HDR Enhancement

Feb 20, 2010 | tutorials, videos

Chapter Five

of Captain Kimo’s HDR How-to Guide

Topaz Photoshop BundleYou’ve made it to the last chapter of my HDR How-to Guide. In this chapter we will enhance our HDR image using Topaz Adjust. We will also be using Topaz Denoise to remove any noise created during this process. Using Topaz Adjust and Topaz DeNoise is easy enough but there are some tricks to getting the most out of it. Below is a video on how I use Topaz Adjust to put the dynamic in high dynamic range. I also included step-by-step instructions to help guide you through this process. Click here to learn more about Topaz Software.

Topaz Video & Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Create Multiply Layer

Launch up Photoshop and get your HDR image opened. The first thing we’re gonna do is create a duplicate of the original background layer. Rename this new layer multiply. Set the transparency setting to multiply and the opacity to 40%.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 1

Step 2 – Apply Topaz Adjust – Mild Color Pop

Keep your multiply layer selected and apply the Topaz Adjust filter to that layer using the preset Mild Color Pop. Click the OK button to apply the filter to the layer.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 2

Step 3 – Create Overlay Layer

Duplicate the original background layer again and name this layer overlay. Change the transparency to overlay and the opacity to 20%.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 3

Step 4 – Apply Topaz Adjust – Neutralizer by JorgeDiaz

Keep your overlay layer selected and apply the Topaz Adjust filter to that layer using the preset Neutralizer by JorgeDiaz. Click the OK button to apply the filter to the layer.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 4

Step 5 – Merge Layers

Duplicate the background layer once again and merge that layer with the multiply layer and the overlay layer.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 5

Step 6 – Apply Topaz DeNoise

This is the last step. Select the merged layer and go to Filter and launch Topaz Denoise. Select the preset JPEG_HQ. Click the OK button to apply the Filter.

Picture HDR Photography Enhancement 6

Don’t stop here. If your image needs more processing keep going till you’re happy with the result!

Final Enhanced HDR Photograph

Below is the final result of the Enhanced HDR image. I’ve included the original HDR image as well for reference. Now you can see why Topaz Adjust is one of my favorite tools as a digital photographer.

Enhanced HDR Image
Sunglow Fishing Pier Port Orange Crabby Joes HDR

Original HDR Image
Original HDR Photograph no Enhancement

That’s it for Captain Kimo’s HDR How-to Guide. If you’re ready for more tutorials check out the advanced ones below.

Mastering HDR