In order to create an HDR-image...?

LaFoto · Jan 24, 2007

... what do I do to get three photos merged into one that then meets the high dynamic range.

I took three photos, three different exposures, and when I open all three in Photoshop (I only have a very old version - 6.0) ... how do I make sure that I want all three to blend?

I open the first and can produce layer after layer, if I want, I open the next and have a whole new history, everything starts at the beginning ... how do I bring all three together? :scratch:

Sorry for being so extremely ignorant and silly with regards to these matters

Arch · Jan 24, 2007

The merge to HDR function in PS is only available in CS.... so if you want to try and blend 3 exposures you'd have to do it manually. You could try and bring out some range in certain areas by using layer masks....and using a kind of zone system to try and create one image with a higher dynamic range. Or you can get more complicated and use luminosity masks.... there is an online tutorial for this HERE

The other option is to download the free version of Photomatix..... but i think you can only use two exposures in the free version.

Big Mike · Jan 24, 2007

Only in CS2 I think...I have CS and I don't think it has HDR.

I'd just give it a try with layer masks.

ksmattfish · Jan 24, 2007

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/digital-blending.shtml

Digital Matt · Jan 24, 2007

I prefer to do this kind of thing manually with layer masks, so I can control what tones I want where.

Lars Leber · Jan 24, 2007

It works in Photoshop CS2 & CS3. Photomatix is my favorite and "Der Spiegel" lists some other software (some free) at the end of this article..

http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,460727,00.html

LaFoto · Jan 25, 2007

Hey, thanks Lars.
I think I might try some of that software mentioned ... and Matt, if you use layers, how on earth do you get a layer from Photo X into the whole history of Photo Y? That's always two different stories for me! Or if I copy one into the other, I cannot chose the opacity ... well, I did not find anywhere I COULD, that is. :scratch:

Digital Matt · Jan 25, 2007

You can drag one photo into another, using the move tool (v). You'll adjust opacity with the layer mask. Add a layer mask to the new layer. It will be filled with white by default. This is 100% opacity. I like to have my brighter image on top, the one exposed for the shadows. I immediately fill the mask with black, so that image is at 0% opacity. Then I paint in the exposure where I want it. If you paint with pure white you'll be painting in 100% opacity. Any shade of grey between white and black is a different opacity. You can fine tune your image. It's time consuming, but if you want to have control over your image, that's how to do it.