HDR imaging

[googlit]

thanks for bringing this up, henryscat.

I actually looked up HDR just a few minutes before seeing your post, as I hadn't heard about it before, but kept coming across it in flickr, impressed with the results that people got.

I'm way picky and controlling, so I'm going to try merging the layers manually in Photoshop.

very interesting technique. thanks again.

[Floris]

hm.. well i tried it once...

but i think i did something wrong.. cause i got a very awkword (how do you spel it?) effect..

[Krimo]

"awkward"

Is there really a way to make an hdr image in photoshop ? I mean, you do have to see it on an hdr screen to reveal the work don't you ?

[googlit]

Originally Posted by Krimo

I mean, you do have to see it on an hdr screen to reveal the work don't you ?

technically, yes (I believe). Doing this stuff in Photoshop is only simulating the HDR format. There is a marked difference between HDR and not, and that's namely exposure levels. The Photoshop method is merely taking the best exposures of each area and combining them so that the shot looks like it's properly exposed everywhere. This is how I understand it, anyways.

but it makes for some stunning shots when you really start playing with the levels. If you haven't already, do a search for HDR on flickr and just check out some of the amazing shots that come up.

[Krimo]

Thanks for the explanation googlit. I took a look at "hdr" on flickr, and you are absolutely right, these shots are amazing. I was just wondering how you could reproduce that "dynamic exposure" effect you see on these hdr screen, when you don't have one.

[RandomConnections]

Z999 - about the only way to eliminate blurring is to use white balance bracketing instead of exposure bracketing in your DSLR, or to use a single RAW image. The white balance bracketing creates a three images from a single shutter snap. I know both Canons and Nikons have this feature.

As for Photoshop, the latest version has an HDR plugin that works very well. I've also been using Photomatix for my images. I like to try both to see what works best.

The following image was done with a single RAW file, adjusting both white balance and exposure on the images...




This one was shot with white balance bracketing in the camera...



You can see more on my Flickr HDR set.

[the.alturasian]

Originally Posted by Krimo

Thanks for the explanation googlit. I took a look at "hdr" on flickr, and you are absolutely right, these shots are amazing. I was just wondering how you could reproduce that "dynamic exposure" effect you see on these hdr screen, when you don't have one.

I've never tried the merging layers in photoshop technique. The key to HDR photograph post processing in photomatix is the tone mapping. Tone mapping is what allows you to compress amd view all of the dark shadows and bright highlights without clipping. Depending on how you tone map you get different effects.



Or you can go for more of a "painted" look

[navy.wife_2004]

I am checking this out now. HOpefully I can learn to do it. THe photos are nice, and I want that effect on some photos.

[JerBear]

So far, I have seen a lot of suggestions, but not any step by step. I mean, are you bracketing 4, 5 ,6, etc shots? Are you spacing by half a stop or full f stop? what would be the most you would bracket, 2 stops under to 2 stops over?

Photomatrix seems good, but the tonemapping part is always a headache, is there some secret to it to get Realistic look?

When shooting, what f stop would you lock the lens at?

Just asking

thks

JM