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05/09/2009 10:32:10 AM · #1 |
Hey everyone
I was looking through some of the challenge winners pictures and I see a lot of them do this "tone Mapping" and I was just wondering if someone could explain to me what that is, how to do it and how it will effect a picture? thanks everyone.. still learning obviously |
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05/09/2009 10:41:38 AM · #2 |
Take a look at the "Topaz Adjust" side challenge thread and the "HDR" side challenge thread for lots of examples of tone mapping.
To answer your question more directly, "tone mapping" is part of the HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow, were first you combine several images into one frame for extended dynamic range, then use tone mapping to "map" the expanded values into a displayable range. In the process, the image becomes unnaturally flat, and a key aspect of tone mapping is to dial in an appropriate amount of local area contrast to compensate for that. The end result is that you can get a lot of very enhanced contrast, bringing up a lot of detail, in areas that would never otherwise stand out so distinctly. Both of these images are examples of extreme tone mapping:
 
Obviously, tone mapping can be (and often is) used for visual effect rather than for its "designed purpose"...
Photoshop's equivalent tool for tone mapping is Shadow/Highlight Adjustment. The most commonly used HDR/Tone Mapping application in DPC is probably Photomatix Pro. Topaz Adjust is a powerful, tone-map-based visual effects generator a lot of us are playing with.
R. |
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05/09/2009 12:35:52 PM · #3 |
I've also gotten a similar effect in PaintShop Pro by using the clarify adjustment.
   
I can't seem to get this look in PSP with shadow/highlight. I think Photoshop's version of that is more advanced.
Message edited by author 2009-05-09 12:36:48. |
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05/09/2009 02:14:43 PM · #4 |
You might want to check out  AperturePriority's tutorial on tone mapping using the 16/32/16 method on photoshop. It is a clear and concise introduction to tone mapping.
Message edited by author 2009-05-09 14:15:54. |
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05/10/2009 06:31:16 PM · #5 |
wow thanks everyone.. i've played around with HDR but haven't really had that much luck.. some stuff turns out well but for me its been hit or miss.. probably because i haven't really read up on it that much.
It is something that i really want to get into though thats for sure. Images look so much more vibrant and interesting.
thanks.
kev. |
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06/03/2009 11:00:31 PM · #6 |
| am I the only one with tone mapping fatigue? some images just go so over the top. but I think most borders are precious as well. some are great and deserve ribbons, but so many others are just crap. wonder what the next fad will be. |
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06/03/2009 11:14:02 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by oldbimmercoupe:
am I the only one with tone mapping fatigue? some images just go so over the top. but I think most borders are precious as well. some are great and deserve ribbons, but so many others are just crap. wonder what the next fad will be. |
Tell us what you really think. :-P |
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