High Dynamic Range Tonemapping in CS2

[pure]

hi

i stumbled across this:



http://www.hdrsoft.com/examples.html

is it possible to create this effect without this software, using PS CS2?

thx, search function didnt find "tone mapping"

[creeduk]

It can be done, it is a matter of using the HDR function on PS and then applying the correct color correction settings to give you that effect, it would take some playing but once you have the technique down your away. Look at some of the silver light tutorials I think the corrections will be very similar. the images in that link do look spectacular and this tool may make this type of edit quick. I would image though you can create a PS action/script or 2 and get the same results and speed.

[MisterJP]

Sort of . . . under File/Automate, the last choice in the menu is "Merge to HDR . . ." You can then load the mutliple exposures and Photoshop tries to create the tone mapped picture. There are few controls here, so results are questionable.

I've also heard of faking this look by using various "blend if" settings under the Layer Styles of a multi-layered image. From what I've seen so far, the software from MultimediaPhoto looks like a winner.

[goose443]

You can also work with the luminocity channel in LAB and create several masks if you import the different exposures as layers of a psd. You would then have to tweak the maskes with levels or curves or even invert some of them but it should work pretty well.

[creeduk]

I checked by using the 3 images available and that is why I say there is additional work after the HDR, the HDR result is no where close to the finished article. It would be interesting to see the initial HDR merge they get before the tonal filter.

[creeduk]

I tried using the tonal plugin with the PS CS2 HDR and one issue is the applied filter does not match the preview which is a shame but still I tried it then used edit>exposure and came very close that way so just a matter of seeing what changes the tonal plugin made and we have it. I would have done that but just about to leave work for the day.

OK I could not resist I delayed leaving did the HDR with photomatrix and saved out, opened HDR in PS and it is a better combine with no custom settings, applied the filter both in PS and in photomatrix and they come out the same, very nice result. Tried to tweak the PS HDR merge got close, did a few more tweaks then applied the filter but not as vivid and no pop. There seems to be much more information available in the photomatrix HDR image. It will be interesting to see other peoples versions / findings.

[creeduk]

Anyone have access to lightroom, that has split tone capabilities and might offer an interesting option for this type of image.

[PatrickB]

Uhm, sorry to be the dumbo, but what's so special about those pictures?

Two curve-layers and a bit of brushing and you're good to go?

[creeduk]

No offense but it is a bit more than that and you can not make a curve adjustment at 32bits in Photoshop so that would be a challenge.

[PatrickB]

Originally Posted by creeduk

No offense but it is a bit more than that and you can not make a curve adjustment at 32bits in Photoshop so that would be a challenge.

I can handle it

Well you are right about 32bit images, BUT: You can't get 32bit where no 32bit are. So if you have the three images, HDR, no prob. If you have a flat image, there's no reason to convert to 32bit since it lacks the information anyway.

See what I mean?

[creeduk]

Yes in that case that would be true but for me and the thread, I was comparing the HDR technique of PS with the linked software. It seems to handle the merge much better. This could proves very useful for HDR images which may hen be used in 3D apps and now in video.

[HandMadeGod]

Hi everyone. I Just wanted to know if it is necessary to shoot 3 or more pictures with different exposures or can i change the exposure with photoshop and make a HDR image?

[creeduk]

You cannot just change the exposure as you are not gaining the detail lost in either Shadow or highlight these details are only available from the images taken with different settings on the camera. 3 or more are required to do this and to great the range needed to get the 32bit image.

The intention is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows.

This provides the opportunity to shoot a scene and have total control of the final imaging from the beginning to the end of the photography project. An example would be that it provides the possibility to re-expose. One can capture as wide a range of information as possible on location and choose what is wanted later.

[HandMadeGod]

Thanks creeduk. but what i wanted to know is how to turn pictures of moving objects in to HDR. Could be "Raw shooting" the solution? or how can i shoot an image with 3 different exposures?

[creeduk]

Moving objects make for tricky HDR shots, you need a tripod you need to shoot bracketed and shoot as fast as possible. If the object is fast moving you will need some masking to get the final image correct, as long as the background has minimal move you should be able to pull it off.