Abstract A relative perceived visual contrast (RPVC) model is proposed for high dynamic range (HDR) photography. This approach assumes that an equivalence of perceived visual contrast can be implemented between HDR and low dynamic range (LDR) images. An RPVC function is derived in this study to perform the visual contrast mapping, which provides uncomplicated but effective transformation to compensate for the luminance change in the HDR environment. Other essential features such as the bilateral-type filter and computation in IPT color spacing found in prior HDR models are also incorporated. A specially designed lighting environment was configured to generate a real HDR scene not only for the purpose of model developing but also for psychophysical evaluation. Six other HDR models were compared by the paired comparison method in a real scene. Further comparisons were performed between iCAM06 and this RPVC model for computation efficiency. The results indicate that this RPVC model is effective and that it may bring a new thought to HDR research.