Ok, there is not right or wrong way to do HDR or High Dynamic Range photography but in my opinion some people go a bit wacky with it.
HDR photography is when multiple shots are combined to extend the dynamic range of an image. For example the above interior of an old abandoned vintage truck combines three photographs taken right after another (camera on a tripod of course) each with a different exposure. A normal exposure, an underexposed shot and an overexposed shot. -1 stop and +1 stop. Aperture stays the same throughout, shutter speed moves.
By combining the shots the bright exterior and dark exterior seem more properly exposed. Consider that our eyes and brain can adjust to large changes in light levels but the camera sensor can not so this technique allows such a shot to be created.
A few more examples of HDR images from my portfolio:
High Dynamic Range or HDR photograph techniques are useful when, well the dynamic range of the scene is extreme. I.e. bright sunny days with harsh shadows. HDR photography is not needed when the dynamic range is low like on a cloudy day.
Some being photographers stubble upon the technique and get crippled by it. Suddenly all they do is shoot HDR images and never progress beyond this technique. Or they get excited by some software that creates extreme tonal maps with crazy colors and eye blinding tones. Sometimes you see the results and wonder, were they on LSD?
One of the HDR fan favorites is Trey Radcliff, he was one of the early adopters of HDR and it has become his trademark look. His website is called Stuck in Customs but really he seems stuck in HDR. Some of the stuff is cool but some of it is kind of wacky. Kind of has the vibe of a black velvet painting. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and he does travel around to some interesting places.