Will someone please answer this guy!

someone out there must know the full answer.
I have only tried HDRI once bubbleme80, i was just playing about with a tutorial on it, what i gathered about HDRI is indded what you thought, it just uses a HDR image to light the scene - it can give some very realistic effects but it seems a bit of a cop-out since you have to have a HDR image that suits your scene.

Is it possible to make HDR images from your scene? i also know little on the subject but i think you deserve an answer to your question.
Come on guys, i know there are some bright sparks lurking on this forum!