HDR processing

[jtsky]

I am new to HDR and was reading about HDR recently, found that HDR processing is very 'demanding', ppl tend to overdo the processing, wondering how to get natural look HDR images like this.

These are a few software I found on web, wondering which one is better? I read about Photomatix and how good it is, can PS produces the same standard as compared to Photomatix?

Photomatix
easyHDR
Essential HDR
FDRTools
ReDynaMix
Dynamic PhotoHDR
Qtpfsgui
Artizen HDR


Anyone have good nice setting for PS and photomatix, please teach me, thanks.

 

[wildstallion]

The best one is probably Photomatix. Use it all the time and it's very good. HDR isnt as easy as just clicking a few buttons. To get a natural looking HDR you sort of have to know what your doing otherwise it will come out looking way over processed. Settings are different for every shot, so there are no "nice" settings.

 

[LifeInMacro]

I also second wildstallion's opinion on Photomatix. Just to add that in order not to get surreal looking images, you have to understand what each slider in Photomatix does and how each slider will compliment/negate others. And the best way to do this is either to read up (search the web) or by trial and error. Sorry mate, no short cut here.

Besides Photomatix, knowledge of Photoshop is also a must as there's some more PP (levels, curves, noise reduction etc) to be done before eventually getting what you desire.

Good luck. Have fun. Cheers.

 

[soulFLY]

Hi,

I find Photomatix Tonemapping V1.1.2 plugins in CS4 gives better result than standalone.

Just my findings and observations...

However, to make the final image surreal or non-surreal; still depends on how you process it.

There is still a need to further fine tweak others parameter/setting in PS for the final outcome...

All the best in venturing in HDR....cheers!

 

[Darkman]

If you can get your hands on the book Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography by Ferrell McCollough, read it. It will give you good insights on HDR processing, as well as some comparison on the most popular HDR software available. There are also very good sample HDR photos from well known photographers.

 

[jtsky]

The best one is probably Photomatix. Use it all the time and it's very good. HDR isnt as easy as just clicking a few buttons. To get a natural looking HDR you sort of have to know what your doing otherwise it will come out looking way over processed. Settings are different for every shot, so there are no "nice" settings.

I also second wildstallion's opinion on Photomatix. Just to add that in order not to get surreal looking images, you have to understand what each slider in Photomatix does and how each slider will compliment/negate others. And the best way to do this is either to read up (search the web) or by trial and error. Sorry mate, no short cut here.

Besides Photomatix, knowledge of Photoshop is also a must as there's some more PP (levels, curves, noise reduction etc) to be done before eventually getting what you desire.

Good luck. Have fun. Cheers.

Hi,

I find Photomatix Tonemapping V1.1.2 plugins in CS4 gives better result than standalone.

Just my findings and observations...

However, to make the final image surreal or non-surreal; still depends on how you process it.

There is still a need to further fine tweak others parameter/setting in PS for the final outcome...

All the best in venturing in HDR....cheers!

If you can get your hands on the book Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography by Ferrell McCollough, read it. It will give you good insights on HDR processing, as well as some comparison on the most popular HDR software available. There are also very good sample HDR photos from well known photographers.

Thanks for all ur advices, I just got a copy of Photomatix, and will be trying on it, thanks