AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

I'm just getting started with HDR. On my current batch of RAW files, I created all of my HDR's which LR outputs as DNG files. I then went through my normal workflow of viewing each RAW file and "Picking" the ones I want to create a collection with for processing in the Develop module. In addition to the normal shots, I also selected the DNG's which I assume were the output of the HDR function in LR. Anyway, I created my normal collection and then selected all and applied my develop preset. This must have been a mistake because the DNG's suddenly had a white border all around the photo and were all washed out. I called Adobe and the guy told me that something went wrong with the transfer, not the preset, but I think he was focused on the white border, not my real question about workflow. I did learn that the DNG file number is random (I always thought it used the highest number in the series to name the DNG but apparently not, it chooses a random number). Anyway, his answer was to just crop the border off, but this is just not me. So, I emptied out the collection and re-created the collection with just the photos that have no HDR involved. I'll apply my develop preset, finishing touches, and then face the HDR's. Should I a) bring over to the collection all the photos that I will use to create the HDR-DNG, b) go ahead and create the HDR's in the import file folder and then transfer the DNG's to the collection (but don't apply the develop preset), or c) something else? I hope this makes sense. Thanks, Bob

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Ok, why do the HDR merge in the Develop module? I merge in Library, then work on the output file in Develop. The white border thing is a mystery.

IHH61 Loc: Homestead Fl

I do the same.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Thanks for the responses. Everything came out okay by re-creating the collection with the non-HDR's, applying my develop preset, and then bringing over the HDR-DNG's which I assembled in the Library Module prior to moving them to the collection. One possibility I thought of on the white border might be that I included some shots that were totally washed out. Or perhaps it's better to just call it a fluke and move on. Thanks again for the responses.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

In the HDR merge tool I select Auto Tone, which produces a DNG that comes with pre-adjusted sliders. I suspect that NOT using Auto Tone produces exactly the same image but without the adjustments to the sliders. Perhaps when you apply your Develop presets it ignores any previous adjustments to the sliders and goes solely with your applied presets - which may be appropriate for the single exposures but too bright for your HDR files.

Where file naming is concerned, the HDR files have the same name as the first raw (or DNG) file that you click on when selecting them for merging, but also have -HDR added to the end of the name. For example if you merge three files and the first file that you select is called DSC_2669.DNG, the HDR file will be called DSC_2669-HDR.DNG. I use that to differentiate between two-shot merges and three-shot merges. If I'm doing a three-shot merge I'll select the neutral exposure first, but if I'm doing a two-shot merge I'll select the dark exposure first. That produces HDR files with different names and there's no possibility of confusion. (Having said that, I haven't tried clicking on the neutral exposure first for both merges, so I don't know how it names them in those circumstances. But I can tell you that my way produces a distinct difference between the file names that I can use to differentiate between two and three shot merges).

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Do you, in Develop, have Soft Proofing checked as on? This adds a white border to the image you are working on.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

No, Soft Proofing was not checked, but that is good to know. Thanks, Bob

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Thanks R.G. for the great information. This will help me establish my future HDR workflow. Thanks so much for the help, Bob