Hi heath allyn,
welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: Confused about "View full HDR" in the Photos app
Seems if set up, the camera takes HDR photos to capture every detail as clearly as possible, whenever possible.
More info: You can : Adjust HDR camera settings on iPhone - Apple Support (NB For iOS17 or choose iOS at top)
However the HDR file size is larger, and the photos accepted for the internet may need to be of a lower resolution.
Large files also take more time to send, and use up much more data / space.
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Re: Is there no way to save or post the brighter, better looking photo that I'm viewing in the photos app?
Try exporting those HDR photos: (eg: save to a zip drive, or Files folder etc.) and use them from there.
- Open the Photos app, then select the photos and videos you want to export.
- Tap , then tap Export Unmodified Original.
Also: You could check the requirements of a particular app or website for what is acceptable for use or upload.
(Some apps or websites may always automatically reduce the resolution / file size to suit requirements.)
All the best :-)