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11/26/2006 12:56:04 AM · #1 |
I'm still not entirely convinced about this HDR thing - but maybe it's that I'm not using it right or not using it on the right photographs. My entry for the challenge was an experiment (which didn't fare well, but it's entirely understandable). I used the tonemapped version of the photograph as an overlay to bring out the colors of the leaves rather than soften and "midrange" everything. (The tilt, for those who wonder: while I was rotating the camera to get a vertical shot, I kinda liked what I saw, so there you have it. Boring no matter what, but less boring tilted!)
Anyway, this was how the experiment turned out:
Entry:  Original: 
I've since tried the "create the HDR from a single RAW" file and have liked the results once so far:
Tonemapped:  Original: 
And I prefer the original on this attempt, but will grant you that the tonemapped version definitely brings out color and detail not visibly present in the original.
Tonemapped:  Original: 
Anyway, I'm not sure I like it enough to buy the software, but wanted to ask if a) I'm using the tool correctly? (I just move sliders randomly to some extent), and b) am I picking the right pictures to use? For those that have more experience using this tool/methodology, tips are appreciated!
Oh, and someone asked if this one was HDR:
It is not. I created a duplicate layer, changed that layer's blending mode to "overlay", flattened the image, and sharpened. This works quite well with "flat" pictures taken on overcast days - at least to me. (Not legal in basic, by the way!)
Message edited by author 2006-11-26 01:01:41. |
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11/26/2006 01:03:48 AM · #2 |
The usefulness of HDR is in it's ability to pull detail that you didn't capture well or was unable to capture well. A good example is your last two photos which shows detail pulled from the shadows and highlights that weren't seen in the original. Try playing with different blending modes after you have tone mapped the image and adjusting down the saturation so that you get more natural results but otherwise you seem to be on the right track.
Edited for clarity.
Message edited by author 2006-11-26 01:05:41.
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11/26/2006 03:39:11 AM · #3 |
One thing I've noticed with Photomatix is a colour cast, especially when one uses only one RAW file to create an HDR image. Someone I know contacted the helpdesk and was told that it was an issue with Nikon files, but I get it with mine, too, and one of yours, Melethia, seems to have the problem. It just means an extra step in Photoshop to correct the colour balance.
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11/26/2006 09:04:35 AM · #4 |
Ditto what yanko said.
If you look at your first two sets of images, you don't really see the edited image as having any more detail in either the highlights or the shadows that wasn't already visible in the original. More colors, yes, but no more detail. You can do that *without* HDR.
HDR is good at pulling detail into highlights or shadows that you physically could not capture with a single image.
Take for example this set of pictures. Each of them have strengths on their own, either the highlights are exposed well, or the shadows, or the one in the middle is the best "general" image:
 -  - 
(Note: these are very flat, straight out of raw)
Combine all three together and I can make this:
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Or this set of pictures may be even more dramatic in how higlights and shadows are pulled together:
 -  -  - 
(Note: these are very flat, straight out of raw)
Combining those four together I can make this:
Message edited by author 2006-11-26 09:04:49.
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11/26/2006 09:18:08 AM · #5 |
David is spot on (great examples too). That's the beauty of HDR. It helps especially with landscapes or other scenarios where the amount of light ranges from both opposites in various depths of the picture. Most of the more recent pictures in my portfolio have HDR and it's a real gem to work with given: 1) You don't over-apply (unless intended) and 2) You know how to remove noise selectively / carefully.
The pictures you show you've given us to view are also good for HDR, but... you must be willing to do the follow-up work / touching up / clean up in Photoshop (5-15 min deal usually).
Enjoy your new PP skill :) |
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11/26/2006 10:19:06 AM · #6 |
Appreciate the input and advice. I'm not exactly sure what is meant by PS cleanup, though. I do take the tonemapped image into PS and add sharpening, etc. I try to remove some of the yellow, but it ends up looking a bit more washed out. I think maybe, to some extent, it's a matter of taste as to whether you end up liking the softer, muted tones. In my case, it depends on the original photo. I did the castle in HDR (from a single RAW) and I kinda like it, but separate from the original pic - I still like that too. Does that make sense?
It's fun to play with. I think it's best applied to landscapes in particular. |
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11/26/2006 11:14:32 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Melethia:
Appreciate the input and advice. I'm not exactly sure what is meant by PS cleanup, though. I do take the tonemapped image into PS and add sharpening, etc. I try to remove some of the yellow, but it ends up looking a bit more washed out. I think maybe, to some extent, it's a matter of taste as to whether you end up liking the softer, muted tones. In my case, it depends on the original photo. I did the castle in HDR (from a single RAW) and I kinda like it, but separate from the original pic - I still like that too. Does that make sense?
It's fun to play with. I think it's best applied to landscapes in particular. |
i agree with lady here :-), yea landscapes are getting the juice from HDR postprocessing ... and of course the taste has a great impact on the final product as well. |
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