Question for those that know

[mwcfarms]

So I downloaded photomatix 4 trial and been playing around with it. This was my approach to HDR.

Went outside and shot bracketed a series of shots on a tripod -3, 0, +3 etc. Did this with ,-05, 0, +5, 1, 2 etc.
In photomatix I combined them and the final picture didn't look anything like an HDR. So I went back to check histograms etc and I'm wondering if its better to dial in your exposure variables so ensure that you get complete coverage of the exposures with 5 or more photos to get that really popping HDR.

I know you have to play with the sliders etc and I did but wasn't very please with the results. I have watched the tutorial, watched some utube ones etc. Is this a good way to go or do any of your pro's have some tips to get me started.

I want that popping HDR, almost to the point of fantasy.

 

[pbelarge]

Dee
As with most software programs, there is more than what one first sees to these programs.
It is rare to be able to master them in a few sittings, take years.

I would just keep playing with the program to see what all the sliders and other options will result in your image.
Good luck, have fun and be patient.

 

[mwcfarms]

I understand that but shouldn't I see something more than what I got. I will have to post examples I guess. I'm just frustrated.

 

[myshkin]

To start I would suggest doing -2, 0, +2 with tripod. I always shoot raw but others get great results with jpg

The real key is the sliders and learning how they effect the pic. The default settings in photomatix I do not like. They normally look flat.
At this point I have my sliders set to a certain point and normally just need to make very minor adjustments. For me there is only about 5 sliders I really mess with most of the time
In my opinion the most important sliders are, smoothing, luminance, highlight smoothing(for sky in outdoor shots), strength

 

[pbelarge]

I understand that but shouldn't I see something more than what I got. I will have to post examples I guess. I'm just frustrated.

Change that to "I am just practicing"

I am sure if you post, it may be easier to see your frustration.

Take the settings you have and try some extreme settings. That will give you an idea of the range you will be working with to try to get the results you are looking for.

 

[myshkin]

You should post your exps and your final result. That way people can do the same with your exps so you can see whats possible with your shots.

 

[Arch]

After you have combined them, make sure you then click the 'tone mapping' button and make those adjustments, or it really won't look good!

 

[pbelarge]

Just recently, I have gone from +1, 0, -1, etc to six or seven 1/3 stop ev shots. So, from +1 t0 -1 or even more at 1/3 intervals. More photos, but I can get better results.
It all really depends on how much DR is available for each image set.

 

[Provo]

I would offer some advice but I don't know what I am doing
When using photomatix that's just your beginning process you
have more steps to go my friend lightroom edits,PS edits,
masking if any for removing ghosting,levels,curves,hue/sat,
sharpening,noise reduction etc...etc..

When taking your shot's on your camera doesn't it offer a histogram that you can sample
a shot so if you took 3 shot's each shot should have it's own fragment of details on the histogram with 3 shot's
you should have a good range thus hence the early stage to hdr because that's what hdr is capturing
the most dynamic range with multiple exposures since one is not enough.

Keep on practicing and for reference check out stuckincustoms.com they have a free hdr tutorial.

 

[ann]

oh, please provo.

It will help as others have stated to post something so we can view. also, you have to chose which type of "look" you want and then work with the sliders.

It does take practice, so just relax , have fun and remember this is a marathorn not a sprint.

 

[Provo]

oh, please provo.

It will help as others have stated to post something so we can view. also, you have to chose which type of "look" you want and then work with the sliders.

It does take practice, so just relax , have fun and remember this is a marathorn not a sprint.

You know I am a noob I turn on the camera and magic happens the camera does all the work it's that new Nikon model

 

[mwcfarms]

Thanks guys, I am going to post some examples of what I shot and what I ended with.

 

[Bynx]

If youre using Photomatix 4 just try one of the presets by clicking the little window. Dont even touch any sliders until you have a refence point to start from.

 

[myshkin]

Is 4 worth upgrading to? I am still on 3, is there any noticeable difference?

 

[briarder]

I've just recently started trying to do HDR photos w/ Photomatix also, and the 1st few tries I had no luck getting the HDR look. I started playing w/ the sliders to learn what they actually do, sometimes moving them all to the far left, and then playing w/ them 1 at a time, and then I was able to get better results. I'm still not getting great results all the time, but it is getting gradually better.