Macphun launches Aurora HDR high dynamic range software for Mac users: Digital Photography Review

Macphun launches Aurora HDR high dynamic range software for Mac users

Published Nov 9, 2015 | Damien Demolder

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Most popular (5)

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annaf

I saw an article some time ago that mentioned what a great tool Aurora hdr is for converting to black and white and then introducing one color back into the photo. I cannot find the article again and I would like to find the process. Does anyone know the Aurora HDR process for this? Thank you.

Jan 25, 2016permalink

AbrasiveReducer

Interesting that a collaboration with Trey would result in software capable of producing realistic looking images. Like collaborating with Ken Rockwell to produce more accurate equipment reviews.

Nov 24, 2015permalink

balico

Hahaha, that was the first thing I thought about also, when it is with Trey's help, it will produce overcooked oversaturated results!

Nov 29, 2015permalink

petersteam

Be careful with Aurora HDR. The company changes your pricing in the shopping cart while you are purchasing the program. VERY DISHONEST company and they try to scam clients. RUN, RUN, RUN, unless you like to be ripped off!!!!

Nov 20, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

Hi petersteam,
You leave the same comment on every second article and we never receive a single word from you. Such a pity :(

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

Frans vw

I tired the Creative Kit software they advertise on their webiste with some raw files from my Canon 5DS but got weird error messages or messages stating "|file to large, resized to 40Mp".

So, this software is not for me.

Nov 17, 2015permalink

Keith Cooper

I found this with snapheal but not with other plugins (I used 5Ds files with Aurora)
In fact I said I couldn't do a review of snapheal until it was fixed - they said it would be soon, so I need to give them a prod again, since some tests with my old 1Ds3 looked interesting

Nov 21, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

Please send us the screen shot of the error + original files you've tried via support@aurorahdr.com. It's really weird.

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

TheBoyWonder

Those images used to advertise the product are awful.

Nov 12, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

Tastes are different, you know ;)

Nov 25, 2015permalink

Keith Cooper

Interesting software -no reviews for a week. First impressions are that they have put a lot of effort into making it good for producing images using HDR techniques, that don't yell HDR at you

I use HDR in some of my architectural work, where I don't want to show it isn't a straight photo. Aurora works well, but I can't say much more for the time being ;-)

Promoting it with the Trey name is a double edged sword - it's not something that attracts me to software. Hopefully, examples of 'normal' use will show that it also works well without turning the dials up to 11

The various settings, coupled with masking and layers give a powerful tool for those not drawn to the tawdry side of the force

If you have embraced the gaudy, then it offers more than enough range to re-unite people with their lunch ;-)

It won't replace LR or PS - I'd still export images to PS for more work and print preparation

LR hasn't a place in my workflow, but I'd still want to import images from Aurora for print

Nov 11, 2015permalink

paul simon king

Gaudy effects don't appeal to me one iota - the only thing that interests me is whether or not it can produce more balanced (realistic)images from several RAW exposures, and especially with no haloing.

I'm sure you'll cover this if (ahem) you happened to do a review Keith.....?

;)

Nov 15, 2015permalink

Keith Cooper

Review is posted ;-) See the retouching forum here for links and discussion

Nov 21, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

Hi guys,

Please send us all your suggestions and concerns via support@aurorahdr.com. Let's make Aurora HDR the best together :)

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

balico

The statement that the software is developed with Trey will attract mainly beginner HDR photographers. Most experienced photographers don't like the oversaturated one-go hdr style..

Nov 29, 2015permalink

paul simon king

really?

Are they experienced photos at Preview here? See who got first place in this DP challenge

http://www.dpreview.com/challenges/Entry.aspx?ID=945810&utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=challenges-widget&utm_medium=image&ref=challenges-widget

Nov 29, 2015permalink

RadPhoto

So, the "Pro" should pay more (double) to get presets. Shouldn't the "Pro" create his/her own presets?

Nov 11, 2015*permalink

Fixx

I thought "Pro" gets plug-ins for LR etc?

Nov 12, 2015permalink

RadPhoto

Plugin vs Preset!!

Nov 12, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

There is a great difference between Pro and App Store version. If photography is just a hobby for you - App Store version should be enough. However, in case you're professional - you'll see that Aurora HDR Pro is what you need. Here you can check the list of main differences: http://aurorahdr.com/getstarted/frequently-asked-questions
You are welcome to reach us via support@aurorahdr.com for more information :)

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

balico

There are many many hobby photographers that take much more time to develop their photos as "professionals", so I don't think the designation of hobby vs pro is correct..

Nov 29, 2015permalink

TheEyesHaveIt

Though they say it can totally replace Lightroom and Photoshop, it doesn't have things like spot healing, etc., so seems like a Photomatix replacement really. Much better UI than Photomatix, so kudos on that. I prefer luminosity masks and exposure blending these days though. HDR look is too intense for me.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

NoMirror99

If you only draw within the lines, you're probably not going to like this program.

But, if you've ripped the blinders off, you're going to have a blast!

Nov 10, 2015permalink

Gionni Dorelli

if you use lightroom CC you do not need these HDR softwares anymore.
I have Photomatix and Nik HDR software packages and have not touched them since the last version of LR CC came out.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

graybalanced

If you like Trey's style, you will still need more than one app because LR won't get you far enough.

There is more than one kind of HDR. A lot of Trey Ratcliff fans hate Lightroom HDR because it is too photorealistic and not gaudy enough. Lightroom probably can't do what Aurora can. Trey pushes color and saturation much further than LR HDR is designed to do.

The other side of that is, a lot of photographic HDR fans hate the Trey Ratcliff style. They like LR HDR because it is realistic HDR. They will probably not like Aurora and will stick with LR.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

Gionni Dorelli

And there you can discern the fans from the pros.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

Stanchung

"not gaudy enough" says it all.

Different strokes for different folks. I prefer realistic but I have a weakness for artistic bokeh.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

R_U_Q_R_U

Plus MacPhun wants $89 for the "pro" version!

You can create HDR in LR and the use Macphun Intensity and FX Studio (both included in Creative Kit) without spending anymore money

Nov 10, 2015*permalink

2stepbay

graybalanced...you fall into the same trap as others when you throw gross generalizations out there as fact. How do you know "a lot of HDR fans hate the TR style"??? Did you take a statistically valid poll?

Nov 10, 2015permalink

graybalanced

No, I didn't take a statistically valid poll. None is necessary, because i never said "all HDR fans" or "most HDR fans." I merely said "a lot," which requires no statistical backup. And if you check out any other photographer forums or even other forums here, you will see that what I said is, at least, anecdotally quite true.

What is also true is how Trey feels about LR HDR. He laid it all out in his review on his blog. He hated it.

As for me, I respect Trey for many reasons, but I just don't like his HDR style.

Nov 11, 2015permalink

TxLoneRider

Funny, I am not particularly happy with the HDR in LR. I find Nik's HDR to give me a better quality HDR from the JPGs on my 7D. And I am personally looking forward to Macphun's package.

I must admit, Trey's videos are a mixed bag, his personality, is somewhat annoying in the videos.

Nov 12, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

Hi guys,

You are welcome to contact us via support@aurorahdr.com for detailed side-to-side comparison of the main HDR programs. You'll see the difference ;)

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

latinware

On Macphun website the price is US$89.00

Nov 10, 2015permalink

refusenik

Shame it'll never be available for Windows, the layers functionality is pretty unique in HDR apps and it looks pretty easy to use.

Nov 9, 2015permalink

Wicklet

They have stated that a PC version is in the works. No ETA yet. Check out the comment section on Treys website for it.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

There will be a Windows version and it's not a joke :)
Stay tuned!

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

Earth Art

I thought HDR was no longer an "in" thing? It was huge back in 2008, but now people have realized the benefit of pushing shadows in single exposures and doing exposure blends in Photoshop for much better results.

Nov 9, 2015permalink

jerryfl1

No to PC users

Nov 9, 2015permalink

Skip

...and not for all mac users either - requires 10.9.5

Nov 9, 2015permalink

Wicklet

They have stated that a PC version is in the works. No ETA yet.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

AlinaMacphun

There will be a Windows version and it's not a joke :)
Stay tuned!

Alina from Macphun

Nov 25, 2015permalink

justmeMN

Oh goody - now the world can have more plastic landscapes, suitable for printing on black velvet. :-)

Nov 9, 2015permalink

Valiant Thor

Oh right sparky, and the world would be a much better place if everyone did everything the same and we all did photography your way.

P.S. - According to the University of Chicago, people who put smiley and winkie characters at the end of their posts have an extremely high incidence of mental illness.

Nov 11, 2015permalink

Wye Photography

Hail Valient Thor,

I liked your post :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

:-O

Nov 11, 2015permalink

Valiant Thor

I rest my case.

Nov 11, 2015permalink

Jessjett

Too Funny ~_~

Feb 19, 2016permalink

dav1dz

I can't tell the difference between regular edition from App Store and the Pro version from Macphun directly. Anyone care to elaborate?

Nov 9, 2015permalink

smokinman88

I watched the video and Trey says the "Pro" version just includes includes his presets, sample photos and video tutorial. The Faq's page says the Pro version includes his presets, more editing tools, photos, video and is faster....i guess we'll find out.

Nov 9, 2015*permalink

Alan Sandercock

The following link for Full set of features signifies an entry is only for the Pro version by ending the entry with the text "(Aurora HDR Pro)"

http://aurorahdr.com/getstarted/features

Nov 9, 2015permalink

dav1dz

I wonder how annoying the interfacing is without the plugins. I don't see a big deal if I just have to export a set of brackets to the desktop then open them up in the non-Pro app...

Nov 10, 2015permalink

NoMirror99

This should be really really good since Trey worked on it. He's the #1 goto guy for HDR.

Nov 9, 2015permalink

djrocks66

Really?

Nov 10, 2015permalink

dharmagreg

Yes really!

Nov 10, 2015permalink

Mr Keys

Definately!

Nov 10, 2015permalink

MatthewRogers

Anyone working in HDR professionally knows this app has nothing to do with HDR, it's a TONEMAPPING app.

It doesn't even support a SINGLE HDR output file format.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

MatthewRogers

Also, Trey's actual HDR knowledge seems to be at about zero. Tonemapping and actual HDR are nowhere near the same thing.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

(unknown member)

Hmm..i didn't know Trey Ratcliff, but when i'm looking at his images on google, my eyes are hurting :-/

Nov 10, 2015permalink

RadPhoto

No he's not

Nov 11, 2015permalink

oilpiers

I purchased HDR PRO prior to the release, because it had a discount and I don't care for Photomatix or Photoshops HDR programs. I have to admit initially I was a bit disappointed. I thought the effects were too far out there, and there were no opacity sliders built in to the filters. A few weeks later the first supplemental download arrive. It put the sliders on all the filters, and added a new subset of Realistic HDR filters. I have been doing 3 exposure, 2 stop difference HDRs with this new software. It creates the best shots I have taken in my 34 years of avid photography. Could I have learned to do this in Photoshop? Maybe. Would I ever have. Highly doubtful. Call me lazy but I love it.

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