Mastering Light: Exposure Blending in ON1 Photo RAW

The Core Technique: Beyond Sensor Limitations

In this detailed tutorial, photographer Chris Main demonstrates how to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in digital photography: capturing high-contrast scenes without losing detail. The video focuses on the technique of exposure blending within ON1 Photo RAW 2026. By combining multiple shots of the same scene taken at different exposure levels, photographers can bypass the physical limitations of a camera sensor, ensuring that neither the brightest highlights nor the deepest shadows are sacrificed.

Precision Tools: Manual Control vs. Automated HDR

The guide begins by emphasizing the importance of "bracketing" during the shoot—taking a series of photos at various shutter speeds while keeping the camera steady on a tripod. Chris walks viewers through the specific interface of ON1 Photo RAW, showing how to layer these images and use the software’s masking tools to selectively reveal the best-exposed parts of each frame. This method provides a more natural and realistic result compared to automated HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing, which can sometimes look overly "crunchy" or artificial.

Creative Refinement: The Power of Luminosity Masks

Beyond the technical steps, the video highlights the creative control that manual blending offers. Chris explains how to use Luminosity Masks to target specific brightness ranges, allowing for seamless transitions between a bright sky and a dark foreground. By fine-tuning the opacity and feathering of these masks, the tutorial shows how to maintain the "soul" of the original lighting while bringing out the hidden textures in the clouds and the intricate details in the shadows that would otherwise be lost to pure black.

The Professional Workflow: From Raw Files to Masterpieces

Ultimately, this tutorial serves as a comprehensive resource for both beginners and intermediate editors looking to elevate their landscape and architectural photography. It shifts the focus from simple "one-click" fixes to a more deliberate, artistic approach to post-processing. By the end of the video, viewers are equipped with a repeatable workflow to transform challenging, high-contrast raw files into balanced, professional-grade masterpieces that reflect how the human eye actually perceives light and color.