HDR Photography for Product Photography

HDR photography is a powerful tool that brings out detail in challenging lighting conditions.

As a product photographer, I am sometimes asked to shoot commercial images for my clients.

Recently, I was hired to shoot a factory — inside and out — where lighting was less than ideal.

By using HDR, I captured every detail despite the dim conditions, and the results thrilled both me and the client.

HDR can make a real difference in on-location product photography, especially when you can’t control every light source.

Here’s how HDR works, how to do it and how you can start using it under proper conditions.

Key Takeaways

◈ What HDR is and why it matters for product photography.

◈ When and where HDR works best.

◈ How to set up HDR on a Canon R6.

◈ Simple steps to merge and edit HDR images.

◈ Answers to common HDR questions.

What is HDR Photography?

HDR, or High Dynamic Range photography, is a technique for capturing a wider range of light in a single image.

In simpler terms, HDR allows you to capture details in both the brightest and darkest parts of a photo.

This is especially useful when photographing scenes with tough lighting, like the inside of a dimly lit factory, real estate photography, or a product shot with lots of contrast.

With HDR, your camera takes multiple images at different exposures — some bright, some dark.

Then, it combines the best parts of each to create a balanced, detailed photo that shows off every texture and color, even in poor lighting.

Instead of just seeing either bright or dark details, HDR lets you see both in the same shot.

How Does HDR Work?

HDR photography starts with taking multiple exposures of the same scene. Here’s a quick look at how it works:

1. Take Several Exposures: Your camera will snap multiple shots — one bright, one dark, and one in between.  This is called bracketing the shot. These different shots capture details in the shadows, midtones, and highlights separately.
2. Combine the Exposures: Using software like Lightroom, you merge these shots into a single HDR image. The software pulls the best details from each exposure, balancing light and dark areas to make the image look like what you see in real life.
3. Edit to Refine the Image: You can then edit the merged image to make it look natural. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color tones until it doesn’t look “overdone” — just clear, sharp, and realistic.

This process can seem a bit technical, but once you get the hang of it, HDR becomes a simple way to get great results in tricky lighting conditions.

Why HDR Works for On-Location Product Photography

HDR can be a game-changer for product photography, especially when shooting outside the studio in environments where you can’t control the lighting.

That doesn’t mean it is always the perfect solution, because HDR does not let you control the light. Flashes are still the best option when possible, and the Godox AD200 Pro is a handy light to have in your kit.

But, let’s say you’re photographing products inside a large factory, like I did recently.

With bad lighting and shadows everywhere, HDR allowed me to capture all the details without the hassle of setting up studio lights.

Besides, it was over 90,000 square feet – that would be a lot of lights!!!

When HDR Makes a Difference

• Uneven Lighting: HDR helps you manage light from multiple sources, like bright sunlight through windows and dim shadows in a factory.
• Large Spaces: Factories, warehouses, and outdoor locations can be hard to light evenly, making HDR ideal for capturing both product details and the surrounding space.
• Texture and Details: HDR brings out textures and fine details in products, making them stand out, even in challenging conditions.

In situations where you need to use ambient lighting, HDR shines.

It captures everything the eye can see, even in the darkest and brightest parts of a scene.

Instead of needing lots of lights or extra setup, HDR gives you the freedom to shoot in the moment and still get a balanced, high-quality image.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using HDR for Product Photography on Location

HDR photography can save your product shots, especially on location where lighting is tricky.

This guide will walk you through the process, from setup to final edits, so you can capture every detail.

Equipment Needed

• Camera: Ideally, use a camera that shoots in RAW. RAW files contain more data, which is essential for HDR. If you need a good camera, check out my article: The Best Cameras for Product Photography.
• Tripod: A stable setup is extremely important for HDR. Even a slight movement between shots can blur the final image.
• Editing Software: Software like Lightroom or Photoshop will help you merge your exposures and edit the final HDR image.

Setting Up the Shot

1. Stabilize the Camera: Mount your camera on a tripod to keep it steady.
2. Use Exposure Bracketing: Turn on exposure bracketing. This will automatically capture several shots at different exposures, typically three: one underexposed, one overexposed, and one balanced.
3. Adjust Settings for HDR: Shoot in RAW for the best results and choose a low ISO to keep the image sharp and free of noise. I prefer to use an ISO of 100, but feel free to try different settings to see what works best for you.
4. Use your two second timer: This will remove any camera shake from pressing the shutter button, which can cause problems with HDR shots.
5. Check focus and framing: then you’re ready to shoot.

Editing HDR Images

1. Import to Lightroom: Once you’ve captured the images, import them into Lightroom.
2. Select the Shots for HDR Merge: Highlight the three bracketed shots, then go to Photo > Photo Merge > HDR.
3. Adjust the Merge Settings: Lightroom will combine the images, creating a single HDR photo. Use Auto Align if you weren’t using a tripod, and Auto Tone to start with a balanced look.
4. Refine the HDR Image:
• Keep It Realistic: Avoid the temptation to oversaturate or crank up the contrast. Instead, adjust highlights, shadows, and midtones to bring out natural-looking detail.
• Fine-Tune Exposure: Balance the exposure so that all elements — bright and dark — are well-defined without looking “overdone.”
• Watch Color and Detail: Play with clarity and vibrance but avoid making the image look too intense. The goal is a clear, crisp photo that accurately represents the product or space.

By following these steps, you’ll produce an HDR image that brings out all the essential details without sacrificing realism.

HDR on location can be the key to capturing a balanced, eye-catching product shot even in challenging lighting.

Setting up HDR on a Camera

Setting up HDR on a camera if you’ve never used it can seem complex, but I’ll break it down into simple steps.

I’m going to describe it on my Canon R6, and while your menus may be different, you should have similar options.

My goal here is to help you get great HDR shots without getting lost in the technical details.

1. Enable HDR Mode on Your Camera

• Go to the shooting menu and select HDR Mode.
• Choose Adjust Dynamic Range. Select Auto to let the camera decide the best range, or choose a specific level. Higher numbers capture more detail in bright and dark areas. I prefer to go for two stops under and two stops over for the shoot. Again, experiment on what works best for you.

2. Choose Your HDR Settings

• Under Effect, pick the style you want, like Natural for a realistic look or Art Vivid for more saturated colors.
• Set Continuous HDR to 1 shot only for a single HDR photo, or Every shot to keep HDR active for multiple shots. This confused me when I started, but I quickly discovered, 1 shot takes all three exposures.

3. Align Your Images

• If you’re using a tripod, set Auto Image Align to Disable. For handheld shots, choose Enable to help the camera line up the images. I really don’t recommend handheld shots!
• Decide if you want to save all the individual shots plus the HDR image, or just the final HDR photo. The Canon R6 saves the HDR shot as a JPG.  I prefer to save both – this way I can see the image blended, and can use the RAW files in Lightroom and Photoshop.

4. Capture the HDR Photo

• Press the shutter button fully to take the shots. The camera will capture three images at different exposures and merge them into one HDR photo, saved as a JPEG. As I mentioned above, make sure to keep the RAW images in case you need them.

5. Review and Adjust

• Check your HDR photo on the camera screen. If needed, tweak settings and shoot again.
• Remember, HDR works best with still subjects. Moving objects might create blur or ghosting.

By setting up HDR on your camera this way, you can easily capture images that will contain great detail in any lighting.

When NOT to Use HDR in Product Photography

• Controlled Studio Lighting: In a studio setting, you’re in charge of the lighting, so there’s less need for HDR. Studio lights can be adjusted to capture all the detail without the need for multiple exposures.
• Moving Subjects: HDR relies on multiple shots, which works best with still scenes. If you’re photographing a product that moves, even slightly, the result may be blurry or show “ghosting” — outlines that don’t align perfectly.
• High-Saturation Scenes: HDR can sometimes exaggerate colors, leading to unrealistic tones in highly saturated scenes. For products with vibrant colors, test a single-exposure shot first to ensure color accuracy.
• Minimal Contrast Scenes: HDR is designed for high-contrast scenes. If the lighting is even or soft, HDR won’t add much and may actually create an unnatural effect.

Common Questions about HDR for Product Photography

What is HDR in photography?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, a technique that combines multiple exposures to capture detail in both bright and dark areas of a photo.

Do professional photographers use HDR?
Yes, many professionals use HDR, especially for real estate, landscapes, and product shots in tricky lighting conditions. It’s a great tool for on-location shoots where lighting control is limited.

Is HDR good or bad for photography?
HDR is a tool — it can be good or bad depending on how it’s used. When done well, it brings out details and balance. When overdone, it can look fake or “overcooked.”

How to do HDR photography?
To do HDR, you take multiple photos at different exposures (usually with exposure bracketing) and merge them in editing software. The result is one balanced image showing details across all light levels.

When should you not use HDR?
Avoid HDR in controlled lighting environments like studios, when capturing moving subjects, or when photographing simple, low-contrast scenes.

Does HDR improve picture quality?
HDR improves image balance but not necessarily the “quality.” It helps bring out detail in challenging lighting but won’t make a blurry or poorly lit photo look sharp or high-quality.

What are the disadvantages of HDR?
HDR can lead to artificial-looking images if overused. It can also cause issues with moving subjects and is less effective in low-contrast or studio settings.

Using HDR selectively, especially for on-location product shots with difficult lighting, can help you capture balanced, professional photos without unnecessary editing.

Conclusion

So as you can see, HDR photography is a fantastic tool for product photographers (or any photographer for that matter, working in unpredictable or challenging lighting environments.

By capturing multiple exposures and combining them, you can bring out all the details in your product shots, even in high-contrast spaces like factories, warehouses, or outdoor locations.

While HDR might not be necessary in the studio, it’s a valuable technique for on-location shoots where you can’t control every light source.

Remember to keep your edits realistic and only use HDR when it enhances your photos.

With practice, you’ll be able to produce balanced, high-quality images that stand out and capture every texture, color, and shadow perfectly.

Experiment with HDR and see how it works for your product photography.

It just might become your secret weapon for capturing images that look as good as real life!

Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand

Get a Custom Quote Tailored to Your Specific Needs

Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.

You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com