HDR Post Processing

[professorchaos]

Anyone create HDR photographs? If so, what software do you use? While I am not normally a believer in a lot of post processing, the results can be stunning. Below are some examples, the first showing a before and after shot, the other just plain cool.

 

[SMG]

photomatixPro is what I use for HDR. It is easy to use and gives great results. I do prefer the less processed HDR images, ones without the garish colors and halos around everything. The second image you posted is fantastic.

HDR is good if you can auto bracket in camera, and use a tripod. Handheld it can be done but is problematic. I use a D300 with grip so I can get 8 frames per second, handheld HDR is easier that way.

Cheers,
Sean

 

[Mike in Cincy]

Quick question about HDR photography. Correct me if I'm wrong, but HDR is taking 3 pictures of the same subject (underexposed, correct exposure, over exposed)?

Does this process eliminate the need to use ND grad filters in landscape photography?

 

[professorchaos]

I've tried using Photomatrix with less than spectacular results. Does it require further processing in Photoshop, practice or both?

 

[richmondesi]

Thanks for my new wallpaper, Henry. Awesome pics!

 

[GoldenMonkey]

Have you seen the awesome pic of Tokyo all HDR'd out? Crazy...click the image in this link for a nice mega-sized version...

 

[ozzy_scl]

I've tried using Photomatrix with less than spectacular results. Does it require further processing in Photoshop, practice or both?

I assume you're getting too many artifacts? IE: halos noise, etc etc??

what you need to do is put the light smoothing as high as you can (I leave at very high) with this you'll get a more natural photo.
Then you move the strength, but not so much.
What I do is use photomatix to merge, do some adjustments, and finish in Lightroom.
It has better response, and you get great results that way

To eliminate noise, you need to make sure you're overexposing properly, remember that when you merge the pics. you'll get dark areas, and those are the tricky ones.

As mentioned HDR's are easier if you have auto bracketing, I recommend using 5 pics. that way you have a wider range.

I hope this helps.

 

[professorchaos]

I'll try that! Thank you very much.

 

[McShaverson]

Wow, I'll have to look into this HDR schtuff.