HDR photography and Photomatix

[joesnow]

Folks,

I came across this site http://stuckincustoms.com/ and was amazed what is achievable with this program Photomatix. You basically take a photo at your desired settings and then take the same photo at increased and decreased exposures. Photmatix helps you blend them together and tinker, producing these sort of shots. Some of the photos I take would be awesome as prints with this sort of processing.

Has anyone got experiance with this program. I'm considering downloading it and having a play. If not have a look at the link and enjoy.

[gregorio!]

Well worth a d/l and a play. Photoshop cs2/3 also does HDR images.

[aspender]

Also have a look at http://www.fdrtools.com There is a free version to play with, the pay version has a bit more function.

[agent006]

I've got the paid-for version of photomatix and it's great. Demo does everything that the paid one does but just sticks a watermark on the image. Well worth reading the manual before just ploughing in though.

[joesnow]

Lovely, i'll look into a d/l. I'll be sure to post when I've got something worthy.

[bulb763]

I love using Photomatix, for what can be achieved with it..

some subtle


some not-so-subtle


and some quite obvious


Of course you can go quite extreme with the tool, and some of the results I've seen are pretty horrible, but it's a matter of personal taste - as with anything I suppose.

Edited by bulb763 on Thursday 27th September 16:56

[JimNotJon]

I adore that software. I have been using it for a few months now with alot of my photos, it makes normal photos look.. well a bit pants! Im trying to ween myself off it a bit now and use the camera settings a bit better. Photomatix (I also payed for the full version) is alot better than the inbuilt Photoshop version, in my oppinion. Alot more options and works alot better, as its stand alone software.

Here are a couple of photo's I have taken in HDR:










The last two: 1) Lincoln Cathedral 2) The Straight In Lincoln (From Castle Area). I love my city eheh

[iamlofi]

Some cool looking effects can be produced

Edited by iamlofi on Sunday 30th September 08:46

[phil633]

Exeter quay.

[Viper_Larry]

I played with the demo version last year then bought it earlier this year, but not used it much over summer. Intend to do so this winter. This is my favourite shot:

[poah]

I had ago today

[F308 MAN]

could you nice, kind gentlefolk, please specify which particular software you use to create such magnificent images ?

d

[Viper_Larry]

F308 MAN said:

could you nice, kind gentlefolk, please specify which particular software you use to create such magnificent images ?

d

The clue is in the subject line!!!

http://www.hdrsoft.com/index.html

[poah]

photomatrix pro

[joesnow]

Great stuff chaps. I like natural shots on the whole, but some of the effects you can get with this are great.

The chap on stuckincustoms said that he likes HDR pics because they capture what he remembers about a scene, he finds normal photos rarely do this (apart from that Carter chap's photos). There's hope for us yet.

[Andy M]

Sorry to dig up a relatively old topic.

HDR can look great, but is totally overdone in 99.9% of cases. Here's a guy who knows how to use it:











See: http://planckstudios.com

[crmcatee]

and there was I today dicking about with it to see what all the hoo ha is about..

This is default settings in Photomatix.. Looks a bit like fairy castle..

Not sure about it...

[Andy M]

crmcatee said:

and there was I today dicking about with it to see what all the hoo ha is about..

This is default settings in Photomatix.. Looks a bit like fairy castle..

Not sure about it...

Yeah, possibly a little too much.

Nice shot though. Mont St Michel was heaving when we were there, and the weather was appaling too. About the only 'ok' shot I took:

[F_M-R2]

How do you save files as jpeg that you have made in Photomatix? I have to admit, i am lost on this.

[bulb763]

Open the Photomatix TIFF with your favourite photo-editing software, then save as jpeg. HTH