By Gerri L Elder in Art & Design, Geography & Travel, Nature & Ecosystems

Mountains around the world are hot spots for hikers, climbers, campers, tourists and photographers. Through the magic of HDR photography or photo-manipulation techniques that give photos the vibrant qualities of HDR photography, nature becomes highly detailed and surreal. This is a showcase of jaw-dropping mountain photographs that create magic through HDR and tone-mapping processes.

Stubbled Ridges

(images via: redbubble, farhadfarhad)

At a distance, massive mountains take on a considerably different look. Trees and other vegetation can appear stubbly, like a chiseled chin in need of a shave. High quality and HDR photography bring out those subtle, yet very special qualities in these mountain photos.

Snowy Peaks

(images via: daveward, jmvigil, pbase)

As children we learned that mountains often have snow caps on because the air is cooler at higher altitudes. Today there are fewer mountains topped with snow as global temperatures warm and climates change.  At risk are not only our memories, but precious natural habitats and the chance to capture stunning photos like these in the future.

Scraping Incredible Skies

(images via: daveward, jmvigil, pbase, lorenzaccio, fontanam)

Most professional photographers prefer the lighting of dusk or dawn to capture the most amazing photos. The photographers artfully captured the mood of the changing sky to add drama and impact to these pictures. It may be impossible to force nature to cooperate for a photograph, but when these striking photos were taken, the sky seemed to be offering an irresistible photo-op.

Massive Rock Mountains

(images via: digital-creativity, blognetnews)

Rugged, rocky mountain ridges are excellent subjects for more powerful and masculine images. These photos highlight raw nature and enhance the drama of natural lighting. HDR photography brings a special new dimension to rock mountain photography.

Where Mountains Meet the Sea

(images via: jmvigil, pixdaus

Not only the sea, but lakes, oceans, rivers, inlets and other bodies of water also share borders with mountains. This meeting of elements can create a fantastic setting for photographs. Skilled photographers can use the combination of sunlight, earth and water to capture amazingly artistic photographs.

Nature’s Color and Contrast

(images via: rhoril, jeffegypt, kyotoobserver, mgreerhoto)

HDR photography and HDR photo manipulation techniques make extradorinary pictures out of shots that could otherwise be considered average. Using skilled techniques to bring out the color and contrast in a photo to make it pop is an art within itself. Vividly detailed pictures that capture our attention and inspire our imagination can make HDR photographs better than real life.