HDR software

[bobg]

Hi all,

After seeing several photos output in HDR, and being impressed with the results, I was going to attempt this myself - so my question/s are

What is the technique (I think its several shots of the same subject with different exposures) - is this correct?

What software - if any - is required?

Is it available as shareware, free or only part of Photoshop?

bobg

[Nick Temple-Fry]

Re: HDR software

http://www.vanilladays.com/hdr-guide/#whatishdr

may help as an overall description - though the software they refer to is either Photoshop (so cost is arm+leg) or Photomatix (several fingers at least).

http://turtle.as.arizona.edu/jdsmith/exposure_blend.php

this again includes an overall description - but is from the perspective of The GIMP and a plug-in called Exposure-Blend. So for most uses the software is free.

Both are worth reading.

[veggiesosage]

Re: HDR software

There are a couple of free hdr apps but I've not tried them

http://www.easyhdr.com/

http://www.fdrtools.com/fdrtools_basic_e.php

Photomatix also do a free version, scroll down to Photomatix Basic

http://www.hdrsoft.com/download.html

[Invicta]

Re: HDR software

Hi

I have tried HDR in a small way. Yes you bracket the exposure (use shutter speed so as to keep the deep of field constant). The new E3 allows you to bracket ISO setting as well so this may be worth investigating.

I used Photoshop CS2 to merge the photos. The results were OK, but I would hope the HDR management is improved in CS3.

[bobg]

Re: HDR software

Hi,

Thanks for your replies people - it looks like I have got some reading to do and s/w to check on before I can play around

Thanks again bobg

[veggiesosage]

Re: HDR software

Can I suggest that you try the fdr tools one first? I haven't tried it myself but I have heard good things about it from others.

[alert_bri]

Re: HDR software

Hi Bobg,

I've started to use PhotoAcute, and instead of taking bracketed exposures (as would be necessary for conventional HDR) - I'm finding it quite sufficient to shoot a burst of maybe 6-8 shots of well exposed (i.e. don't blow the highlights) images...

Then, PhotoAcute 'accumulates' the colour and detail information in the shadows, and the image is exposed to retain highlights, so I end up with a very natural, but very high quality (resolution and shadow detail) image.

Another advantage is that PhotoAcute does lens distortion correction... here's an example :



PhotoAcute details here :
http://www.photoacute.com/index.html

Hope that helps, this package gives you far more than just HDR.

Kind Regards

Brian

[theMusicMan]

Re: HDR software

That is nice Brian, would liked to have seen a little more detail in the trunk of the tree maybe? I might take a look at this app now... thanks for the information on it.

[alert_bri]

Re: HDR software

Thanks John, there's plenty of shadow detail there, but I found that it looked less natural when I brightened the trunk. As I recollect, this is the closest to how it looked in real life.

Hope that makes sense, I'll have to do a print some time...

Kind Regards

Brian

[theMusicMan]

Re: HDR software

Cheers Brian. I have to say though that there's some lovely balance in the EV from the sky through to the trees; the software has obviously worked very well.

[bobg]

Re: HDR software

Hi Brian,

Thanks - pic looks brilliant - will definitely give that one a try.

Regards, bobg

[alert_bri]

Re: HDR software

Hi John,

That is nice Brian, would liked to have seen a little more detail in the trunk of the tree maybe? I might take a look at this app now... thanks for the information on it.

your comment made me go back and re-evaluate the shot. I was able to lift the shadows to this degree, and it still looks natural, what do you think?


Kind Regards

Brian

[theMusicMan]

Re: HDR software

Yep, a certain improvement for me anyway on that shot Brian. I really must try that app... thanks for reposting it.

[Garrie]

Re: HDR software

I use Tone mapped HDR images loads, I really like the effect although its not to most peoples tastes. I like them overcooked to be honest.

I use photomatix and sometimes adjust levels etc in PS.

here is some of mine...







I should really try a more stuble tone mapped effect.

I just exposure bracket when shooting for HDR.

Cheers

[bobg]

Re: HDR software

Hi Garrie

Thanks for the info, I think photomatix looks the best bet, so will give it a try.

Images are great - the over-cooked effect gives them more punch, and is really the impact I would like to achieve.

bobg