Advice on HDR
#1
W00t
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD
Age: 37
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Advice on HDR
I'm kind of new to this, and dicked around with both Dynamic Photo HDR (first picture) and Photomatix (second picture), then took it to photoshop to play around. Any noticeable advice that you guys can give me? I see that in the first pic the subject is a bit too dark. The sun had gone down already and it was getting a bit dark so that may have some affect. I have a Canon Rebel XT 350D and shot at -2 -1 0 +1 +2 EV's @ 800 ISO.
![](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/XzIpK/DynamicPhotoHDR.jpg)
![](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/XzIpK/DynamicPhotoHDR.jpg)
![](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/XzIpK/IMG_0053_4_5_6_7_tonemapped.jpg)
#2
Senior Moderator
I'm sure the experts will be in here soon (I'm not one of them
). However, I am noticing a bit of noise in both pics....maybe a lower ISO should be used?
FWIW, I do like the colors in the sky better in pic #1.
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
FWIW, I do like the colors in the sky better in pic #1.
#3
W00t
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD
Age: 37
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
I'm sure the experts will be in here soon (I'm not one of them
). However, I am noticing a bit of noise in both pics....maybe a lower ISO should be used?
FWIW, I do like the colors in the sky better in pic #1.
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
FWIW, I do like the colors in the sky better in pic #1.
#4
Earth-bound misfit
I agree with luv that the colors are much more appealing in the first. The dynamic range appears to be better in the second, though.
When you try again, I'd suggest going out on a day that isn't so windy. The movement in the clouds and in the tree to the left (esp. on the lower photo) creates dissonance that is distracting. (& makes me dizzy, but that's not hard to do.
)
As for tips/critiques on the HDR processing, srika & Dan are the men to look for.
When you try again, I'd suggest going out on a day that isn't so windy. The movement in the clouds and in the tree to the left (esp. on the lower photo) creates dissonance that is distracting. (& makes me dizzy, but that's not hard to do.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
As for tips/critiques on the HDR processing, srika & Dan are the men to look for.
#5
Senior Moderator
Yeah looks like it got too dark out - the dark areas of the car are being lifted on the 2nd shot and that's what's giving you the noise. Try it at ISO200 or even 100 and see how it comes out. Low noise is critical for HDR since even if you have a little, it's gonna be 3x (or more) on the final. Another way to combat it is an anti-noise program like NeatImage or Noise Ninja. I've done this selectively on past HDR's just for portions that have a lot of noise. HDR shots do require more TLC than regular ones and they take longer to produce and process.
Also on the first shot, you can see movement in the clouds - that is taking away from the shot. It's in the 2nd shot as well but not as pronounced as the first. Now it may have just been really windy (which would make it difficult to get a good HDR) - or you may have been able to minimize that by taking your shots faster - what was the time interval between the brackets? If it was just really windy, might consider trying it again when its not so windy. also on Photomatix there is an option to minimize motion from such variables - forgot the exact name - might try checking that box and try it again, if you hadn't done so already.
Hope that helps,
Also on the first shot, you can see movement in the clouds - that is taking away from the shot. It's in the 2nd shot as well but not as pronounced as the first. Now it may have just been really windy (which would make it difficult to get a good HDR) - or you may have been able to minimize that by taking your shots faster - what was the time interval between the brackets? If it was just really windy, might consider trying it again when its not so windy. also on Photomatix there is an option to minimize motion from such variables - forgot the exact name - might try checking that box and try it again, if you hadn't done so already.
Hope that helps,
Last edited by srika; 12-30-2007 at 10:16 AM.
#6
W00t
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD
Age: 37
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
srika- Wow I'm a nub.. I didn't even realize I wasn't using the lowest ISO.. for some reason I thought 800 was the lowest (doh!). It didn't seem all that windy, but I could have taken the shots a lot quicker. I'll get those programs, can't wait to master this technique.. I looked at some of your photos and had to wipe the drool of my desk. I'm still getting used to this camera, i'll give it another shot again. Thanks bud
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#7
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by PiZauL
srika- Wow I'm a nub.. I didn't even realize I wasn't using the lowest ISO.. for some reason I thought 800 was the lowest (doh!). It didn't seem all that windy, but I could have taken the shots a lot quicker.
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
wipe the drool of my desk.
![Yuck](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/yuck.gif)
Yeah man just keep going. Your first version is more of the "awe" type of HDR, it's nice and you got some great colors out of the sky. Second version is a more "natural" version, nice too. Not bad first efforts, looks like you have the concept in your head. Just have to keep doing it.
a few more notes on my process, just to give you an idea of what's involved:
1. adjustment in Photomatix, merge to HDR
2. adjustment in Lightroom (contrast, shadows, fill light, etc)
3. adjustment in PSPXI (selective NR, other selective fixes, general adjustment)
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rp_guy
Member Cars for Sale
9
07-16-2017 07:33 AM
soupi
2G TSX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
14
11-15-2015 11:15 AM
CaliAtenza
5G TLX Photograph Gallery
11
09-09-2015 06:48 PM