How do you combine two pictures with two different exposures into one?

[highspeed]

Need some PS experts to advise me on the following scenario:

Suppose that I'm taking a sunrise picture with the dark mountain at the bottom half(composition). I take the first picture by metering the sun to get the details of the sun/sky and take the 2nd picture by metering the mountain to get the details of the mountain.
By using PhotoShop(CS2), how do you combine these two pictures with two different exposures into one?

[zhangyb]

files > automate > merge to HDR

add files then OK

[catchlights]

if your two images are shot without shifting the camera..

load two image in PS
combine two images on to it own layer of one doc
than use layer mask to show or hide whatever you want on the top layer.
flatten the layers when done

[highspeed]

Thanks! will try....

[highspeed]

Originally Posted by catchlights if your two images are shot without shifting the camera.. load two image in PS combine two images on to it own layer of one doc than use layer mask to show or hide whatever you want on the top layer. flatten the layers when done

Not even know how to combine images.....would appreciate if you could tell me the steps.

[lumpyme]

wa...

photoshop works by layers... u can juz drag and drop using the pointer (dunno what the proper name for it is, but keyboard shortcut is V) provided the layer is not locked. otherwise, juz go to the layer right click and duplicate layer onto the other picture file.

masking is fairly simple and can be done by clicking on the icon with a rectangle containing a circle in it. this can be located at the bottom of your layer window. click on that once, you'll see a rectangular icon pop up beside ur exisiting layer. Make sure u are working on this layer! there are 2 default colours in this mode, black and white. black is to remove the layer and white will restore it. so juz colour the unwanted section out...

how well this works depend on whether u paid attention to art class in sec sch. hahaha...

[tchuanye]

See here:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tu...blending.shtml

[Munster]

Follow the steps from Photoshop CS2,

File >> Auotmate >> Merge To HDR

After merging, kindly switch from 16 bit to 8 bit.
Image >> Mode >> 8 bit

From there, kindly adjust the following to perfect your picture.
1) Image >> Adjustments >> Auto Levels
2) Image >> Adjustments >> Selective Colours

From selective colours, adjust the Black, White, Neutral, and any other colours you see on the picture.

This should complete the job.
This should bring up your image to its best.

[Munster]

Alternative solution is to spend S$200 on a software.
Photomatix, HDR

It does a better job then from Photoshop.

[highspeed]

Originally Posted by tchuanye See here: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tu...blending.shtml

Tested! Simple and very good results. Thanks!
Actually, what is the teory behind? Am I correct to say that it will automatically combines the two details portions from two diff pictures into one?