I've been a big fan of High Dynamic Range photography for a while now. I started off shooting with a cheap point and shoot back in 2001 (this was at a time when I was a foreign student in the United States and didn't have a lot of money to spare). One of the things that always pained me was the fact that my pictures didn't look as great as what I saw in the National Geographic.

Over time, I learned that there was more to photography than merely pointing and shooting... it was also a matter of having the right gear, the right techniques, and the right post processing tools. I was completely oblivious to the existence of High Dynamic Range photography till about three years ago when I attended a free lunctime seminar at a local photography store here in Melbourne, when the instructor brought up the topic. I found myself going back to the office and Google-searching "HDR" and "High Dynamic Range" photography. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.

RAW and HDR shots of Bell's Beach

As a part of sharing some of the joy that HDR has brought to me and my work, I would like to recommend the software tools that I use and make them more affordable for fellow enthusiasts. I will take a moment to state up front that this is not entirely alturistic - as an affiliate - I do earn a small amount for sending referrals to their website. This does not increase the cost to you - it actually decreases your upfront cost, as the software manufacturers have organised a means for me to offer you a discount.

RAW and HDR shots of St. Kilda

The software package that I use, and that I whole heartedly recommend is called Photomatix Pro, and is manufactured by HDRSoft. It is available as a standalone application for both the PC and the Mac, as a Photoshop plugin for both the PC and the Mac, and an Aperture Plugin for the Mac. The range of options for Photomatix Pro can be viewed at the HDRSoft website. While placing your order, use DoubleConvex as your coupon code to recieve 15% off the standard price.