Auto Bracketing

Auto Bracketing

Auto bracketing takes a sequence of shots using different exposure settings, which can be combined to form a single HDR (high dynamic range) image.

To enable auto bracketing, select the Auto-bracket checkbox in the main window, then click Settings… to open the auto bracket settings dialog.

Configuring Auto Bracketing

Set the number of shots in the sequence using the first dropdown list. Then set the number of exposure stops between each shot: 1/3, 2/3, 1, 1 1/3, 1 2/3, or 2 stops per shot.

Note: If your camera is set to use 1/2 stop increments instead of 1/3 stop, selecting 1/3 or 2/3 stop increments will result in 1/2 stop increments being used.

In auto exposure modes, exposures are varied using the camera’s exposure compensation control. In manual exposure mode, the exposure is varied using either the shutter speed or the aperture — normally it is better to keep the aperture constant to maintain depth of field and vary the shutter speed.

Running a Command After the Sequence

Remote Pro can optionally run a command at the end of the auto bracket sequence to combine the shots. Select Execute command at end of auto bracket sequence and enter the program or script name. For example, the script photomatix.bat in the Remote Pro installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\BreezeSys\Remote Pro for Windows) combines images using Photomatix Pro and displays the result in BreezeBrowser Pro.

Use photomatix3.bat with Photomatix Pro 3.1 and photomatix2.bat with Photomatix Pro 2.

Suggested Procedure for Auto Bracketing

1. Use a tripod and compose the shot as required.
2. Switch to manual exposure mode and a low ISO setting to maximise image quality.
3. Set the required aperture (e.g. f/16 for good depth of field).
4. Take a preview shot to determine the correct exposure using the histogram display. Adjust shutter speed as needed.
5. Set the lens to manual focus and focus carefully.
6. Set the number of shots and stop increments (a 5-shot sequence with 1-stop increments is a good starting point; more shots may be needed for very high brightness ranges).
7. Press Release — Remote Pro automatically takes the full sequence.

Example Results

Auto exposure bracketing is particularly useful for product shots and building interiors.

The image above was created by blending a seven-shot auto bracket sequence taken inside a church using a separate image editor. The bracket sequence used: