HDR: Realistic or Artistic? The Choice is Yours.

Images © Rick Sammon. All rights reserved.

Above is an artistic HDR image - created with Photomatix plus Topaz Adjust (Spicify effect). I added the frame using onOne Software's PhotoFrame Professional.

Below is a realistic HDR image - created using Photomatix only.

Both pictures were taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Photomatix is a true HDR program. Topaz Adjust can expand the dynamic range of an image, but it's not a true HDR program. So for true HDR images, you need Photomatix - or another HDR program.

Four quick tips on HDR:

1) Be aware of noise. Try to shoot at the lowest possible ISO setting for the cleanest possible picture.

2) Watch for chromatic aberrations - before you start processing your pictures. If your individual files have chromatic aberrations, try to reduce or even remove them in Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture before you create your HDR image. In Photomatix, there is a feature for reducing chromatic aberration, but it's not called Eliminate Chromatic Aberrations for a reason :-)

3) Be aware of movement. It can be good, when it comes to clouds and moving water. It can be bad, when it comes to photographing people. Notice I said "could be bad," because it could be good if you want to great "ghost" images in a scene.

4) Consider the subject when consider a realist or artistic HDR image.

For more HDR info, check out my new book: HDR Photography Secrets.

For more info (and select discounts) on HDR images and plug-ins, see the Plug-in Experience.

Explore the light - and HDR,
Rick

HDR Secrets/Post Script Processing Info - Don't Peek

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In my new HDR book, HDR Photography Secrets, you'll find a Post Script: Learn by Questioning. In that section, I suggest that readers examine each picture in that section and to guess how each image was made – rather than giving the processing info for each image, as I do throughout the book. It's actually a cool way to learn, because it makes you think about the image-making process.

However, I thought it only fair to give the info for each image in that section – as I state in the book. See below:

Page 160 to 165 – Photomatix plus Topaz Adjust, Spificy effect
Page 166 – Pseudo HDR with Photomatix
Pages 167 to 169 – Photomatiz only
Pages 170 to 177 – Photomatix plus Topaz Adjust, Spicify effect

Throughout the book you will find very detailed information, with screen grabs (see below), on how I made an image - and my suggestions for making your own knock-out HDR images.

My top tip for working in Photomatix: start with the White Point and Black Point sliders. Make sure the highlights are not washed out and the shadows are not blocked up. If they are, you defeat the entire purpose of HDR.

For a discount on Photomatix, as well as some of the Plug-ins I use in the book, see The Plug-In Experience.

Explore the light,
Rick

My HDR Book Hit Amazon.com Today!

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Hey! My HDR book just hit amazon.com today!

Tons of good/bad and before/after examples. Lots of tech talk - with screen grabs.

I cover Photomatix, Topaz Adjust, Photoshop and some Plug-ins. I discuss color and black-and-white. Gear, too.

You'll learn how to take realistic as well as artistic HDR images. You'll also learn how to create HDR images from a series of pictures, as well as a single image.

Step by step by step by step examples!

Explore the light - and explore HDR imaging,
Rick