Wow, these HDRI shots always amaze me. I’d really like to see exactly how the process works sometime, from taking the pictures to coming out with a final product!
Hmm.. I guess I should have a post about that — expect one in the future!
Basically — I take three RAW image shots – one at +0 (normal) exposure, one at -2 (underexposed, really dark to capture the brightest parts clearly), and then finally one at +2 (overexposed) to higlight the darkest parts.
Then I import the images to my computer and convert the RAW files to 16-bit TIFF files.
Next I open each set of 3 in Photomatix and make sure they’re in focus/lined up and then use the program to automatically combine the images.
Photomatix creates a “true” HDR image, which cannot be properly displayed on current monitors (one that can do it costs $60k), so I have to “tone map” the colors to ones that our monitors can display.
Finally, in some cases I take the tone-mapped HDR image to photoshop for further cropping, levels, and other fun toys.
Hope this explination helps.
-baber
Allen
Wow, these HDRI shots always amaze me. I’d really like to see exactly how the process works sometime, from taking the pictures to coming out with a final product!
Baber
Hmm.. I guess I should have a post about that — expect one in the future!
Basically — I take three RAW image shots – one at +0 (normal) exposure, one at -2 (underexposed, really dark to capture the brightest parts clearly), and then finally one at +2 (overexposed) to higlight the darkest parts.
Then I import the images to my computer and convert the RAW files to 16-bit TIFF files.
Next I open each set of 3 in Photomatix and make sure they’re in focus/lined up and then use the program to automatically combine the images.
Photomatix creates a “true” HDR image, which cannot be properly displayed on current monitors (one that can do it costs $60k), so I have to “tone map” the colors to ones that our monitors can display.
Finally, in some cases I take the tone-mapped HDR image to photoshop for further cropping, levels, and other fun toys.
Hope this explination helps.
-baber