First HDR -- I think?

Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
I usually use the raw files when using Photomatix. Sometimes I use CS5 and the raw files too. I'm not sure it matters that much. The main thing is the combination of the multiple exposures. With a single raw file, I've processed some and saved 2 copies one overexposed the other under and then combined them in CS5 to get some nice effects (see some of my clouds shots in my gallery).

Practice, practice.
 
ohkphoto

ohkphoto

Snow White
Raw is better because you have all the original pixels . . . if you shoot jpeg, your camera compresses and throws away pixels. Tweaking won't nullify the hdr.
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
Thanks, Here is my last set of bracketed shots from today with some tweaking.

8thHDR (Small).jpg
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
The process....

  1. Shoot RAW. If you don't already, now is a good time to start. HDR+JPG=crappy images.
  2. Use unedited bracketed images when compiling your HDR photo. Don't tweak first, create the HDR first.
  3. Final tweaks. Color adjustments/sharpening/etc.
 
T

ThePhotoLegend

Senior Member
I utilize PS CS5 's merge into HDR from Lightroom on import and like to have at least 8 - 10 images minimum. I am not an expert by no means but I would suggest bracketing manually with speed vs aperture priority and try 2 - 3 stops.


HDR by PhotoLegend7, on Flickr
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
Thanks, I am shooting in raw and the Corel program has spots for merging 5 images, but that would require a tri-pod. The one I have only works right on a table top with out the spindly legs extended.

My observations on HDR is that when done right, it should have a 3 dimensional ink drawing feel to it that is so precise and detailed with lines that are too perfect for an artist to be able to master so that the viewer has to ask themselves if it is a very talented drawing and never wonder if it is a photograph.

Photo legend your picture is a perfect example. The curvature of the fenders makes the truck look like it is a monogram or raised lettering. But the power lines in the back ground are details an artist would never draw. In my opinion the colors are too bright / bold which gives it the dreaded over processed look. If it was done in black & white or the softness of a chalk, it would be awesome.
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
More than anything else, HDR should add depth and detail. This is especially apparent with the paint on cars. Even the absolute best controlled studio lighting is unable to reproduce what the human eye can see in broad daylight on a nice paint job. HDR, however, can:


HDR-1.jpg

HDR-2.jpg
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
Now, compare the above to these below. These are the base "0" exposures of the 5 bracketed series compiled to make the above HDR photos. Note how flat and lifeless they are?


HDR-1.jpg

HDR-2.jpg
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
That's what I am talking about! :cool:

The HDR version of the Vette is what HDR must have been meant for.

When you look at something breathe taking like that picture is and you think at first that it must be an airbrush mural, and then you start noticing the depth and details and have to question yourself of just what are you looking at?? That is a successfully developed HDR image.

I like the way HDR rendered the lens flare on the Dodge. :cool:
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
Getting the hang of this! :cool:

The wife, myself and our little girl Koko took a ride today up to the top of Beartooth Pass.

12thHDR (Small).jpg

It may be over cooked a little but it sure has the ---WOW factor going on.
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
Yes a slower shutter would have helped for merged images, but is was just about right speed for a single image.

I wasn't trying to get the silky / cotton candy look. I wanted the water to look wet and freezing and not lose the foam at the bottom. When I merged the 3 together it resulted in the choppy look.
f/22, 1/30sec
July 2011_6097 (Small).JPG
 
T

ThePhotoLegend

Senior Member
If you utilize PS CS5's HDR merge than you can choose to "remove ghosting" and it does an excellent job at creating the effect on moving water you are looking for.
 
K

KWJams

Senior Member
My wife won $30k in the lottery a couple years ago (I helped her pick her numbers) and I wasn't able to convince her that a I needed a new camera and PS. :(
Have been using Paint Shop Pro since the PSP7 days and since Corel bought them out I have been getting upgrades every few years and this current version I happened to notice the HDR merge tool that I have been working with.
PS is on my list along with a sturdy tri-pod. :)
 
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