Early morning in Paris

It was on early September morning in Paris. As I climbed stairs on opposite site of Eiffel tower the Sun just raised and offered me a spectacular image. I just missed a cloud or two, but for that I ll have to go to Paris one more time. 

All in Passion for HDR!
Greetings from Slovenia! 

Samo Trebižan

 
More photos available for purchase in my galleries!

Creating HDR

So we have taken three different exposed photos on our computer and we need final steps to merge them into HDR. As I mentioned in earlier posts I will only comment and recommend equipment, software and other solutions, which I have already tried and it worked for me.

For merging photos into HDR I use Photomatix pro 4.2. and I find it really good program.

Now after opening Photomatix 4.2 you get program window and you are ready to start!

First you choose Load bracketed photos in upper left corner. Another window opens.

Choose Browse

Select three bracketed images Av0, Av-2 and Av2 and click open. 

Click OK, and once more OK. 

Merged photo opens in window. If it is not yet selected. select option Tone mapping in upper left corner. 

There your creativity begins!

Experiment with first four sliders, move them to extremes and find mode of image that you like the most. 

In lighting adjustment you have 5 options experiment with clicking buttons.

In more options

white point brightens highlights, do not over light highlights if you don't want blown out highlights.

black point darkens and adds black into image.

Gama controls brightness and temperature controls temperature mode of image.

On the right side of window you have presets that you may use to get your image close to what you like. 

After you are satisfied choose the button Process.

After processing is finished you may adjust contrasts, colors and sharpening and click Done!

And you have the image!

Now you may start and experiment with HDR photos - you know sky is the limit.

All in Passion for HDR!
Greetings from Slovenia!
Samo Trebižan 

Lets start

So many people mentioned that they would like to make some HDR images but they don't know how to start.

In previous posts we covered some topics about photography, gear, and safety. I assume that reader knows how to handle camera and is familiar with basics of photography.

To create HDR image we first need one or more good images to merge them into HDR.

For creating HDR out of 3 different exposed images we need image with proper light, 2ev underexposed image and 2ev overexposed image. To get that we may bracket 3 or 5 images. It depends on your camera.

This three images should look something like: 

And after process the result is:

If you only have one image, there might be different reasons for that, but the most important reason is moving of subject. In this case RAW recording is a must. Then you take this raw image and make out three images:
export normal lighted,
export darkened for 2ev and 
export brightened for 2ev.

To minimize noise take photos on minimal ISO in both cases!

On Monday I will take you through my work flow!

All in Passion for HDR!
Greetings from Slovenia!
Samo Trebižan