Apple® devices come with tons of nifty features. For example, you might be surprised to discover that the iPhone’s® camera is advanced enough to take HDR photos on the go. If you’re not sure what HDR is and how it works, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is HDR?

Short for High Dynamic Range, HDR is a process that allows you to take better-looking images on your camera. Professional photographers often use it to enhance their output by combining several photos into one. They do this to achieve a high contrast that mimics what the eyes can see.

For instance, you can take a photo of a lighthouse set amidst blue skies and lush greenery. What your iPhone can capture is only one of two options: a well-lit lighthouse with a washed-out background or a dark-looking subject with vivid skies and foliage. The image will be significantly different from what your eyes perceived in actuality. To balance out the over- and under-exposure, your phone captures three pictures in different exposures and lays them on top of each other for a well-lit, correctly exposed photo.  

Why Use It?

Most camera-equipped Apple devices have a built-in HDR feature. However, you shouldn’t use it every time you take a snapshot. Below are a few instances when HDR comes in handy:

• Landscapes: Most landscape scenes have a significant amount of contrast between the sky and land or water, making it tricky to produce a photo that captures the color and details of each. 

• Backlighting: If you want to take a photo when there’s too much backlight or brightness in the background, HDR will light up the foreground. However, when there’s little to no light present, the HDR feature cannot create brightness.

• Direct Sunlight: Harsh sunlight produces dark shadows and a bright glare on your subject, resulting in a high-contrast photo. By using HDR, you balance out the lightness and darkness for a better-looking image.

How to Take Pictures Using HDR

If you’ve seen the HDR button on the camera app of your Apple device, then you’re in luck—using it is as easy as toggling on the option before snapping the photo. For newer iPhone models, this option is on by default.  

When taking HDR photos, it’s essential to keep the phone steady, as it captures three pictures in quick succession. Use a tripod or place it somewhere stable—any movement can cause the images to misalign and produce an unfavorable photo.

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