Closely related to the blended exposure technique I describe in my Extending Dynamic Range (HDR) Technique gallery is the one described here that uses masking instead of cut 'n paste. If you don't understand masking, no worries. You don't need to understand it in order to follow this procedure. Using masks though allows for greater flexibility over the cut 'n paste method and once you become familiar with the technique, an HDR image can be generated quite quickly and one I find easier, faster, and with better tonal results (in my experience) than Photoshop's built-in HDR function. I'm not familiar with other image editors, but hopefully others have the layer and masking capabilities of Photoshop.

Also, let me state here that the HDR imagery resulting from this technique is what I consider to be true HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range, not the artificial and manipulated look that somehow has become synonymous with HDR. To me, high dynamic range is the rendering of an image that more closely approximates how you perceived a scene with the inherently high dynamic range of your eyes and mind.

The images I use to illustrate this gallery were taken with three different exposures - the first overexposed by one stop for increased shadow detail, the second at nominal exposure, and the third underexposed by one stop for increased highlight detail - but any number of multiple exposures could be used. In general, more exposures with a greater range of over and under exposures yields better results.

To begin, click on the first image below (Sidedoor - Bright)...