HDR question, Please help.

[Alefeb07]

Ok,

So im using Photomatix to process my HDR shots, but they are not popping like i want them to. Im pretty sure the problem is with the actual shooting of the images, so here are a few questions.

In general,

Is it better to shoot 3,5,7 or 9 images with different exposures?
Will more shots give me a better range when post processing?

Should i bracket the shots 1 exposure stop apart, or 2 exposure stops?

Do certain images work better as HDRs than others?

Is any of this standard knowledge or is it all situational depending on the shot?


Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you



Regards,



Alex


Flickr: Larry ScrappyChief's Photostream

[VegasMike]

There are loads of great tutorials you can search for with regards to HDR. I usually use 3 shots that are at 0, -2, and +2. I use the same aperture and a tripod. The actual final product is a result of the tonemapping. How much or how little depends on the type of look you are going for. Some people like that surreal, over cooked look and some just like a very subtle adjustment.

[kirbinster]

The more images you have with a broader exposure range will give you a chance at the best results.

[Alefeb07]

Thank you thank you!

[wannabephotographer]

Most of the time you really only need -2, 0, +2. Combining the exposure is just the beginning of the process. A lot of the work is done after Photomax in PS using layers and masks.