In image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic range imaging (HDRI) is a set of techniques that allows a greater dynamic range of exposures (the range of values 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 shadows.
So far this doesn't allay my usual gripe about photos of recent years, that is that skies look phony as hell... much as I can get into the glitter of it all.
One problem is that most digitals don't let you control depth of field. With film, very small apertures give a large depth of film, sort of like digitals. The wide aperature lets you focus on a very particular subject and lets the rest become somewhat indistinct, or out of focus.
Robert- You really started something with me. I had never heard of this type of photography before. I just happen to have a brand new DSLR camera. I am going to have to try this out.
I went to Google, and under "Images", I clicked on HDR photos. I was like a kid in a toy store. I found these, which I think you will find interesting: