Had my first proper attempts with HDR images this last day or two. Using Photomatix Pro 3.2 64-bit.

I'm pretty happy with the results especially pics 1, 2 & 4.

Anyhow here they are.......

Cheers

Dave.

Excellent shots - some HDR stuff I have seen looks quite false (intentionally) but it works well here especially the forest path where it's used to make the photo look "better" rather than "HDR" if that makes sense?

I think that the idea behind HDR is to 'enhance' the details if that's the right way of describing it.

I thought some of the pics just looked 'normal' - but I personally like 4 & 6 as they show off what HDR can do.

Good work

I reallIy like no1 and no 3

Just been taught how do blend the images in P'shop, so might have a bit more of a play, now I think I have the hang of the AEB function on my camera.

Good pics and look vibrant without really looking false!

I decided to create an HDR version of one of my existing shots i took the other week which is in my selective colour thread......

I'm pretty happy with the results as the HDR version really does bring out the detail in the clouds and sky.

The HDR shot is on the left and the original is on the right.

There's also the full colour HDR version too.

Cheers

Dave.

As a new starter to Photography please explain in simple terms HDR compared to B/W and Colour. Also can this be done in Photo Shop 6.

@waveyDavey - I'm not too sure about the colour/BW photos Dave in respect of HDR'ing but what you've done has been done quite good and as I didn't instantly notice it, then it's been done very well!

I would still have liked to see the original colour photo HDR enhanced but that's just my personal preference and it wouldn't do for everyone to have the same tastes would it?

@D15VRS - Not having Photo Shop 6, I can't tell you if it's usable for HDR stuff Chris but your camera certainly is.

To HDR a photo you need to have at least 3 identical images which are each 2 f stops apart (or 5 that are 1 f stop apart). This can be done with exposure bracketing or better still, from one raw image. The raw image is the better way as the jpeg pictures you get from the raw convertor will definitely be exactly the same photographic content.

You then need a program such as Photomatix (free trial available) to convert the jpegs together. The essence of HDR is to get the best parts from all the photos and combine them together so that all the detail which could be missing from an individual photo is present in the combined photo.

Have a look at these as this guy seems to have got it right but in the OTT, not the subtle sense:-

I'll do another HDR of the war memorial for you John.... But this time a little more arty just for you. I'll also post up the original 'middle' exposure for comparison to the above images etc...

I do like some of the OTT HDR images but think it's best use is in just bringing out the details lost when only taking one original image.... The details in shadows and bright areas.

I'll get the memorial v3 up later tonight.

Cheers

Dave.

Edited 4 May, 201016 yr by WaveyDavey

John the top picture is the better of the two, but I agree very OTT. I think I prefere normal not the HDR ones. I know I'm still in the early learning stages but sure I wont be following that route.

John the top picture is the better of the two, but I agree very OTT. I think I prefere normal not the HDR ones. I know I'm still in the early learning stages but sure I wont be following that route.

Those two aren't my photos Chris - just to show you the other end of what HDR is capable of.

Have a look at Rob Clubley's or WaveyDavey's 'normal' pictures and I think you'll still be wanting to do some HDR stuff!

Here you go John.... A couple of versions of a more arty overdone HDR copy of the image..... And also i've posted the original untouched image too.

And here's the original image.....

Cheers

Dave.

I like those.

This is a recent one - sunrise in Auckland. I used HDR just to bring out details as the original image was a bit dark.

Looking at all those Dave and now I think I prefer the original 'full colour HDR version' - who says its only women that are fickle?

Rob, have you got the original sunrise in Auckland to compare it with?

Here you go:

I'm going to be a bit controversial here Rob.

At first glance I thought you'd put the photos in the wrong order but after closer inspection I, and this is where the controversial bit comes in, don't think this is one of your best efforts!

The 2nd photo (being uber critical here), has the haze in the background with a 'washed' out look whereas the middle looks fine and I can see where you think that the bushes by the river appear to be slightly dark, but nothing desperately so.

The HDR version brings out a bit more detail in the riverside trees but the main centre portion loses vibrancy. The rear does lose the haze effect though.

In saying all that I know I'm asking for trouble but don't post a raw file and ask me to do better.

I still think your Saltaire pic is one of the best examples of HDR that I've seen though.

I agree this isn't the best for HDR - flicking between the two I prefer the look of the HDR one overall but you're right about it reducing the contrast/vibrancy.

I took a few pics today that I think will come out well. Will post tomorrow when I've had time to play.

I'm going to be a bit controversial here Rob.

At first glance I thought you'd put the photos in the wrong order...

I thought the same!!!

...the origional seemed to have a lighter sky and much better definition and colours to the trees / foliage in the forground IMHO

...but I have never tried this out so only a laypersons opinion :yes: and I love so many of your others on Flickr

Edited 8 May, 201016 yr by Lady Penelope

Okay here's this weekend's attempts:

Some stunning shots there Rob..... Could i be cheeky and ask for a couple of them at full res so as to use as wallpaper?

Cheers

Dave.

Some stunning shots there Rob..... Could i be cheeky and ask for a couple of them at full res so as to use as wallpaper?

Cheers

Dave.

Cheers

No probs PM me which you want and your email address. Will send tonight when I get home from work.

The place is called Red Rocks and it's near Wellington Airport. The rocks are strange because in the middle of all the grey volcanic rock there's some red, purple and green ones that must have been pushed up by an eruption.

I love the texture of the volcanic/lava rock. Though it's scary to think what it must have been like when NZ was formed all those millions of years ago.