Where can I download sample HDR or exposure-bracketed images to practice tone mapping?
Asked 2/9/2013
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I'm a student working on a project about tone mapping and HDR processing. I'm looking for downloadable sample files I can use for practice, either true HDR files (.hdr) or sets of bracketed exposures/RAW files that can be merged into an HDR image. Are there any reputable sources that offer these for learning or educational use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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There are some HDR galleries here, which are under the Creative Commons license, so you could use these for experimentation. They are already in .hdr file format.
http://pfstools.sourceforge.net/hdr_gallery.html
There is a series here of raw JPGs you can use (see the related files below this one). Also Creative Commons.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:StLouisArchMultExpEV%2B1.51.JPG
Also if you download the trial versions of some HDR programs, they will come with sample images you could use. Oloneo for example.
Finally, if you look for The HDR Book by RC Concepcion, he publishes sample files on his website. They are intended for buyers of his book, but he provides a license to use them in practicing HDR techniques - if you are a student using them for educational purposes it would probably be fair use to use them. He's a nice guy, you could ask permission :)
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. You can practice HDR/tone mapping with either existing .hdr files or with bracketed exposure sets that you merge yourself.
Useful sources mentioned by the community include:
- The pfstools HDR gallery, which offers downloadable HDR images in .hdr format.
- Wikimedia Commons, where some multi-exposure image sets are available under Creative Commons licenses.
- Farbspiel Photo, which provides sets of RAW files specifically for HDR practice.
- Some HDR software trial versions include sample images you can use for learning.
- A few photographers also share TIFF source packs for building HDR images.
Before using any files, check the license terms carefully—Creative Commons or educational-use permissions are ideal for a student project.
If your goal is to practice tone mapping specifically, starting with ready-made .hdr files is quickest. If you also want to practice the full workflow, download bracketed RAW or TIFF exposures and merge them first, then tone map the result.
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