My first attempt at HDR...(C&C please)

[inaka]

The softness that you see is a byproduct of Photomatix processing. Part of it relates to the fact that tone-compressed images almost always need some contrast correction (S-curve). Also, HDR photos generally benefit from a more than average amount of sharpening. See some of myskin's photos in the HDR forum for reference.

Excellent suggestion.

Is it essential to do contrast correction (S-curve) within Photomatix itself *before* it generates the image, or can I tweak this later in Aperture/Lightroom? I'm assuming that it's possible that after Photomatix has generated a softer image it's tough to get that sharpness back? Just wondering since I'm totally new to Photomatix. Thanks.

 

[allthingsapple]

Wow! These really impressed me. Although I'm still new to the whole HDR concept (but kind of get it due to being able to play around with it a tiny bit on my iphone), I feel like I can spot good composition wen I see it. I really like your eye and style, and I liked how the colors came out via your HDR attempts. I was just getting ready to post my very first C&C photos, but now I'm humbled by your work and may have to retreat again!

 

[SlickSalmon]

The softness that you see is a byproduct of Photomatix processing. Part of it relates to the fact that tone-compressed images almost always need some contrast correction (S-curve). Also, HDR photos generally benefit from a more than average amount of sharpening. See some of myskin's photos in the HDR forum for reference.

Excellent suggestion.

Is it essential to do contrast correction (S-curve) within Photomatix itself *before* it generates the image, or can I tweak this later in Aperture/Lightroom? I'm assuming that it's possible that after Photomatix has generated a softer image it's tough to get that sharpness back? Just wondering since I'm totally new to Photomatix. Thanks.

You can do the contrast correction more accurately with your post-processing software. It's not hard, though it takes some practice. Personally, I use Photomatix to just generate the basic HDR image and that's it. I do all of the other corrections in Photoshop, though other software packages would be just as fine.

 

[inaka]

I was just getting ready to post my very first C&C photos, but now I'm humbled by your work and may have to retreat again!

No retreat...never surrender!
Seriously, I'm a noob and one waltz into the non-beginner galleries and I shrivel up like a scared turtle. It's all good. Cheers and thanks for your kinds words.

You can do the contrast correction more accurately with your post-processing software. It's not hard, though it takes some practice. Personally, I use Photomatix to just generate the basic HDR image and that's it. I do all of the other corrections in Photoshop, though other software packages would be just as fine.

Perfect, I wasn't sure if it needed to be in Photomatix or something. Thanks for the tip as this will help me. Cheers.

 

[RockstarPhotography]

I don't think you blasted #2 at all....I like the looks of it


now THIS is blasted!!!!!....lol, sorry, had to do it.

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blasted rock by rockstarrphotography, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[inaka]

Holy s%^&!
Ewwwwww....that makes me want to throw up in my mouth...LOL.