How to get the most dynamic range from your RAW file.

[Tzetsin]

HDR method using a single RAW file.

Trying to explain this to anyone is a great lesson in futility. They say that a picture is worth 1000 words, and I believe it.

Take a look at these images for detailed instructions on how to create and seamlessly blend multiple exposure zones from within a single RAW file using Photoshop and Adobe camera RAW.

I just want to note here that I only use a highlight layer for this example. You could also use this method to bring detail into shadows. In an extreme case you would want to make a layer for shadows, mids and highlights. Also, RAW files are not infallible. If the highlights or shadows are too far gone, nothing but a second file/exposure is going to work.

These images are read from left to right, top to bottom.

one.jpg

two.jpg

three.jpg

[sk66]

Many of us use LR. To do this from there, simply make "virtual copies" edited the way you want for exposure and then send them to PS (CMD-E). You can send them all at once by selecting them all prior to the "edit" command. Once done any virtual copies can be deleted; but they don't really "exist," they are just different xmp sidecar "processing files."

I didn't know about the "duplicate layer" option for copying in other images. I usually just select the image to copy (CMD-A), then copy(CMD-C) and paste it(CMD-V) into the other image as a new layer. I'll try this method next time and see how it works for me...

[kirbinster]

If you want to just stick in lightroom you can use the paintbrush tool to mask specific areas and then just make the adjustments you want in those areas.

[CarissaLyn]

I didn't know about the "duplicate layer" option for copying in other images. I usually just select the image to copy (CMD-A), then copy(CMD-C) and paste it(CMD-V) into the other image as a new layer. I'll try this method next time and see how it works for me...

Yeah same here, that's neat, good to know.

[Hill Country Hack]

Many of us use LR. To do this from there, simply make "virtual copies" edited the way you want for exposure and then send them to PS (CMD-E). You can send them all at once by selecting them all prior to the "edit" command. Once done any virtual copies can be deleted; but they don't really "exist," they are just different xmp sidecar "processing files."

I didn't know about the "duplicate layer" option for copying in other images. I usually just select the image to copy (CMD-A), then copy(CMD-C) and paste it(CMD-V) into the other image as a new layer. I'll try this method next time and see how it works for me...

Using LR I will make the "virtual copies" (usually two) and while in Library mode will adjust exposure on one image to bring out the shadows and the other image for the highlights and blend the three images using a plug in called Lightroom enfuse. LR/Enfuse - Blend Multiple Exposures Together in Adobe Lightroom (I have no connection with this organization except as a person who made a donation for the full version). One can get a reduced package of this plug in free or donate for a full version. Be cautious as the donation is in British pounds so use a currency calculator for your home monetary unit.

Edit- If you donate for full version all future upgrades are free

[scootermcq]

I didn't know about the "duplicate layer" option for copying in other images.

Yep... today is a good day! I learned something.

Thanks

[Tzetsin]

Lightroom is just a fancy ACR anyway. Personally I would use lightroom instead of ACR, and then "open in" PS to do the layer work, but not everyone has both.

I did this specific tutorial for someone, which is why it is a PS only tute. Lightroom is good for somethings too, its easier for one, but as powerful as lightroom is, I much prefer the control and work flow of Photoshop for this kind of work.

Glad I was able to teach some of you old guys a little something something anyway lol even if its only something as simple as "dupe layer" lol. Everyone knows there are 10 different ways to do any one thing in PS though, whatever jets the job done right?

[PixSixSix]

Lightroom is just a fancy ACR anyway. Personally I would use lightroom instead of ACR, and then "open in" PS to do the layer work, but not everyone has both.

I did this specific tutorial for someone, which is why it is a PS only tute. Lightroom is good for somethings too, its easier for one, but as powerful as lightroom is, I much prefer the control and work flow of Photoshop for this kind of work.

Glad I was able to teach some of you old guys a little something something anyway lol even if its only something as simple as "dupe layer" lol. Everyone knows there are 10 different ways to do any one thing in PS though, whatever jets the job done right?

I don't know whether to feel special in a good way or special in the short bus way but thank you twice for posting

[scootermcq]

I dug this one out of the recycle bin to experiment on. I axed it for a few reason, but one of them was the sky. I did not think I would be able to pull any detail back in and did not try because I did not like the picture anyway. I tried your tut on this, and it brought back the sky pretty slick. Thanks again.

[Tzetsin]

I dug this one out of the recycle bin to experiment on. I axed it for a few reason, but one of them was the sky. I did not think I would be able to pull any detail back in and did not try because I did not like the picture anyway. I tried your tut on this, and it brought back the sky pretty slick. Thanks again.

You could probably also use this same technique to brush a little more detail into the dress without changing the exposure of the dress if you know what I mean. Those white dresses can be a real PITA.