Introduction
The Merge to HDR Pro UI
A quick reminder: here is an example of the kind of tips you can get from Adobe Digital Imaging How-Tos…
HDR Toning is the process in Photoshop CS5 where you can create a 32-bit image from a series of exposures, and then use the new HDR Toning image adjustment to follow an HDR-like workflow. Normally if you tone map inside Merge to HDR Pro, the output must be 8 or 16-bit. This process offers a 32-bit alternative.
If you’re working in Photoshop right out of the gate, choose File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro. If you’re working from Lightroom, select the bracketed exposures you want to use from the Grid view or Filmstrip, right-click, and choose Edit in > Merge to HDR Pro in Photoshop. If you go with the first option, this will open a dialog box for browsing and selecting your files, and for automatically aligning them. Typically I find that if I’ve photographed my scene using a tripod and trigger release, I can get a good alignment result.
Once the merge has begun, Photoshop may take a couple minutes—depending on the size of your original files, how many you are attempting to merge, and the speed of your system—to bring all the shots together into the Merge to HDR Pro interface (right). Most of the controls you see above are also included in the HDR Toning adjustment, which we will be covering shortly. They include:
- Remove Ghosts: Uses the image (thumbnail) you choose as the basis for eliminating any blur caused by moving objects (for example, a tree branch moving in the wind).
- Mode pop-ups: Allows you to decide if your output will be 8, 16, or 32-bit, and which tone mapping method to use. In all cases, I prefer either 16- or 32-bit Local Adaptation, as it provides the most flexibility.
- Edge Glow: These sliders control the HDR “glow” and halo effects you may be familiar with from HDR web sites and galleries, by manipulating local contrast. These are most often the “culprit” when an HDR image looks “fake” or “illustrated”, rather than captured with a camera.
- Tone and Detail: these sliders allow you to set the look of the overall exposure, tone down blown out highlights, open up shadows, and add detail or perceived sharpness.
- Color: These two controls allow you to modify the global color saturation and presence.
- Curve: Allows you to fine-tune the contrast beyond what the Tone and Detail controls can do.
The thumbnails at the bottom left of the window represent your HDR exposures. When using Remove Ghosts they can be selected individually to eliminate blur or unwanted movement. Continue reading »
Alpha Channel. The phrase is enough to make some Photoshop users head to the nearest corner and curl up in the fetal position. It sounds more like nuclear physics than photography or creative process, doesn’t it? But alpha channels are a great help once you understand that they are just another type of selection!
I’m very proud to announce that I am authoring a new book for Peachit and Adobe Press, focused on Adobe Digital Imaging products (that’s all I can say for now), which will be released later this year! I’ve been working with the Adobe alpha and beta teams since CS2, and can say as a photographer and hard-core Adobe fan, this is a dream come true for me. CS5 is such an impressive upgrade and more great stuff on the way; it’s just a very big year for digital imaging all around.
