Exposure blending techniques anyone??

[vibhav]

Just wanted to check which techniques you guys use for blending multiple exposures into one realistic image. I used to use luminosity mask (Cntl+alt+2 in CS4) to create the luminosity mask and then adjust the mask (gaussian blur, levels on the mask etc.) to suit the needs.

But since the time I have bought 7D (used to have 40D earlier), I have been struggling with that technique. I have not changed anything in my technique but I am finding it very difficult to blend two images that was easy enough when I used to process images from 40D.

In general, I don't like using gradient tool as it is no different than using a grad-ND on the camera and is not too suitable for many images.

Are there other good techniques that someone can suggest? Photomatix gives more "HDR" like results which are very good if you like that but for me, I like more realistic results...

Let me know of other techniques... Thanks!

[DoublyDan]

When I blend images outside of Photomatix I use Photoshop. You can start by selecting File>Scripts>Load file to stack, Select All the layers and then go to Edit>Auto align layers (if you checked the box when loading the files you can skip this step, If you selected to make these files into a smart object you will have to double click on the thumbnail to get access to the layers)

Make sure all layers are selected when going to Edit>Auto Blend layers...You can also use this method to make panoramas.(select appropriate check boxes along the way). I adjust the image with adj. layers or plugins to taste.

[vibhav]

Thanks for the response Daniel... I have tried using auto-blend in photoshop but it does not get good results...

[DoublyDan]

Sorry that I forgot to mention that I usually go through and change the masks that Photoshop creates. The program does not know what you are going for so you will have to paint in the areas that you want to blend. Use various brush opacities and layer opacities. It is painstaking but when you want it done your way you have to do it your way...On almost all of my auto blends (for stacked images I have to go in manually and change it up)....For panos it usually does a good enough job, but I have made alterations to these too.

Let us know if you find a better way...Look on Youtube.