HDRstyle

HDRstyle is a visual aesthetic in photography and digital imaging that emphasizes a high dynamic range by merging multiple exposures or computationally expanding tonal information. It aims to preserve detail in both highlights and shadows while often emphasizing vibrant color and textures.

In practice, HDRstyle uses techniques such as exposure bracketing, HDR merging, and tone mapping, along with post-processing steps like local contrast enhancement, color grading, and selective saturation. Some workflows simulate HDR using single-shot images with dynamic range expansion, while others rely on multi-shot capture.

Visual results vary from natural-looking with restrained contrast to highly stylized, hyper-realistic images with pronounced halos and surreal color. The term HDRstyle can refer to a broad family of looks, including natural HDR and artistic HDR, depending on tone-mapping operators and post-processing choices.

The approach is widely used in landscape, architectural photography, and concept art, as well as in video games and filmmaking to imply vivid lighting. It can also blur the line between photography and digital painting if taken to extremes.

Criticism focuses on the potential for artificiality and misrepresentation, artifacts such as halos, posterization, and color halos, and concerns about over-processing. Proponents argue HDRstyle expands tonal possibilities and can reveal details otherwise hidden in extreme lighting.