Photomatix Guide
Chapter Four
of Captain Kimo’s HDR How-to Guide
It’s time to create our HDR photo using the exposures taken from Chapter 3. We create our HDR photo by combining the exposures togther and to do this we’ll need HDR software. The software I use is called Photomatix. Click here to learn more about Photomatix.
Photomatix Video and Step-by-Step Instructions
Using Photomatix to create you’re HDR image is quite simple. Below is video that will guide you through it.
Step 1 – Photomatix Guide
Once you’ve download and installed Photomatix launch the program. Click the Generate HDR image button on the left menu window.
Step 2 – Photomatix Guide
A new window will appear. Click the Browse button.
Step 3 – Photomatix Guide
Another window will open allowing you to select the exposures you want to merge. Select your exposures and click Open.
Step 4 – Photomatix Guide
After you’ve selected your exposures. Click the OK button.
Step 5 – Photomatix Guide
Generate HDR – Options window will appear. Don’t worry about any options and click the OK button.
Step 6 – Photomatix Guide
Your not done yet. You still need to tone map this photo to properly display your HDR image. Click on the Tone Mapping button to begin tone mapping your image.
Step 7 – Photomatix Guide
Don’t let all the sliders fool you into thinking this is complicated. You won’t even use most of them. Every photo is different so you will need to play around with the settings to get the result you want.
Step 8 – Photomatix Guide
Once you’re done adjusting your settings click the Process button.
Step 9 – Photomatix Guide
Your done… see how easy that was! Don’t forget to save your photo. Go to File menu and click Save As… and save it somewhere on your computer. Congratulations! You just created your first HDR photo.
Final HDR Photograph
Below is the final HDR result from Photomatix. I also included the original exposure for reference. So tell me… do you prefer the original or the HDR image?
Enhancing Your HDR Photograph
My HDR technique involves one more step. I take it into Photoshop and enhance it using Topaz Adjust. Proceed to the last chapter to make your HDR image even more amazing!
I think both have great value and neither should be put down.It anger me for people to critize HDR as I think it is just another art form…..so to speak. The fact that a software program helped create it is not a problem for me. Just some elitist attitudes showing their snobbery.There is room for all the styles …….lets live and let live …to each his own.lets just be more tolerant.How bout it…..?Alonzo
P.S. I have never produced an HDR image but cant wait to try it.I shot film for years and tried to achieve a similar effect by darkroom technics…..so whats the difference? just another tool .JMHO
I completely agree. HDR is simply another form of photography like black and white.
Kimo,
Re Step 7: As you mentioned, adjusting the various sliders to get the image just the way you want it is basically a matter of trial and error and the results are of course subjective. What appeals to me might not appeal to others. Do you have some basic pointers on where to start or some favourite settings that you use regularly that gives you consistent results ?
Cheers
Mal
Well lets see… what are you looking for, natural, dynamic color with lots of detailed or extreme out of this world?
Good question indeed ! Well nothing too over the top, lots of detail without getting too grainy, some heightened colour level. Just looking for that ‘wow’ factor that is predominant in really well done HDR images.
Cheers
Mal
First, I didn’t like HDR that much, so I stood away from it…..then one day, I went back to it and saw something that I didn’t originally see!…..yes, that’s what a lot of folks are thinking in the beginning…
BUT, the fact that I did give HDR a second chance, has made this old timer pretty happy that I did so. HDR does make a difference……a BIG differnece in photos. How can those that object to HDR think otherwise?….so, no question in my mind that HDR does improve on your original photo!..
AND…..I think that HDR is so freakin’ good that soon many, not all camera manufacturers will INCLUDE HDR in their Point and shoot cameras. Just a matter of time!…but, I don’t really think that I”d like the “in camera” to do the HDR for me. I’d still rather do my HDR stuff with using Photomatix software.
Salvatore… I will agree HDR does make a big difference with photos… I surprises me that cameras haven’t already created the ability to capture a 32bit HDR file yet. This is what us HDR folks need so we tone map the files ourselves.