jsmith23 Loc: Adams, MA

It sounds like you are interested in processing multiple (over/under) shots for the rendering of an HDR image.
As some have already commented using Photoshop etc. there is a new software to consider that has come onto
the market specifically for this purpose. "Aurora HDR 2017" It's simple to use, can be used for both multiple and
single images, has the capability of creating layers and more sliders for creativity than you can imagine.

Currently, this software is for MAC however the Windows version will be available in early spring. here's the website:

aurorahdr.com

I've attached a file that I used Aurora HDR in post processing as an example.

Good luck!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

And that answer is misleading.

1) ACR opens JPG if set that way. You do not need to shoot raw to use ACR HDR function.
2) A DNG created using ACR regardless of initial format used is not a 'raw' file but en encapsulated result of a process 'for all intent and purpose...' Ah!

For raw shooters it makes absolutely no sense to use ACR to create HDR out of multiple captures. A single capture is enough if edited correctly in PS CC (or whatever 16 bit software you use). Some want to call raw luminosity processing 'Pseudo HDR' simply because only one capture is used. They completely ignore that multiple captures in JPG are taken to offset the format limitations and seek to 'recreate' what a raw file offers as far as dynamic range goes. The color depth lost in JPG cannot be recreated, it is lost. Switching to 16 bits only create gaping holes filled later with whatever the software feels like, not the original colors that are available in raw.

Then you have two HDR processes. The most common and properly used is a luminosity adjustment where the colors are still 'natural'. The second one is 'interpretative HDR' where anything goes including color shift, distracting artifacts and what not. Which of the two is best? Depends on you, really. For me, interpretative HDR process is good to learn but once done, what is the point?

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Focus stacking is only one type of stacking, and it is used to broaden the area of focus. Several companies specialize on this. Helicon is one.

Other stacking programs stack to reduce noise, such as PhotoAcute.

And yet others stack to improve dynamic range, know as HDR. There are several that do this.

And yet others produce panoramic images from some number of overlaping images.

TheDman Loc: USA

Not in all cases.

JohnKlingel

NIK Software has an incredible group of products that includes NIK HDR. It's free. Just go to https://www.google.com/nikcollection/? and hit the download button.

JohnKlingel

By the way, a previous person mentioned doing it in Photoshop which has HDR or blending with layers. But if you don't have NIK you might as well get it as there's a ton of useful post processing in those products.

PhotosBySteve

YES, all three programs are capable of merging a stack of photos of the same image

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I forgot to mention that the last method (Photo Stacking) is useful if you want to make photographic composites. Combining elements from completely different images to produce something different from any of them!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Not misleading at all. Never said you have to do it this way, only suggested that if you shoot raw, there is a great option to merge to HDR in LR/ACR. You don't have to shoot raw to use "merge to" but if you do, it is a very simple and fast way to do exposure stacking.the result is a lot like LR/Enfuse, or Photomatix Fusion mode - in that it is a simple merge, without tone mapping - clean and natural looking. Besides, why would Adobe include this as a feature if, as you say, "it makes absolutely no sense."

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you have an older camera with lower dynamic range there is obvious benefit to using the Photo Merge in ACR or LR to HDR, where single captures were obviously insufficient. Some processes, like exporting a sequence of files out of LR to PS using merge to HDR Pro will provide a 32 bit option, which clearly expands the dynamic range beyond a jpg. Using this option lets you use PS tone mapping which I am not a fan of, but it's there if you want it. So, of course you can expand on the dynamic range of jpg by merging them to a 32 bit file.

I think that an HDR merged to a dng is far better and more flexible to use than a merged bitmap, btw.

What you are calling HDR processes are actually "post merge" tone and color manipulations. You are correct that the simpler luminosity adjustments only result in a more natural looking image. I am also not a fan of the HDR "Look" that many photographers misuse as an excuse for creativity. Though some well-done tonemapped images are pretty good.

This video from the Adobe site explains the ins and outs of using the Photo merge feature in LR (which is also in ACR):

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/help/hdr-photo-merge.html