What is HDR? Why Your Photos Look Fake
DefinitionA technique to capture the lightest lights and darkest darks.
1The Simple Explanation
Cameras have a hard time seeing bright sun and dark shadows at the same time. HDR takes 3 photos (Bright, Normal, Dark) and squishes them together so you can see everything.
2Technical Deep Dive
Modern formats like AVIF and HEIC support 'Real HDR' (10-bit color volume). Older 'Fake HDR' (Tone Mapping) just lowered local contrast to fit into an 8-bit JPG container, leading to the 'halo' look.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: HDR just means 'Bright'. Fact: HDR means range. It means seeing detail in the clouds and the cave entrance simultaneously.