A HDR attempt...

[jackgta]

Can't find the thread about Photomatix a while back, but I downloaded it and gave it a go. It seems to work really nicely with some shots and ruin others whatever you do with the settings, but I quite like this one:

The Original straight out the camera:



The HDR effort:



Thinking about getting the full version, the watermarks are very distracting.
One thing I will say is that I always seem to end up with a lot of noise on the HDR image. Anyone got any ideas on how to reduce it at all? For this one I shot 1 image in RAW then made the three necessary images in Pixmantec Rawshooter.

[aspender]

FDRTools Basic is a freeware HDR program that it might be worth giving a go before you shell out any cash. I've had a quick play with it and it seems quite good. I'm no HDR expert though.

[cvp]

I've had a play with it for a while and agreed it can give quite an extreme effect. Occasionally though I like the extreme look

Example
ORIGINAL


HDR EXTREME LOOK


Cheers

Chris

[greg964]

I use noiseninja, its a plugin for photoshop.

[stuart b]

I've not used Photomatix, but I've had a go at exposure blending both from a single RAW file and by taking more than one exposure (exposing correctly for individual parts of the scene).

I can't see how you can avoid noise if you work from a single exposure if the dark bits are really dark (as in your example).

So I think as posted above, it's either tripod plus multiexposures or be ready to get some noise (which things like Noise Ninja seem to deal with quite well for most things IMHO - not ideal but better than not having the picture if there's no alternative).

Stuart

[jackgta]

I've tried some HDR stuff using 3 RAW images and a tripod, the noise levels better as you say Stuart, but still too noticeable.
Noise reduction software does seem like a good idea, thanks.

[viper_larry]

Try setting up the tripod in the lounge and taking a picture including a window. Make 3 RAW shots with +2/-2 bracketing and HDR them. Makes them look really good - you get all the details in the room and also the view out of your window.

I have done one but don't want to expose the inside of my house to you lot

Got a nice one of my Alfa though:

Edited by viper_larry on Thursday 14th December 18:38

[andybuk99]

try not to be ott with it though. fred miranda had a good action a long time ago which was easy to use and gave good results. otherwise just use layers in photochop, much better results!

[stigcv8]

viper really like the alfa shot.

Is it advisable to use more than 3 stops difference, like take one at each exposure reading for example to get more striking results or is the -2 0 +2 the best option?

[viper_larry]

stigcv8 said:

viper really like the alfa shot.

Is it advisable to use more than 3 stops difference, like take one at each exposure reading for example to get more striking results or is the -2 0 +2 the best option?

My Canon 350D only does +2/-2 auto bracketing and that seems fine. Some situations maight be better with +1/-1