Creating a high-quality HDRI is a skill that takes practice and research to perfect. My capture method focuses on photographing only the top half of the HDRI, which helps save both memory and capture time. I use a Nikon with a wide-angle lens mounted on a tripod with a specialized head that allows the camera to rotate precisely around a pivot point.

One of the biggest challenges is finding suitable locations with a clean horizon. After some searching, I’ve identified two spots in Los Angeles that offer the clear views needed for reliable captures.