Post Your Best HDR Photo

[varok]

The most common problem you will encounter with HDR is noise. Controlling noise will produce a better HDR image.


I use Photomatix, CS4 and Noiseware Pro.





First, I use ACR to convert RAW to 16 bit TIFF's. Then I open them in CS4 then apply noiseware pro plug-in using default settings and save them again as TIFF. I then import all images in Photmatix and do my tone-mapping setting after which I save it as 16-bit TIFF. Open the file again in CS4 then apply another noiseware pro pass if needed then tweak the final image (levels, curves, USM).

[JLynch]

[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.53/fountain_5F00_large.jpg[/img]

[Alex Bishton]

Superb composition.

[Aaron Carlson]

JLynch, Where is this?

[Alan]

varok, when you open your ACR, do you leave those settings all at "zero?" Any adjustments in ACR before you open it to the 16 bit TIFF?


What settings do you change in Photomatix? Do you change any of the brightness settings, white/black point, etc.?


I have Photomatix and it looks as if the many images posted are processed with the "details" tone mapping setting.


Thanks.


Alan

[varok]

The only thing I change in ACR is the camera profile. Everything else are defaults.


In Photomatix, I rarely change those settings. I mostly play around with strength, microcontrast, luminosity and light smoothing. I do all colors and levels adjustment in CS4. You have a lots more control if you use detail enhancer.

[maapu]

[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2663900578_5F00_a936e274ee.jpg[/img]


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2660980794_5F00_8f3f772019.jpg[/img]


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2449030198_5F00_d52b6b639d.jpg[/img]


I love HDR & here are some of my favourites. The images are from a small, very beautiful village in England.


I used the Canon 40D and 17-85 kit lens. all these HDR's are 3 images merged\tonemapped in photomatix. You can find me @ www.mauroof.com


cheers!

[Michael James]

My workflow is way too dependent on the shoot. Exterior, Landscape, Interior, etc... Honestly it would take me way too long to detail why I use certain apps for certain shots. In short though...


Raw through ACR and I "DO" make adjustments here. Export to 16 bit TIFFs and off to one of two tonemappers. If I am doing landscapes and want that extra pop in saturation then I use Photomatix. But for more photo real looking images I ONLY use Essentials HDR.


Essentials HDR is hands down the most realistic looking tonemapping app as of today. I couldn't do what I do without it. It takes me a fraction of the time in Essentials HDR than it does farting around with sliders in Photomatix to get a more realistic image.


And Essentials has a "Fast Toner" and a "Details" version. You can actually switch between the two on the fly. And you can view images "two up" either horizontally or vertically and make changes to each to toy with looks. This is a huge benefit to me because it really speeds up my workflow.


The Details Enhancer though is insane. It creates a micro contrast in a different way than photomatix and the resulting images out of Essentials HDR are wicked sharp, whereas I always need to sharpen up stuff out of Photomatix.


Once I export out a tonemapped image I then take it back to Photoshop for detail work and other tweaks.


Essentials HDR is here:


http://www.imagingluminary.com/


-Michael James

[alex_sb]

[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2663900578_5F00_a936e274ee.jpg[/img]


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2660980794_5F00_8f3f772019.jpg[/img]


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.61/2449030198_5F00_d52b6b639d.jpg[/img]


I love HDR & here are some of my favourites. The images are from a small, very beautiful village in England.


I used the Canon 40D and 17-85 kit lens. all these HDR's are 3 images merged\tonemapped in photomatix. You can find me @ www.mauroof.com


cheers!

Hi!





I liked the second one very much.





Alex.

[Alan]

varok, here are my defaults for the Mk 2: blacks, 5, brightness +50, contrast +25, sharpness 25, radius 1.0, detail 25, noise reduction 25.


I want to make sure I'm doing things right.





maapu, you've got my vote! Those were done in the details tone mapping, but they sure look stunning!





Alan