An introduction to the ‘High Dynamic Range images: part three’ tutorial

In this, the third part of our series on High Dynamic Range images, we will discuss how to use High Dynamic Range software to generate a pseudo-HDR image from a single original. We will then investigate how to tone map this image using Photomatix Pro.

In addition we will also discuss how to use Camera RAW (or other RAW processing software) to optimise your initial image prior to generating the pseudo-HDR image, how to minimise and remove noise from a tone mapped image, and how and when to blend an HDR image with a normal exposure.

This tutorial contains 8433 words, 60 illustrative images and screen grabs, and has received 6 comments.

Please note that this tutorial requires Photoshop and Photomatix Pro.

Photoshop files included with this tutorial

Each of our tutorials is based around a series of layered Photoshop files, at the resolution originally posted on chromasia, which you can download after you subscribe to the tutorial. The images used for this tutorial, and a brief description of each, are included below.

How to get from this …	to this
		Image 1 In this first example I will show you how to produce the ‘HDR look’ from a singel image: by creating a psuedo-HDR image which you can subsequently tone map within Photomatix Pro.
		Image 2 In this example I will show you how to unify the tonal range of an image, e.g. how to adjust the tonal range of a darker foreground to match a brighter sky.
		Image 3 In this example I will show you how to a) maximise the detail within a tone mapped image, and b) merge the sky from the original exposure.
		Image 4 In this final example we will continue our discussion of merging aspects of an original exposure with your tone mapped image in the context for working with shots of people and moving objects.

What our subscribers have said about this tutorial

"Another extremely detailed tutorial & commentary from you David. The examples you've used here are diverse and your explanations as detailed as always. It's clearly a subject you're learning along with the rest of us, but your results, as always, looks great and give us plenty to aim for. Thank you."

Justin Photis

"Brilliant, I actually found out FINALLY how you do it. You gave away two secrets cunningly in this latest tutorial to the secret behind your shots. I don't know if I want to repeat them here in the comments, but thankyou thankyou. I've known you for six years or more through Chromasia, and I've wanted to find out the secret to your style. I think having used this fantastic technical tutorial you have finally given me the answer, just two clues, and a couple of lines, and WHAM, it worked for me. I'm just gonna say Luminosity, Red Channel, and a Blue Curve ... great fun. Brilliantly clear and conscise. Whens the next installment?!!!!"

Craig Judd

"Love your tutorials. I like HDR in particular, although I don't use it much. It'd be nice to have a workflow for HDR images using FDRTools. The Interface is a lot different and it is a little confusing to me. But I can see FDRTools offers different ways to control the HDR creation process. This would be a great complement to this tutorial."

rgroenke

Content overview (the rollover graphics and embedded videos are not illustrated)


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Further information

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			Mini-PSDs We introduced our Mini-PSDs in February 2010, and release a new image every week. Click here to see the full list of Mini-PSDs and find out more about this feature.						Critique Slot Screencasts Our Critique Slot Screencasts provide our members with an exciting opportunity to get detailed and constructive feedback on one of their own images, gain an insight into how other members postprocess their images, and see how I might have processed that particular image. Click here to find out more.

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