This is another image I received some questions about, so I thought I would put together a quick (< 8 mins) processing video to show you some of the steps I took after generating the initial Tonemapped HDR .tiff. Also, I really dig Nik Silver Efex Pro. I dig it so much, I was trying to find ways of using it for color images. In this video, I use Nik's Silver Efex Pro High Structure preset to bring out the texture and character of the building. I liked results, and I hope you do to.
For my other processing videos, click here!
Also, if you are interested in the tools I used in this video, you can use the coupon code LIGHTASMAGIC to receive 15% off of Photmatix or any Nik Tools.
For more information on some of my favorite Nik filters, and how they fit into my work-flow, click here.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed that video, Justin. It is so rewarding for me to see how another talented HDR photographer gets to his/her results. Really, really bang up job. I can’t wait to see what you have to share with us on your Alt Perspective guest blog post.
Excellent video. I especially like the Silver Efex/Luminosity blending trick, and the way you use multi curves layers. I have an image in mind for my newly learned tricks. Thanks for taking the time to make, edit, and post.
Hello Bob,
I am a newbie in HDR using a D6O and I usually do my HDR and change the exposures manually using a software and then photomatix. But this video is just AMAZING! totally changes how i think about HDR! I noticed you said you took 9 images with a difference of 1ev, can you explain me what that is?
Thanks you very much!
B
Howdy Bernard!
Glad I could help you look at your art in a new light (pun partially intended). Hopefully I can help you a bit here. When I say, I shoot 9 images at 1ev. That means that I am bracketing my images, much like you are, where my camera is set to shoot an image, then adjust for the next image by 1 full stop. This process is repeated 9 times. Most cameras let you adjust how much ‘difference’ there is between each step in the bracketed sequence. My D300 will allow me to adjust from 1/3 of a stop all the way to 1 full stop per image. I always have my camera bracketing set to shoot 9 images @ 1 full stop. Then, in post, I determine if I need to use all 9 images, or just a subset of them.
You probably know this, but make sure to adjust the shutter speed instead of the aperture while you are bracketing. That way your focus and depth of filed remain constant.
Hope that helps!
If not, feel free to reply to this and I will do what I can to clear it up.
Thanks again for the comment and visiting!
Justin
I love learning new tricks to spice-up a photo. I love it even more when someone takes the time to clearly define the steps as you had so perfectly presented. I feel that this is really an important process for giving some HDR images that extra kick that is so often missing. Yikes! Now I have to reprocess all of my old images…
…well, actually, I think I will just keep your technique in mind for future projects.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Chris aka FriendofLight (Flickr)
Howdy Chris,
Thanks for the feedback. I am glad they helped. You put the technique to use fast! For anyone wanting to see some incredible images, pop on over to Chirs’ photostream on flickr….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8789094@N04/4579759887/
Awesome tutorial! The silver efex high structure luminosity layer trick is genius. I rarely use black and white, but when I do I find myself using that preset the most. This is a great way to get the contrast without the black and white. The effect is kind of similar to the tonal contrast effect in color efex, only less cartoonish IMHO. Here is an image that I used this trick on:
http://www.shutterrunner.com/posts/view/171-365
Thanks! I am glad it helped you. Great point, this technique really brings to life the charter in buildings without getting too cartoonish like you said.
That is a killer shot. Really, really nice! I agree with you.
Hey Justin;
Just found this video while jumping around the web. Really cool tutorial on using Silver Efex Pro in luminosity mode to get the textures popping. I might have to give that a try. If I do, I’ll be sure to note as much in my blog post and link back to your page.
Howdy Jacques! Glad you found it. Apparently we run in the same Photo-Circles. Brian, Bob, Scott, Matt, etc…. I have always enjoyed your work. I was hoping to contact you when I was in France this summer, but I was only in Paris for a day. Hope you like the Videorial, and a link would be great. Talk to you soon!