User guide

Image Adjustments and Effects 85
For good results, it's important to bear the following points in mind:
Many modern cameras offer auto-bracketing which automatically takes
several shots at different exposure levels. A two-EV spacing is considered to
be optimum for most occasions. Alternatively, shoot with manual exposure
set.
Always shoot the same scene! Your output is based on a composite of the
same scene.
Take as many shots as is needed to cover your required dynamic range.
Use a tripod for optimum camera stability. Also avoid photographing
objects affected by windy conditions (e.g., moving tree branches).
Ensure Aperture priority is set on your camera (see your camera's
operating manual for more details).
The HDR merge is a two-stage process, firstly to select the source files (JPG or
raw) for merging, and then performing the merge itself after having adjusted
merge settings to optimize the output). The process can be carried out directly
on source files without loading them into your project in advance.
PhotoPlus lets you optionally save the merged HDR image to one of several
formats (namely OpenEXR, HDR and HD Photo), which can be opened at a
later date, saving you from having to align and merge your original images
again.
To select and merge bracketed photos:
1. From the Startup Wizard, click HDR Photo Merge.
2. From the dialog, click Add.
3. Browse to, then select multiple files from the chosen folder—use Ctrl-click
or Shift-click for selecting non-adjacent or adjacent images. Click Open.
The files listed show image name and an exposure value equivalent to your
camera's exposure setting (the values are not for just for show—they're
crucial for successful HDR merging).