"In computer graphics and photography, high dynamic range imaging (HDRI) is a set of techniques that allow a far greater dynamic range of exposures (i.e. a large difference between light and dark areas) than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention of HDRI is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows." (Wikipedia)

According to my friend Donnie, the photographer takes three pictures of the same scene: one is underexposed, one is correctly exposed, and the last is overexposed. Using Photoshop or another digital image editor, the photographer combines the three pictures into something entirely new. It’s a process I’d like to learn in the near future.

HDR photography produces some pretty cool images that are real, but not quite. It’s impressive what some photographers can do. Many good examples can be found on Flickr, as this style is increasing in popularity on the web. See Austin area HDR images, the HDR Flickr group, and this guy, an HDR photographer in Austin.

[And in random news, did you know that you can buy Mailboxes online? I sure didn't.]