Good HDR software??

[kevin99989]

Composite of 3 images put together automatically using Photomatix Pro.

Anyone use this program before?? I wanted to check with others before I buy the program - I've never used HDR software before except for Photoshop, which doesn't always do the best job.

This is the result - and it seems to be very good...

[Mad Aussie]

I've never seen any HDR software that produces a good result without it also having to be re-edited afterwards in PS or similar. Look at your images ... it's soft, pale in places, has huge halo's, and unnatural colours, all typical of HDR software.
When I was using HDR software, I used Photomatix (and PS CS4) for my images, although I often just created them myself from several images manually in PS for far more realistic results.
After changing to Apple computers I bought CS5 and haven't even bothered to get Lightroom, Aperture or any HDR software. I just use Bridge and Photoshop exclusively these days.

[taffy]

I use Photomatix Pro and as MA suggests, I always end up doing further editing in PS Elements (very often to boost the contrast etc). It is like any of the tools we have, it is best when used selectively as I find it does not work for all instances ( even when I think it should, given the lighting conditions). I have had some good results ( some of which I have posted in these forums in the past), but as I say it doesn't work everytime. The latest version of Photomatix is much more sophisticated than the earlier versions and it does pay to play around with the controls and understand what each one does.

taffy:)

[JAS_Photo]

Oloneo photo engine also gives good results, it is especially good for ghosting and hand held HDR's.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6161153131_7ba63a6eef_b.jpg

I sometimes use the Nik software HDR, which is very good but expensive, really only worth it if you get their whole software suite at once.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6161192691_6d42a903a9_b.jpg

So basically each of the HDR softwares have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they all have a free trial if you want to try them out. :)

But as stated they all need further editing for the most part. Topaz adjust is very good if you want to take your images to the extreme edge.

Check out farbspiel, he is rather a master at the jaw-dropping HDR technique.

http://farbspiel.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/hdr-cookbook-the-definitive-list-of-hdr-photographers-on-google/

[kevin99989]

Thanks for all of your input - that was very helpful ! Thanks for the links as well.

I do plan to do some post-editing in PS Elements 8 in conjunction with the HDR software. MA - i've done some manual masking of several images in PS, but it's a lot of manual work. I guess hard work pays to get a good image :)

[Mad Aussie]

MA - i've done some manual masking of several images in PS, but it's a lot of manual work. I guess hard work pays to get a good image :)
I think so Kevin. But I go so much more for the real look of the scene OR to adjust the scene to look as I know it could look in better light perhaps. To retain sharpness, proper shadows where I need them, and colours, manual PP all the way for me.

[Dbrskinner]

I've been experimenting with HDR for a while now, trying different software and techniques to create a specific look. I really like HDR Efex Pro from NIK, it is easy to use and offers a wide range of customized adjustments, I run the HDR early in the editing process then do complete review and adjustments in CS5. There are bugs in the software and images will react differently to the same process. It's fun to experiment though and once in a while it works :)

I really like the perspective of your shot.

Dave