How to create HDR image from single RAW image?

[yjoshi]

Hi,

Is it possible to create good quality HDR image from single RAW file?

I use GIMP and Lightroom and will like to use any free HDR software.. please help.

[shutternut]

it is possible. see this tutorial here: HDR Tutorial | High Dynamic Range Tutorial as he covers some of it.

I know his tutorial uses mostly photomatix and photoshop though, so you may want to google HDR tutorials specific to your programs.

To use a RAW image for HDR just open it up and make about 5 different exposures of the same image and save them separately. I usually go in stops of 1 when I do this (-2, -1, 0, +1, +2). Then you use them as if you had auto-bracketed when you initially took the photos. I have used this method with several of my images. I take the five exposure and my photomatix HDR and then blend them in photoshop until I am happy with the result. I like to err on the side of less rather than more with the HDR processing.

Hope this helps you some!

[Cheezman]

If you have any budget, I'd suggest just getting photomatix. I've never been able to duplicate the tone mapping that photomatix does with ease. It's 90-100 dollars. The program allows you to easily create HDRs from single RAW, though you need to save the RAW file 3 times use it.

[yjoshi]

can anyone suggest FREE software or technique for HDR? I tired lightroom graduated exposure filters and got these results.. any comments on if these really look like HDR or not really??

[fletch]

They don't look like bad HDR if that is what you mean. These shots will not benefit one bit from HDR, There are no blown highlights etc, I would give it a miss and focus on getting the most out of the original RAW in Lightroom.