an image to attain maximum details, at all exposure levels.

By using HDR techniques, amateur and professionals alike can deliver images with stunningly vivid details. Details, like these, are normally only able to be seen in real-life situations. Photographs that once appeared flat, lifeless and washed out can now appear spectacular and full of detail.

There are numerous methods that add HDR like effects to photographs including the dodging and burning techniques like those once used by Ansel Adams. However cameras and software specifically designed for HDR photography uses high end design to capture HDR effects, with rich detail.

While higher -end cameras with greater bracketing ranges may be out of reach for some you can still achieve great results with virtually any camera that offers AEB or auto bracketing.

Tone Mapping:

Tone mapping is one of the most common methods for accomplishing the HDR effect. This is the process most professional photographers are referring to when they speak of creating HDR images.

HDR soft’s Photomatix software uses layering techniques to combine several SDR images into a single image, merging the tones and color values of all images.

Remember when shooting your images; begin by taking at least three images at three different exposures, preferably spaced 2 EVs apart (EV 0, EV -2 and EV +2).

Use an ISO of 100 or 200 when possible and the Aperture Priority or Manual mode.

As a good rule of thumb, always try to use a tripod when taking any HDR images as the images should be crystal clear and free of motion for the best results.

After processing your images with a program like Photomatix, you will want to post process your images in Photoshop, Aperture, Lightroom or some other similar photo editing program. The Tone Mapping or Exposure Fusion methods can sometimes leave your image a little flat or lacking saturation.

Full Frame Vs. Crop Frame Cameras

Getting a new camera is exciting, but the variations present on the market can leave you wishing you had a little bit of assistance along the way. If you are in this position, you are going to know the question concerning full frame vs crop frame cameras. Which one should you be going with? Let’s take a glance at what the cameras are all about before you go ahead and make a final decision as to which one is the right option for you and your needs. This will ensure you are on the right path and do love the camera you go with.

Full Frame:

The full frame camera is designed to have a sensor sized at 24mm x 36mm. This is common on most cameras of this kind. The reason people prefer to go with these cameras is the power they have to offer. The quality of the images being taken are going to be hard to match with any other choice you might have in front of you. The finishing is truly remarkable with full frame options.

The high ISO performance is a plus point as well and begins to show its quality as time goes on and you take more and more photos. People love the value of this high ISO performance and how it is able to gauge details as needed.

Let’s assume you are going to be doing a lot of ‘wide angle’ photography, it is a no brainer to go with the full frame option. It is simply going to provide the better shots for such an angle. There is no reason to consider any other choice as it is just not going to jive like a full frame sensor at its peak. This is the value of going with the full frame choice.

So, what are the cons then? It sounds like a great option right? Well, the cons come in the form of size. These are larger cameras and might not make sense for those who are aiming to lug it around from place to place. These cameras are also more expensive, which can take a toll on one’s budget. It is best to make sure the camera is affordable for those who are trying to get good performance along with cost-efficiency.

Let’s move onto the crop frame option. What does this bring? It is going to bring with it good quality, but the price point is going to be far lower as well. This is key for those on a tight budget. Plus, the crop frame is going to make it easier to move around as these cameras are far more portable in comparison to regular options you might have in front of you.

Those who are just going to be taking photos of wildlife might want to go with the crop frame as it is going to be easier to handle. Taking photos such as this with moving objects requires easier movement and therefore crop frame cameras do the trick.

Both cameras have their plus points and negatives, but you have to make sure the right reasons are used for the purchase being made. Those who are not careful will never find the right fit and that can be frustrating to say the least. If you don’t care for the budget or the size, you have to go with the full frame, but for those who do care, you should be taking a look at what the crop frame brings to the table. Sit down and list out what you are looking for before making a choice.  

  Full Frame Sensors vs Crop Sensor Cameras Explained by Karl Taylor!  

   The sensor in your camera is the CCD or CMOS chip that captures the light to record the image. It's the thing in your camera that replaced film! And just like film, they come in different sizes and formats. So today I'm going to take a look at sensor sizes.For those of you who are a bit confused about what a 'full frame sensor' is in relation to a 'crop sensor' and just what all this means for your photography then check out this video where I'll explain it all in my usual no nonsense style!I hope you enjoy this tutorial.