a15 January 2013

New feature: Step-by-step HDR. Episode 1


So I promised a completely new feature this week on my blog. And here it is! In a series of videos I'll show you how I usually process my HDR photos step-by-step (think of it as of a case study or something like this). Today something very simple, only 3 exposures, hand-held and some simple edits in Photoshop (no masking) using Topaz plugin. It isn't meant for advanced users, rather beginners in HDR photography. I want to show that making HDR photos is really easy and doesn't require spending hours on it. For more details on my workflow, read my comprehensive HDR tutorial.

My plan is to release new episode every 2 - 3 weeks but if you will find it useful, I can do it more frequently (also if no one likes it, I will abandon the idea ;) ).

What you will need to follow my steps:
  • Photomatix Pro 4.2,
  • Topaz Denoise, Detail and Adjust
  • Lightroom 4
However, if you don't have some of this you can still learn a few things from my video. Good news is that all these applications have fully functional trial versions. So if you haven't tried them, maybe it's a good idea to download them.

BTW sorry for my accent but as you probably know I'm not native English speaker :) and I'm not really used to recording this type of videos so hopefully they will get better over time.

Also I would really (and I mean REALLY) appreciate your feedback and especially shares (given you like the idea) because it could help me in reaching larger audience and maybe it will help some beginners out there.

Final note: quality of this video might be a bit poor but I work on realising full HD version too (with lower compression). However, even with Youtube version make sure to watch it in HD resolution.

Here is output photo:

Finished tone-mapped photo
Click on the photo to view it in large size on black background.
If you wish you can also play with my source files. Just download them here. Note, however, that these are TIFF files which are slightly smaller than RAW files I used in the video. Given that so many people steal photos nowadays, I'm not eager to share RAW files. Sorry for that.

Where was this photo taken:

Thank you.
I like videos more than a "reading" how to tutorial. Very informative, for me at least. I'm more of hands on visual guy. I didn't realize you used more than Photomatix and LR. I sort of knew that you used Photoshop.
I literally just bought Photomatix Pro 4.2.5 last night and tried using it. It was neat. I've had LR 4.3 and Elements 11. I guess I need a few more programs =)
I shoot with a Canon 550D, so yeah.<~~(insert laugh here-----) And just learned yesterday how to take three shots with different exposures in camera. I going out today to play around with my camera settings. This is fun and I like the results. I still have a long way to go tho', that's for sure.
I love your work and please please make more videos. Like I said, I'm more visual and I think some people are like me when it comes to learning.
I will try and read through your tutorials, but looking forward to seeing more videos ;)
best regards, Randall Gygi

Randall, it's the same for me and that was the reason why I finally decided to try to make a video tutorial series. If it will be watched by more people than my articles are read I will definitely create more video tutorials. We shall see :)

definitely continue. This is a most valuable resource

Please do continue. I like the way you frame the tutorial. Would love to learn from a master.

Post a Comment

4 komentarze:

  1. Thank you.
    I like videos more than a "reading" how to tutorial. Very informative, for me at least. I'm more of hands on visual guy. I didn't realize you used more than Photomatix and LR. I sort of knew that you used Photoshop.
    I literally just bought Photomatix Pro 4.2.5 last night and tried using it. It was neat. I've had LR 4.3 and Elements 11. I guess I need a few more programs =)
    I shoot with a Canon 550D, so yeah.<~~(insert laugh here-----) And just learned yesterday how to take three shots with different exposures in camera. I going out today to play around with my camera settings. This is fun and I like the results. I still have a long way to go tho', that's for sure.
    I love your work and please please make more videos. Like I said, I'm more visual and I think some people are like me when it comes to learning.
    I will try and read through your tutorials, but looking forward to seeing more videos ;)
    best regards, Randall Gygi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Randall, it's the same for me and that was the reason why I finally decided to try to make a video tutorial series. If it will be watched by more people than my articles are read I will definitely create more video tutorials. We shall see :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. definitely continue. This is a most valuable resource

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please do continue. I like the way you frame the tutorial. Would love to learn from a master.

    ReplyDelete