How To Make an HDR Image With Photoshop & Photomatix

Finally today we’re going to have a video that is about something else other than skateboarding. I love skateboarding and all, it’s just time to diversify my podcast a little. So as you found out earlier in another post I went out, “Chasing The Sun”, as I’ll call it. I’m working with a fellow named John Tibbs who I also play drums for. We’re going on a short tour and you’ll hear plenty about that, no worries. On his project we want to first create a great Myspace layout for this tour. We recorded one song during the winter and it’s titled “Glorious Morning” hence my need to find a great spot for a sunrise and/or sunset. I’ll explain more of that later, but it’s what inspired me to do this post. I went and paid a whopping $4 to get into Meramec Springs State Park, and drove up to the scenic lookout. I realized I was a little late for the sunrise, but I’d try shoot some stuff I’ve never tried before. With that said I shot an HDR and a Panoramic shot.

If you are unfamiliar with what an HDR shot is, then read this HERE for a great explanation. Flickr always has great knowledge from it’s users, plus you can then see their great HDR work. Be sure to check mine out first as I’m new to the game and my shot is MUCH worse than their work. In my own simple words HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is simply taking anywhere from 3-5 photos at different shutter speeds and exposures. For instance the shots you will see below from both Photoshop and Photomatix are a combination of 3 images. When I was shooting I first set it at -1 in the light meter, then at 0, then at +1. As you can infer this captures all of the highlights, lowlights, and then a normal exposure. It’s when they are combined that the picture get’s really interesting.

Since my image was such a crap shot anyway I went for a real plasticky, cartoony, whatever you want to call it effect. I know some people ABSOLUTELY HATE that effect from HDR images, but it’s fun to experiment with so please quit whining that I don’t do everything the way you want me to. I used Photoshop CS4 and Photomatix to compare results. Hands down Photomatix HDR functions work a lot better than Photoshops, especially for an HDR novice like me. One surprising tidbit is that I had to combine to HDR images from Photoshop to get the same effect from the one in Photomatix. I’m sure there is some more complex steps to make it work great in Photoshop, but why do that when Photomatix is simple and works great. Now I’ve created a video for you that will quickly show how to get started in the world of HDR using both Photoshop CS4 and Photomatix. First here are my two images.

Related posts:

1. Chasing The Sun Pt.1