creating hdr from one raw

what program are you using to generate the HDR image? if you are using photomatix then you can just import the RAW straight off and apply tone mapping. If you are using photoshop to generate the HDR image then you have to alter the exposure and save the image at 3 exposures so that there is no metadata saved with the image (eg by saving for web).

Cykeys HDR guide has a bit about it too - http://www.vanilladays.com/hdr-guide/#singleraw
 
collisster said:
cheers I just tried it with photomatix and my image comes out really really noisy.
Click to expand...

yes, thats what will happen if you've only got one image to work with.

if it's coming out REALLY noisy then you're probably overdoing it anyway.
a good raw will easily give you one stop of lightening without showing much noise :)
 
if you take a shot in raw format you can then process it and save it as three seperate .dng files (digital negatives). you can then generate and hdr (although you wont get the whole dynamic range). u can also do it with layers on PS, by changing the exposure for each layer and using layer masks and the shadow/highlights tool. lastly u can convert a file into 8bit and then use the options that appear when doing so for a hdr type effect...hope this helps mate
 
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I don't really know what I'm doing with HDR but this is an attempt please don't laugh I think I'm doing it wrong, I just adjusted the settings to what I thought looked nice :p
DSC_3094copy.jpg
 
I think the processing looks overdone tbh, although I apply HDR to a lot of images, I try and keep it looking natural, so there will still be shadows present.

I can post up some settings that I usual use as a starting point or can have a go if you post up the RAW file to show what I'd be aiming for, although it's all subjective anyway so just go for what you think looks good :)
 
thanks jotun, the raw is in that funny nikon format I'm having trouble with, dunno how to post it here + also I really dont like any of the pics I took this evening because they have all come out a bit naff due to the grain.

if you would post up some settings it would be very appreciated

thanks
 
Strength > 100
Color Saturation > 46
Light Smoothing > Very High (max)
Luminosity > 0
Micro Contrast > High (max)
Micro Smoothing > 0

White Clip > 0.249550
Black Clip > 0.000000
Gamma > 1.2

or the xmp file you should be able to download and load the settings in photomatix.

From there I mostly play with the luminosity and gamma to get the feel I am after, although playing round with everything is a good idea :D I'd just say try and not go too over board really, although sometimes going a bit OTT can work, particularly for moody photos.
 
HDR from 1 RAW...about as pointless as taking a photo in black and white then using photoshop to put the colour back in afterwards.

If you must do HDR do it properly, 3 shots minimum and of a scene that contains a variety of lightsources that are too great for your camera to capture :)
 
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