How do I create an HDR photograph from just one digital image in Lightroom?
- In order to create a single image HDR photograph, you need to have a raw image so that there is enough information available for LightRoom to show both the light and dark areas.
- The first step is to create a virtual copy. That is done by selecting the image, then on the menu choose “Photo” then “Create Virtual Copy”.
- Ideally you would use the develop panel to create two different pictures, one emphasizing the shadows and one emphasizing the highlights.
- Next, select both copies of the image.
- On the menu select “Photo” then “Photo Merge” then “HDR”
- If you are satisfied with the preview image, just click “Merge” at the bottom and Lightroom will create an HDR version of your photograph.
Sure, this will not create a true HDR image. But it will save you a lot of time bringing out those shadows without over-doing the highlights. Single image HDR is a tool that can assist you in making the image look close to what you saw.
