HDR is termed as High Dynamic Range which dramatizes different exposures and intensity of colours in one image. The darker and lighter areas of the image are neutralized to create a cool atmosphere and it gives a whole new colour intensity levels.
Creating HDR image is simple. You don’t need to own a high end DSLR to create HDR because Photomatix opens a new frontier for your creativity.
I have used Photomatix software here but this can be done in Photoshop CS3 too, but Photomatix has more intelligent tone mapping features which enhance lot of details of the image.
Follow these steps and see the drama it creates. ; p
1. Shoot 3 shots with different exposure; 1 with correct exposure, 1 little lighter, 1 little dark. Its okay if you have more than 3 shots, but 3 shots will do the job.
2. Open Photomatix > Click Generate HDR image > browse and select three shots with 3 different exposure > then OK
3. Now the photo will be generated. You will get a result something like this.
The image may appear darker and some areas of the image will be highly exposed. Now the solution is, go to the TONE MAPPING button on the left.
4. Set the strength, colour saturation, luminosity, and so on. Each of these elements will bring much more detailing and colour intensity.
Below the histogram you can see tone, colour, micro and saturation tabs where you can switch white and black point with gama settings as well.
Play with these settings to get the desired effect you like.
5. Now click PROCESS and there you go!
See the difference with the original picture and the Photomatix version.
You gotta try this out. Good luck.
Note: Photomatix plug-in is available for Photoshop.
