My failed attempt at HDR

[eedwinn]

Hi guys, my first time trying HDR after reading some tutorials online. The results didn't turn out as expected. Can someone tell me what went wrong? The ending picture is as below:

[VyNnNnNnN]

Using Photomatix Pro or PhotoShop?

As a beginner, i suggest that you start with PhotoShop, as there are lots of "bars" and settings in Photomatix.

If you think photomatix is a better choice, then trial and error is the better way to learn. Just beware of the 'halo' around the buildings/clouds, etc.

I've seen someone posting a web, showing video on PhotoShop HDR.. Take a look @ here

Have yet seen the video, only the first few seconds.. Might be a good tutorial video.

[shojibake]

i think the number one thing that's wrong with your photo is the resolution that you're working at is too low.

[night86mare]

so saturated.

what program are you using? show us the source files, will be better able to tell you what is wrong after that.

[VyNnNnNnN]

Sorry for the video posted.. I thought that video is a tutorial on PhotoShop HDR.. But instead, it's not. Just on how to PP a photo to become a HDR-like photo..

[eedwinn]

Originally Posted by VyNnNnNnN Using Photomatix Pro or PhotoShop? As a beginner, i suggest that you start with PhotoShop, as there are lots of "bars" and settings in Photomatix. If you think photomatix is a better choice, then trial and error is the better way to learn. Just beware of the 'halo' around the buildings/clouds, etc. I've seen someone posting a web, showing video on PhotoShop HDR.. Take a look @ here Have yet seen the video, only the first few seconds.. Might be a good tutorial video.

I'm using Photoshop CS3. Thanks for the link! It's useful but it's only using 1 image and CS4.

Originally Posted by shojibake i think the number one thing that's wrong with your photo is the resolution that you're working at is too low.

I'm using RAW(.CR2) files and converted them to .DNG files using Lightrooom 2 before opening it in CS3 (As my CS3 cannot open 500D's RAW file). How do I set the resolution higher then?

Originally Posted by night86mare so saturated. what program are you using? show us the source files, will be better able to tell you what is wrong after that.

I'm using Photoshop's CS3. Will post the 3 different exposure files in a while.

Thanks!

[eedwinn]

These are the 3 images I used to create the HDR.

[soulFLY]

hmm..even ur 3 shots is over-expose le..

[eedwinn]

Originally Posted by soulFLY hmm..even ur 3 shots is over-expose le..

Indeed they are even for the one with no exposure compensation. But will that affect the processing of HDR?

[night86mare]

eedwinn, your sky in the source files

no details in ANY of the pictures, how you expect the hdr program to squeeze out any details in the sky? from thin air??

[LifeInMacro]

Hi, other than the exposure problem, you also have the image shift problem. Did you shoot handheld? I notice some difference in your 3 shots; windows on the right are telltales. Try to use tripod where possible.

You should try to use Photomatix as a start. It involves some trial and error, but you can easily pick it up and adjust the 101 dials to your heart's content. After the merging, select Tone Mapping, set default and then tweak from there.

When you get better, move into PS, which gives you even more fine adjustment and control.

Happy shooting.

[eedwinn]

Originally Posted by night86mare eedwinn, your sky in the source files no details in ANY of the pictures, how you expect the hdr program to squeeze out any details in the sky? from thin air??

Hi, I guess I went over board with the sliders. Have attempted another one. Would appreciate if you can give me some comments on how to improve!

Originally Posted by LifeInMacro Hi, other than the exposure problem, you also have the image shift problem. Did you shoot handheld? I notice some difference in your 3 shots; windows on the right are telltales. Try to use tripod where possible. You should try to use Photomatix as a start. It involves some trial and error, but you can easily pick it up and adjust the 101 dials to your heart's content. After the merging, select Tone Mapping, set default and then tweak from there. When you get better, move into PS, which gives you even more fine adjustment and control. Happy shooting.

Hi LifeInMarco, yes I did shoot it handheld, and being a newbie I thought I nailed 3 pictures without moving. I'm giving it another shot, this time using a tripod.

Unfortunately, I only have the full version of CS3 that's why I'm using it instead of Photomatrix.

Another question: I realise that after merging it to HDR, the colour of the picture always look very dull, almost like black and white. Is it normal?

Here's my 2nd attempt.

[soulFLY]

Here's my 2nd attempt.

[/quote]

My attempt:

[soulFLY]

download the Photomatix s/w trail and proceed another attempt with it....

[VyNnNnNnN]

My point of view.
The HDR will look very nice if you are able to capture the clouds.
Notice that most of the HDR has the sky..

[soulFLY]

Originally Posted by eedwinn Indeed they are even for the one with no exposure compensation. But will that affect the processing of HDR?

sorry i miss out this one...

yes, it will affect the processing in a way...

[LukaviZ]

brilliant mood. =P I like it.

you used 1 raw or 3 exposures?

[eedwinn]

Originally Posted by soulFLY My attempt:

Damn nice man! I have much to learn from you!

Originally Posted by soulFLY download the Photomatix s/w trail and proceed another attempt with it....

Ok! I will give it a go tomorrow!

Originally Posted by VyNnNnNnN My point of view. The HDR will look very nice if you are able to capture the clouds. Notice that most of the HDR has the sky..

Yup I noticed that too. Thanks for the tip. However, the clouds always go hiding whenever I shoot...

Originally Posted by LukaviZ brilliant mood. =P I like it. you used 1 raw or 3 exposures?

You're asking soulFLY's one right?

[LukaviZ]

oops... ya.. lol..
because i took a picture of the same monument ( non hdr ), so im intrigued by his variant

[soulFLY]

Originally Posted by LukaviZ brilliant mood. =P I like it. you used 1 raw or 3 exposures?

As for this image, I am using single Jpeg 8bits file to generate this HDR with manually set EV+/-1.

Cheers!