HDR Processing in under 5 Minutes

[Worm324]

I was thinking that people might be interested in a more basic approach to HDR processing, so I decided to put this little 5 minute tutorial together. That right, 5 minutes and you can get a results like this

Basically using 3 exposures, Photmatix and Lightroom, you can get results like this.

Here is what I did:

3 un-edited raw files:

f/18 @ 1/4 sec, ISO 100, ND filter, Tripod


f/18 @ 1 second, ISO 100, ND filter, Tripod


f/18 @ 1/2 sec, ISO 100, ND filter, Tripod


I then generated an HDR image in Photmatix and used these extreme settings to give an example of what photmatix can create for you:



And here is a more realistic version That I prefer over the image above:


Notice how much of a difference the setting can make between the images. Light smoothing is a biggy that can really change the overall look of your HDR composite. Also the strength slider makes the water much more ripply as id adds contrast to it.

Now onto Lightroom

Here is a comparison View in Lightroom with some minor adjustments:



Here are the adjustments I made to both photos:


I hope you all found this helpful in some way or another personally I prefer the long method that I use in the original HDR tutorial. However it is time consuming and labor intensive photoshop work. I figured this might help those who want to try HDR, but just don't have the time it takes to get the best result possible.

With this method you can get a great result in a matter of 5 minutes

Best,
Jay

[Lionello]

This is basically how do most of my HDR processing, going the longer route similar to your tutorial with those few I think are camera club compitition candidates.
Thanks for sharing.
Here have some karma on me.

[Worm324]

Right-on Looks like were on similar processing workflows. I always enjoy reading peoples workflows, because they always do something different than me and it's a great way to learn. Not to mention process more efficiently

For regular none HDR images, I've been using Lightroom more and more lately and the more I experiment, the more I realize how much less i need photoshop for most shots!! Lightroom rules

Best,
Jay

[jfrancho]

I work the raw files in ACR, and convert to 16 bit tiffs before bringing them into Photomatix. I find that I can fine tune exposure, and isolate details that I want in the final image better than just using a straight raw file.

[Worm324]

Yeah I know That is a better method, but this is simpler hence, faster. My goal was to make this 5 minutes or less not 6 minutes or less

For even better results, do what Jfrancho suggested as your first step!!

Thanks for the input John!!

Jay

[jfrancho]

Yeah, I do have a somewhat "byzantine" work flow. I'm thinking of putting together a tutorial that will feature an expedited, quality work flow, geared toward someone on a deadline, or with a lot of images to process.

[Worm324]

Yeah, thats what I was trying go for in this 1 as well. Potentially we could spend 2 hours or more on an image to get it just right, but if your in a rush this works pretty good

I'm Looking forward to yours!! Snag-it is a great program for creating and editing the screen shots quickly btw. Cuts the time way down when creating these tutorials!

Best,
Jay

[Rense]

Thanks for sharing Jay.
If you want to share tutorial movies that are recorded on your pc, please try the Jing project from the makers of snagit.

[Worm324]

Oh man, That is awesome dude. I'm going to try it right now, looks like I can try it for free

Video is so much better than pics!!

Best,
Jay

[Rense]

yep, for now it is free.

[jaguar]

if you do not normally shoot in raw....are there advantages to Lightroom?

[Worm324]

Originally Posted by jaguar

if you do not normally shoot in raw....are there advantages to Lightroom?

LIghtroom also acts as a huge database to organize and store your photos. You can also use all the tools within lightroom to adjust your jpegs or whatever format your using. So yes there is lots of benefits

Best,
Jay

[KellyL]

Jay, there are reasons why you are so popular here. Thanks for sharing.

[Fymoh]

Cool tutorial Jay. Thanks for sharing. I try not to spend a lot of time in PP. Very helpful.

Regards

Fredy