Digital booths
Find ghosting when an HDR portrait merges frames
Compare the merged image with its bracketed source captures.
A computational HDR portrait can combine more than one exposure to retain detail in bright and dark areas. If a guest moves during that sequence, the merged result may show a double edge, translucent hand or strange hair boundary. These artifacts arise between source frames, not from ordinary single-frame blur alone.
Inspect the gesture edges
Zoom into fingers, glasses, hair and the line between a face and a companion. A doubled or semi-transparent edge can indicate that those parts moved between exposures. Compare the individual source frames if the capture tool saved them; a single merged preview cannot show which moment each region came from.
Evidence: Image editing software documentation
Use the least correction that works
If the editing system offers alignment or deghost controls, preview their effect before committing. A stronger deghost setting may choose one frame for a moving region, so check that it does not erase a hand or swap a facial expression. Keep the source captures or an unprocessed option where available.
Evidence: Image editing software documentation
Prevent motion in a repeat
Ask guests to hold still through the capture sequence and avoid a fast gesture during a multi-frame exposure. Repeat the test with a stationary person and compare it to a wave or turn. If only moving poses show the artifact, the HDR merge is the likely stage to investigate.
Evidence: Image editing software documentation
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Adobe Lightroom, Merge photos to create HDRsImage editing software documentation