Create HDR option replicates one of the original pictures

Software darktable
1

I am trying to combine a bracketed focus series (3 photos) in one. I think this is called HDR.
The lighttable Create HDR produces a strange output. In fact, looks like one of the input pictures.

I don’t know if I have to do any additional steps before clicking “Create HDR”

Thanks

2

Hi, just in case… You followed what’s written here at the create hdr section?

Create a high dynamic range image from the selected images, and add the result to the library as a new image in DNG format. Images need to be properly aligned, which implies that they have been taken on a sturdy tripod. You can also generate HDRs with programs like Luminance HDR, and later import them into darktable for further processing. Note that darktable can only create HDR images from raw files.

3

What exactly do you mean with “bracketed focus series”. Are the three photos exposed the same with different focus points? If yes, than this is not called HDR but focus stacking. For focus stacking you need other software, like helicon focus or zerene stacker. If the three photos are differently exposed than you should be able to use darktables HDR functionality.

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4

Also, w/o any processing, the HDR preview is no different to your base exposure. One only starts seeing differences once pushing the shadows and highlights…

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5

Could you share the three images for others to experiment with? In my opinion HDR is rarely needed if processing raw files from a modern camera. HDR was important when we shot JPG images.