Hdr..

[Nocturnus]

So, i've been trying to do some HDR. I'm using CS2 and the HDR function built in. I've tried using anywhere from 3-12 shots that are from my bracketed shooting. I either end up with images that are very washed out or that look like I took a lot of LSD. I can post some example of them when I get home. But is there something I am missing on this?

[ramblinray]

I don't remember if I ever tried HDR in CS2, but it works reasonably well in CS3. Haven't loaded my CS4 to see if that works any better. You might try some of the free download trials of plugins like Photomatix. They have more controls available without have to do layers gyrations.

[Randy Chambers]

Photo Shop does not do HDR very well at all.

I would suggest downloading the trial of Photomatix at HDR photo software & plugin for Lightroom, Aperture & Photoshop - Tone Mapping, Exposure Fusion & HDR Imaging for photography

Then watch this video at DTown and maybe this video and have a go.

You will see a difference from just using Photo Shop.

[Nocturnus]

So I messed around with that Photomatix software.. cool.. Messed around with my images and went totally 100% overboard with what I came up with.

[Randy Chambers]

There ya go, that more what you were looking for?
It is a novel look that many are tiring of when pushed too hard but if throttled back if can add that extra punch to a so-so image.

I heard a podcast today where the photographer said "you do not want to make post processing noticeable or obvious, just this side of that fine line."
He was talking about skin softening in portraits but I think it bodes well for HDR as well.

[Nocturnus]

Yeah.. It's just something I have never tried before.. Like to try it on a decent image. Just gives me another big reason to go out tomorrow after work.

[DougC]

Good info about Photomatix to be had here:

Stuck In Customs HDR Photography

You can also get a 15% discount if you haven't purchased it yet by using his code.

[princer7]

The Exposure Fusion is a nice feature of Photomatix Pro. I was not all that happy with the results from an HDR conversion but have had better results with Exposure Fusion. I still need a lot more practice with the software, however.

[dmcantrell]

Photomatix seems to be a noise generator for me.

Also this :



Notice the "HDR Hole"

[49884]

haha! I like that chart.

[jstevensphoto]

I've been using Photomatix as a plug-in for Aperture for over a year and pleased with the results. Got it online for about $80. There are lots of folks out there who give free presets. Also, Topaz has some interesting presets in Adjust and Simplify that look like HDR. I agree that the hard part is finding the thin line between fantasy and good taste. Good luck.

[princer7]

I saw the webinar for Nik Software's HDR Efex yesterday and all I can say was.... like their other products - simply amazing! It is supposed to released Monday. The interface and presets selections were much easier to understand than what I have used with both Photomatix and Photoshop.

[jstevensphoto]

If it's not too expensive, I may take a look. You're right. They make quality stuff.

[princer7]

I purchased the Nik Software Complete Collection from Amazon.com for $220 this past week and it should qualify for the inclusion of the HDR Efex for free. :)