1st Attempt at HDR Photography: So these are nothing special, just some before and after shots from my backyard yesterday afternoon looking west and this morning, facing east. This is...

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

So these are nothing special, just some before and after shots from my backyard yesterday afternoon looking west and this morning, facing east. This is my very first attempt at true HDR photography. I'm not using Topaz or Photomatix, just the HDR gathering in Camera Raw Filter in Photoshop.

Thoughts ...

Before and After facing west yestarday ...

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Before and After facing east this morning ...

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ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

donolea wrote:

So these are nothing special, just some before and after shots from my backyard yesterday afternoon looking west and this morning, facing east. This is my very first attempt at true HDR photography. I'm not using Topaz or Photomatix, just the HDR gathering in Camera Raw Filter in Photoshop.

Thoughts ...

I've been using HDR for about 2 years. At first I used nothing but Photomatix. I've tried Nik's HDR but don't like it. I also, on occasion us PS's HDR. However, I recommend Photomatix as the best on the market. Here are two priceless books if you really want to get into the technique: The HDR book, edition one and edition two, by Rafael RC Concepcion. A third one that is also very good is: Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range, by Ferrell McCollough. The HDR Book is more in depth. What I like about the HDR book is he gives a bunch of presets you can copy and use.

Anyways, if I can be of help, please ask.

ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

Those examples show what can be done with hdr.
My work flow suggestion would be to, at least until you get more comfortable with the technique:
1. load your files
2. if you're using PS, stay with photorealistic, play with the settings a bit, then save it and do some more PP in ACR
3. if using Photomatix, stay with the default or balanced preset.
4. if things get out of hand as far as saturation, just dial it down
Good luck

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

donolea wrote:

Thoughts ...

Time to landscape.lol.........I'm going to bed.

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

ImageCreator wrote:

I've been using HDR for about 2 years. At first I ... (show quote)

Dennis

Thanks for the book tips, I'll certainly track them down. I want to transfer the techniques to my music industry business. I think it is a perfect fit for musicians.

I will certainly take you up on the offer.

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

ImageCreator wrote:

Those examples show what can be done with hdr.
My work flow suggestion would be to, at least until you get more comfortable with the technique:
1. load your files
2. if you're using PS, stay with photorealistic, play with the settings a bit, then save it and do some more PP in ACR
3. if using Photomatix, stay with the default or balanced preset.
4. if things get out of hand as far as saturation, just dial it down
Good luck

That's pretty much exactly how my flow went. Photomatix came out with Pro 5 not too long ago which is what I am looking to get.

Thanks again.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

I like them! Not "overwrought." I've never tried it, preferring instead to stick with adjusting levels and saturation and so forth, but I really ought to give it a try! Nicely done!

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

Chuck_893 wrote:

I like them! Not "overwrought." I've never tried it, preferring instead to stick with adjusting levels and saturation and so forth, but I really ought to give it a try! Nicely done!

Glad you like them, Chuck. I still adjust levels, saturation, etc it's just the merging of multiple shots to give a really nice effect that I like.

ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

donolea wrote:

Dennis

Thanks for the book tips, I'll certainly track them down. I want to transfer the techniques to my music industry business. I think it is a perfect fit for musicians.

I will certainly take you up on the offer.

In the second edition of the hdr book I recommended he shows some examples of hdr portraiture. You would find it beneficial in your area of expertise.

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

ImageCreator wrote:

In the second edition of the hdr book I recommended he shows some examples of hdr portraiture. You would find it beneficial in your area of expertise.

I found that second one on Amazon, looks pretty cool. They have some good, clean used ones listed for as low as 40 cents plus $3.99 for shipping. I'm thinking I can swing that! ;-)

Thanks again