Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

I've started to experiment and play around with HDR post processing. I import my 3-5 images into LR and then use the LR HDR merge. Nothing exciting but some of the final images do look interesting.
I also have used the 'edit/merge command from LR to Photoshop and i see that PS gives me more opportunities to modify the final product.
I donwloaded the trial version of NIK HDR effex, but I guess raw file are not accepted by the program. Do I need to save them as JPEG or something else.
From LR my Raw files are merged both in LR and PS.
Also any other suggestions of HDR processing programs.
Thanks

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Due to the lossy nature of the jpg format/filing, I'd suggest saving them as .tif files. I can't suggest software, as I don't do HDR work.
--Bob

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

Try photomatix. Works quickly, lots of options.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

While stacking and merging x number of bracketed images works fine (technically, but not artfully) in LR, try this:

Import or open a single slightly underexposed image (uncompressed .tif is best) into PS. Create a duplicate layer. Under 'filters,' opt for NIK HDR, and find one that works to the advantage of the image (most often, 'Deep' is a good place to start, but every image is different, so...). Don't overconcern yourself with the fact that the HDR'ed image will look like hell; you're not going to be using it at full opacity anyhow... Ok, now take that duplicate, HDR'ed layer and decrease its opacity. In fact, change the opacity/transparency levels a lot, and see which parts of the original image are improved and which are not. Create a duplicate layer of the already duplicated and HDR'ed layer, and select or mask the sections you've judged are good, and make layers out of those. Alter levels or color balance or virtually anything along the way. Alter those transparency levels to meet your and the image's needs. Experiment! See what works! See what doesn't! And finally (takes me just a few minutes, depending on the masks or selections) -when you get the various layers where they 'need to be' merge or flatten the layers into a single image. There is no formula, no 'always do such and such,' but if you start off by seeing what areas of an image need *something* more or *something* less, you'll probably arrive at what you want. And it won't look typically HDR'ed.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I use the NIK suite by starting in Lightroom, then selecting "Edit In." I can then select one of the NIK programs, and LR creates a TIF file and pushes it out to the selected NIK program. Once I'm done with the NIK program and close, I'm returned to LR and the edited TIF is now in the catalog.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

The program looks good will try it
Thanks

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Thanks

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

I will try it your way
Thanks

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Take a good look at easyHDR (https://www.easyhdr.com/). It gets lost in the noise (PhotoLightGIMPmatix), but it's highly regarded. And at $39 for home use and $65 for professional use, it isn't going to break the bank.

There's a trial version available with two limitations: Watermarks are put on the output photos, and saving in TIFF format is disabled.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

If your intent is to use HDR to gently modify a single image for more realistic DR then NIK HDR is a very capable program. However, it may not do the trick for more "Artistic" endeavors.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Great
Thanks

twosummers Loc: Melbourne Australia or Lincolnshire England

I use Aurora HDR - works very well with RAW images. I usually take 5 bracketed shots (real estate interiors). Aurora has good range of tools or you can export and use other apps.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I am happy with LR’s HDR merge. I then tweak with the develop module and do final adjustments in PS

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you are looking for a natural, but tonally compressed image, then you have the right tools. If you are looking for that Captain Kimo (Florida) or Trey Ratcliff (Queensland, NZ) then you may want to look at what Aurora, Nik or Photomatix.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/95572727@N00/
https://www.deviantart.com/captainkimo

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I'm glad to see that someone besides me uses Aurora. I was going to mention it because I have tried 6 or 7 of the "other" HDR programs and found them difficult. Aurora uses native Raw/NEF files and also has a Lightroom plugin which allows me to export easily and create some very nice HDR images.