HDR for Dummies action

[cspringer]

Here are a couple of pics using the action. Make a Multiply mode duplicate of the background layer for more dynamic range. Have fun...
http://www.atncentral.com
HDR for Dummies action





You can get similar results with a single .jpg as you can with these multi exposed pics (not all pictures are good candidates).

http://www.flickr.com/groups/hdr/pool/

 

[Wilkev]

--
Regards,
Bill

 

[Dave In LA]

assuming the HDR is on the right, hasn't it lost shadow and highlight detail and is NOT now High Dynamic Range?

It is a very nice effect, but rather contrast extreme as opposed to expanded tonal range

 

[cspringer]

I choose to make it dramatic...you can do whatever you want with the action and the pictures you combine. Check out the link to the HDRs. None of them look natural.

assuming the HDR is on the right, hasn't it lost shadow and
highlight detail and is NOT now High Dynamic Range?

It is a very nice effect, but rather contrast extreme as opposed to
expanded tonal range

 

[cspringer]

I added my dynamics to bring the tire and upholstery back. ;-) Thanks for the headsup.

assuming the HDR is on the right, hasn't it lost shadow and
highlight detail and is NOT now High Dynamic Range?

It is a very nice effect, but rather contrast extreme as opposed to
expanded tonal range

 

[Mitrajoon]

When I try to run this I get command merge not availble. I guess I'm one step below the dummy stage. As I understand it I need to open a file, flatten it if there multiple layers and then duplicate the background file and then run the action. Not sure if I should make the blend mode on the duplicate multiply or if the action actually does this. Your patience is appreciated.
--
Mitra
http://jmlphotography.smugmug.com/

 

[cspringer]

To get the different exposures needed...

I make 3 layers (Ctrl+J twice) and hide the background layer. The 3rd layer I change to multiply mode and perhaps copy it (Ctrl+J) and then Merge Visible (ctrl+shift+e).
Make the background layer visible again and highlight the 2nd layer.
(it will not work if the background layer is highlighted)
If you like it I suggest making an action for the above.

Run the HDR for Dummies action

Copy the mask (2nd) layer if needed and play with the opacities... add masks and edit to taste.

Maybe copy background layer and move it to top...try different modes and opacities.

C

When I try to run this I get command merge not availble. I guess
I'm one step below the dummy stage. As I understand it I need to
open a file, flatten it if there multiple layers and then duplicate
the background file and then run the action. Not sure if I should
make the blend mode on the duplicate multiply or if the action
actually does this. Your patience is appreciated.
--
Mitra
http://jmlphotography.smugmug.com/

 

[Mitrajoon]

That helps. However, I still get a "merge layers command not available".

I end up with three layers. The background, background copy in overlay blend mode, and layer 1 copy in normal blend mode. The effect is a high contrast, sort of a super contrast curve adjustment. Does all that sound right?
--
Mitra
http://jmlphotography.smugmug.com/

 

[cspringer]

run their sample to see how it should look.

That helps. However, I still get a "merge layers command not
available".

I end up with three layers. The background, background copy in
overlay blend mode, and layer 1 copy in normal blend mode. The
effect is a high contrast, sort of a super contrast curve
adjustment. Does all that sound right?
--
Mitra
http://jmlphotography.smugmug.com/

 

[Michael Burnside]

no text

 

[vabirdy]

Chip,

Would you mind explaining the steps that the action takes, so that I can try to duplicate it in GIMP? I've tried opening the action in MS Notepad, and while I can see a few words, there are a bunch of symbols and it seems like much of the info contained in the action is not readable in that format.

Thanks! ..... Mark

 

[RandyS]

I love this effect. Any ideas as to whether this action will work, or can otherwise be converted, for PSP?

If not, does anyone know of any alternatives?

-- Thanks

Randy

 

[Tristann]

I reckon that when you visit the headquarters of the company behind the"...for Dummies" series, you'll find a lifesize image of me in the foyer. The caption will read,

"...remember, we're doing it all for him. So MOVE, get BACK to work & look like you're enjoying it!" The reason why I say that is because I'm someone that's all for the basics. I normally spend hours trying to figure out what others ommitted or assumed I would know.
This is what I figured out: (correct me if wrong, please)

1. You need TWO layers in your layers palette for this action to work.
a) Background layer, and on top of it (b) Background Copy layer

The idea is that the (a) Background layer remains unchanged and in its original state. The (b) Background Copy layer should be of a different (darker) exposure than that of layer (a)

[Some use more than two layers in the action, but it is not necessary as long as layers (a) and (b) are the bottom two in the layers palette AND layer (b) Background copy is the highlighted one.]

2. In the action there is a "merge layers" command, but I also get the dialog box, 'merge layers command' is not currently available. I assume that pressing continue therefore gives a result that is different than what the action intends to achieve (?!?) hits head on screen repeatedly...

 

[cspringer]

Did you read the file that comes with the action? It explains the steps. I'm not sure why you are getting this message.
After making the darker layer click ESC so you don't have anything highlighted.
Highlight the 2nd layer, not the background layer and run the action.
I rewrote mine for more control and more options.

I reckon that when you visit the headquarters of the company behind
the"...for Dummies" series, you'll find a lifesize image of me in
the foyer. The caption will read,
"...remember, we're doing it all for him. So MOVE, get BACK to work
& look like you're enjoying it!" The reason why I say that is
because I'm someone that's all for the basics. I normally spend
hours trying to figure out what others ommitted or assumed I would
know.
This is what I figured out: (correct me if wrong, please)

1. You need TWO layers in your layers palette for this action to work.
a) Background layer, and on top of it (b) Background Copy layer
The idea is that the (a) Background layer remains unchanged and in
its original state. The (b) Background Copy layer should be of a
different (darker) exposure than that of layer (a)
[Some use more than two layers in the action, but it is not
necessary as long as layers (a) and (b) are the bottom two in the
layers palette AND layer (b) Background copy is the highlighted
one.]

2. In the action there is a "merge layers" command, but I also get
the dialog box, 'merge layers command' is not currently available.
I assume that pressing continue therefore gives a result that is
different than what the action intends to achieve (?!?) hits head
on screen repeatedly...

 

[Tristann]

Did you read the file that comes with the action? It explains the
steps. I'm not sure why you are getting this message.
After making the darker layer click ESC so you don't have anything
highlighted.
Highlight the 2nd layer, not the background layer and run the action.
I rewrote mine for more control and more options.

I read the file - you're right, it explains the steps taken - still get the message though. Guess I'll rewrite the action.

 

[GlobalTvlr]

Very nice.
Thanks,
Chhris

 

[vabirdy]

I'm still looking for a discussion of the technique used for this method so I can try to duplicate the effect in GIMP. GIMP will run Photoshop plug-ins, but not actions. Any help would be great.

Thanks ..... Mark