HDR and Photoshop CS

[AndCity]

I fancy having a go at HDR and have Photoshop CS. Am I right in thinking that pictures need combining? And can I do this in Photoshop CS? Thanks.

[Jennefer]

Originally Posted by AndCity

I fancy having a go at HDR and have Photoshop CS. Am I right in thinking that pictures need combining? And can I do this in Photoshop CS? Thanks.

I use a program called Photomatrix Pro, it does a wonderful job of automating the process, has a short learning curve and gives excellent results. As for Photoshop, although I have CS4 now, and have been using Photoshop for years, I really don't know if you can. I have done it with a plug in in Aperture so perhaps there is a photoshop plugin too. But I just use the stand-alone app most of the time to get the most flexibility. I have no problem using 6-8 photos to get a streetlight illuminated night scene with both detail in the darkest shadows and in the lens of the streetlight! Clouds at night are fun with this process. Indoor shots with windows work well too. Remember… nothing except exposure should change between shots! Wind and too much time are your enemies. (Time? yes! clouds move, stars travel, vibrations cause adjustment changes) But once you get one successful image, you will be hooked for life. Have fun!-Jenny

[kencaleno]

CS doesn't have the HDR facility that CS4 and CS4 have-But you can combine images:

HDR

(Camera on tripod
Expose for highlights-take a shot
Expose for shadows-take a shot
Add highlight image to shadow image as a new layer (hold “shift” and drag move tool)
Select> Color Range, Click “highlights” check “invert”, click “OK”
Add layer mask.
Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur 250 pixels.
Flatten and save.

Regards, Ken