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.

 

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.

 

Yeah I noticed that also, I have a feeling that I didn't have enough light and I used the lowest ISO. I'm gonna give it another try today, hopefully it will be crisp.

 

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.

 

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,

 

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

 

yeah I saw you wrote you were at the lowest ISO (800) and figured you hadn't tried going lower If you could have taken the shots quicker, that's good news - try that next time - try taking them as quickly as possible.

ewww hehe

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)

 

Sorry to get off topic, but does anyone have a how to on HDR images with CS2?

 

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/hdr.shtml

 

Well, I tried a few more. I'd say i'm heading in the right direction..

 

well here's my first attempt at HDR, Shot it new years at the hill, The scene is not the best, but what do you guys think? Also do you guys do all your PP to each individual photo then do the merge or just pp the HDR?

 

PiZauL- great job on the second set!