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Help with HDR
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May 31, 2018 18:16:31   #
baba
 
I must have at least 200 plus sunsets shot in 5 bracket series.I thought I would compile them into images using Nik software. I found out that they couldn't been used without having Photoshop,which I don't have.So what would you suggest I do,I have Elements 6, as you can see I'm not big on software.I'm old school Zone system guy
Can anyone suggest how I can get my images to the way I thought they should be?
Thank you

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May 31, 2018 18:31:11   #
CO
 
Photomatix HDR is a stand-alone software package. You can get Photomatix Essentials ($39) or Photomatix Pro ($99). I started with Essentials and then got Pro. Essentials really has everything that is needed. You can download them from their website.

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May 31, 2018 19:08:04   #
rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX
 
This talks about running NIK standalone:
https://petapixel.com/2017/12/15/can-run-nik-collection-plugins-standalone-apps-heres/

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May 31, 2018 19:27:52   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
rwilson's link is a good one. I've run several of the Nik modules as stand-alone - but they only accept jpg or tif. PM me if you have any issues in finding the exe file or using the software. I haven't tried the HDR section for a long time, though

btw, Nik works with PS Elements, but I don't know about a version as old as yours (I started with PSE 12). Check the help information (if it exists for that version) for "plug-ins."

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Jun 1, 2018 05:34:30   #
dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida
 
Captain Kimo compares the 2018 HDR programs on the market, but one should keep in mind that he is sponsored by Photomatix. He down grades Franzis HDR, by comparing Project 4 [not even newer 5] when Franzis Project HDR 2018 is the new one; Kimo is a bad boy! As penitence he will gift you a free book on HDR. No, Captain Kimo is not the MC on the kids show you recall from child hood; that was the kindly Captain Kangaroo. Oh well, first letter was the same!
https://captainkimo.com/hdr-software-review-comparison/

While I understand that Photomatix is God to the UHH bandwagon people, exploring others brands is a full rejection of UHH "go with the crowd" rules. Ashampoo sells Franzis [German] HDR project 6, the one just prior to 2018, for $20. Better yet do a free down load and give it a try:
https://www.ashampoo.com/en/usd/dld/partner0210/hdr-projects-5-elements/

Franzis HDR 2018 is $69.
https://www.projects-software.com/hdr/hdr-projects-2018

Sample bracketing images are available from Franzis
https://www.projects-software.com/hdr/sample-bracket-images

Download a free trial of Auroa HDR [$99] sorry site was rejected some admin says Auroa com download is spam?!

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Jun 1, 2018 06:17:59   #
LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY
 
Canon SPP supports HER if you have a Canon camera

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Jun 1, 2018 06:19:52   #
LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY
 
LarryFitz wrote:
Canon SPP supports HER if you have a Canon camera

I hate auto correct. CANON DPP supports HDR

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Jun 1, 2018 06:43:07   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
I have used Photomatix Pro for years, Try them. You can do them one at a time or batch load. They also can fix movement even on the batch set but. I have done over 100 at one time. Set it up and went to dinner.

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Jun 1, 2018 07:15:30   #
elliott937 Loc: St. Louis
 
The Photomatix is an excellent stand alone HDR software.

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Jun 1, 2018 07:44:22   #
just pictures Loc: Little Rock Arkansas
 
I use photomatix for any hdr that has movement because of its ghosting .For all others I use SNS HDR

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Jun 1, 2018 10:49:49   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
baba wrote:
I must have at least 200 plus sunsets shot in 5 bracket series.I thought I would compile them into images using Nik software. I found out that they couldn't been used without having Photoshop,which I don't have.So what would you suggest I do,I have Elements 6, as you can see I'm not big on software.I'm old school Zone system guy
Can anyone suggest how I can get my images to the way I thought they should be?
Thank you


Honestly, sunset pictures need not be bracketed and no HDR is necessary. The practical use of bracketing is a) when you are not sure of the exact exposure or b) when you have a scene where it's impossible for the camera to capture a properly exposed image because the scene has too much dynamic range. (from too bright to too dark)

In other words, HDR is normally used for scenes where you have a very bright area such as bright sun, and in the middle or foreground there is an area in the shadows. A camera can't capture both at the same time. So you take several photos exposing for the bright and dark areas and then use software to combine them into one image giving you the dynamic range that the camera couldn't otherwise capture.

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Jun 1, 2018 11:18:59   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
Not necessarily true, HDR can be used to get the bright light and the dark side of the screen all in better color and detail. You are brooding the light range of your camera. The blown out and the too dark will be detailed in the picture.

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Jun 1, 2018 13:20:37   #
donb17
 
CO wrote:
Photomatix HDR is a stand-alone software package. You can get Photomatix Essentials ($39) or Photomatix Pro ($99). I started with Essentials and then got Pro. Essentials really has everything that is needed. You can download them from their website.


That's what I use.

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Jun 1, 2018 16:05:14   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
baba wrote:
I must have at least 200 plus sunsets shot in 5 bracket series.I thought I would compile them into images using Nik software. I found out that they couldn't been used without having Photoshop,which I don't have.So what would you suggest I do,I have Elements 6, as you can see I'm not big on software.I'm old school Zone system guy
Can anyone suggest how I can get my images to the way I thought they should be?
Thank you


There are other programs than Photoshop that can make HDR images, some even better than Photoshop. But I don't think any good ones are actually free. I use Ps CS6 still (via a licensed DVD-ROM). Now Ps is by subscription only.

Personally I have never liked any of the HDR images that I have tried to make. I end up preferring using my "middle" meter indicated exposure as is. I don't like the weird remnants you often get with most HDR methods. I do hear there are other manual techniques that can give natural looking images.

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Jun 1, 2018 16:07:22   #
JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA
 
baba wrote:
I must have at least 200 plus sunsets shot in 5 bracket series.I thought I would compile them into images using Nik software. I found out that they couldn't been used without having Photoshop,which I don't have.So what would you suggest I do,I have Elements 6, as you can see I'm not big on software.I'm old school Zone system guy
Can anyone suggest how I can get my images to the way I thought they should be?
Thank you


Having experimented with a half dozen or so HDR packages, I find that I like the results from NIK the best. I like my HDR to look natural and not overcooked, and I am getting the best rrsults with NIK.

Others that I have tried include Photomatix Pro, and when I compare results to NIK, I find I like the NIK results the best.

Photoshop can do HDR, and so can Lightroom. But NIK still wins.

Tried Affinity, but still like NIK.

Tried Franzis, but their edge masking leaves some tiny halos.

As for those who say you don't need HDR for sunsets, and to just adjust the image, I have tried, and I still like the NIK results better.

That's my 2 cents.

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