Pixiq

HDR is an amazing process that uses tone mapping and blending of multiple bracketed exposures to create previously impossible image results. However, the results of HDR processing can be extremely varied depending on the actual exposures, the number of bracketed frames, and the photographers use of the available software controls. There are a large number of variables in the process that can and will dictate the success or failure of an HDR image. With the exception of perhaps NIK HDR Efex Pro, the image usually requires a lot of post process tweaking in Photoshop in order to make the most of the technique.

In most cases, I find that there needs to be a post processing step that is missing in most HDR applications. Besides some dodging and burning, color correction and sharpening, there is another method that I use to enhance the effects of HDR. I use what I call Multi-HDR blending. it is my way of producing the best possible results from HDR software.

I find that different areas of the image require a different amount of HDR. So, rather than settling for what can be produced with the sliders in the program, I process out several different HDR images. I do so to create a maximized series of HDR results that I create for different areas of the image. Certain areas are tweaked to give a look that I feel best enhance the particular details I am after throughout the image.

In Photomatix Pro, you can see the different presets available at the bottom of the window. These are results of the different settings within the user interface. You should realize that there are many different outcomes that are possible for any given image. In fact, no two photographers will produce the exact same results for the same image because the procedure is very subjective.

In my example image, in order to get the sky I want or at least a close approximation of what I want, the foreground details shift dramatically from what I would like them to be. While the image is a lot more dramatic than the original exposure, there are areas that I would like to alter separately.

Due to it's well thought out interface and complete control approach, HDR Efex Pro software actually provides many ways to alter the outcome of different areas of the image. However, there are some post processing steps that the software cannot do as well as you can in Photoshop. Personally, I find that my method works extremely well for my purpose and I certainly do not mind working in multiple programs if it allows me to make the image even better.

This is a first draft that I will use for the sky, sun and for the dark cloud. it is way too dark in the foregound and I do not like the tree line. This one is made deliberately dark.

The image above  is not too bad, but it is still a bit too dark in the foreground.  I do like the clouds in this rendition but overall, I think things can be greatly improved.

The image above is a lightened version that I will use for areas that I want subtlety such as the edges of the clouds.

It may seem like I am reversing the HDR process, but actually I am not. I  am using these results as a means to enhance the overall look. All of these HDR images are going to be used for further blending and compositing into a final image.

This one is deliberately over-saturated and will be used to localize saturation and contrast using layers in Photoshop.

Once I have the images that I want, I take them into different layers in Photoshop where I begin the blending process. Depending on thie image layers, I will use layer blends such as Hue, Multiply, Overlay, Screen and others to achieve a desired look. I erase away the parts where I do not want a particular blending to change the underlying layer using a large soft edge eraser.

THE FINAL IMAGE

The more or less final image above has been flattened and cropped slightly. In my mind, this is much closer to the experience of this sunset. The sky is very dramatic with amazing color and saturation and the foreground snow  is full of detail and looks natural and realistic. To finish this file off would still require a small amount of dodging and burning and perhaps a smidge of  color correction, but the overall image is vastly improved over the original HDR results.

© John Neel

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