HDRkuva

HDRkuva is an online repository that specializes in high dynamic range (HDR) photography. The platform was established in 2015 by photographer and software developer Mika Hietala with the aim of providing a centralized collection of HDR images that can be used for artistic, commercial, and educational purposes. HDRkuva focuses on high-resolution images captured with advanced imaging techniques to maximize tonal range and detail.

The repository hosts a wide variety of HDR images in formats such as Radiance (.hdr), OpenEXR (.exr), and DNG, enabling detailed post‑processing and use in 3D visualization workflows. Users can search the catalog by theme, camera model, or capture location. The site offers both free downloads under Creative Commons licenses and a subscription tier that provides access to higher resolution files and exclusive content. HDRkuva also supplies a tutorial section covering HDR workflow basics, tone mapping, and integration with popular software such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Blender.

HDRkuva has been adopted by several universities and design studios in Scandinavia for teaching and project work. The platform collaborates with photographers in Finland’s Arctic regions to produce HDR panoramas of northern landscapes, providing a unique resource for climate research and environmental monitoring. While it remains a niche resource compared to general stock photography sites, HDRkuva has contributed to the broader adoption of HDR techniques in both professional photography and digital media production.