HDR software

[lewkyle]

hey can anyone suggest a good HDR software, like one used to make a HDR image? Free would be best. I have an photoshop CS3 can I do it with that, if so, whats the process? Thanks guys, keep shooting!!!!!!

[jj fad]

Im using PHOTOMATIX... Very easy to use.

[usukshooter]

Photoshop does have HDR (to go File > Automate > Merge to HDR) but I personally couldn't get anything decent with it. I also recommend Photomatix.

[sapearl]

To expand on her helpful comments, you'll need to tripod mount your camera and take several images, making sure you haven't moved anything so everything is in register. Then you can move the CS3 function.

Some HDR is meant to be - other results remove all tonal contrast, fine shading and range.... one has to be careful how it's used. Personally - and that's just me - I'll use exposure adjustment layers in CS3 to "bring back" areas. I'm sort of a photo traditionalist, and I feel that keeps with the original look.;) - Stu

Photoshop does have HDR (to go File > Automate > Merge to HDR) but I personally couldn't get anything decent with it. I also recommend Photomatix.

[MikeFairbanks]

Photomatix offers discounts, and some are substantial. I paid 39 dollars for it because I'm a teacher. Some discounts are 75-100% depending on if you're a student and/or photography student.

[Golden Hunter]

You could always try Enfuse. It's not free, but it is donationware. I use LRenfuse and I like the results. In fact, the latest version of Photomatix Pro now includes Enfuse. Here is a link http://software.bergmark.com/enfuseGUI/Main.html .

[dugcross]

I have Photomatix, it's great. I also have CS4 Photoshop and you can merge HDR's in Photoshop CS3 also. The problem is in Photoshop you have no tone-mapping tools, you have very little control at all.

[lewkyle]

wow thanks guys, I went to the statue of liberty today and brought my tripod, I will show you results later.

[DaveH76]

Friend of mine on a another forum suggests possibly http://www.hdrlabs.com/picturenaut/ for free software.

Never tried it myself though, i use photomatix.

[MikeFairbanks]

You'll run yourself in circles and eventually come back to Photomatix.

Just look for the discounts. Email them. They'll help you out.

[rickdog]

check out qtpfsgui (yeah, crazy name, but it works!). it's open source (free) and they have a version for windows, mac and linux.

http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/

why pay for software, when you get it for free?

[catalyst412]

You could also try Dynamic-Photo HDR

[MikeFairbanks]

check out qtpfsgui (yeah, crazy name, but it works!). it's open source (free) and they have a version for windows, mac and linux.

http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/

why pay for software, when you get it for free?

Because the others aren't as good as Photomatix.

[JoeyBaccala]

I tried photomatix today for the first time I would have to agree with everyone.

They have a trial version if you want to try it out before you purchase but it will watermark your photos.

[rickdog]

Because the others aren't as good as Photomatix.

well, at least i don't think about the $99 i spent when i hear the inevitable "wow, it looks like a painting" or after the novelty of this style of post-processing wears off...

[MikeFairbanks]

Most people won't have to pay 99 bucks for it. I paid 39 (teacher). If you email them and ask for a discount they'll send you a whole list of the different kinds of discounts people can have. Some get it for free (if they are photography students in a class). Pretty cool.

[rickdog]

actually, i would think that most people aren't teachers or students in photography classes. nevertheless, it is pointless to debate. the op asked for suggestions and stated that "free would be best", so i gave my 2 cents. :D take it easy bro!

[dugcross]

well, at least i don't think about the $99 i spent when i hear the inevitable "wow, it looks like a painting" or after the novelty of this style of post-processing wears off...

The "paintery look" is just one of the many way you can tone-map with Photomatix. You can also have looking realistic as the scene you viewed with you took the photo.

[MikeFairbanks]

actually, i would think that most people aren't teachers or students in photography classes. nevertheless, it is pointless to debate. the op asked for suggestions and stated that "free would be best", so i gave my 2 cents. :D take it easy bro!

No worries, mate. Sometimes writing comes across as harsh. It's all good in the world of HDR. :)

[rickdog]

The "paintery look" is just one of the many way you can tone-map with Photomatix. You can also have looking realistic as the scene you viewed with you took the photo.

well yeah, but -- wait, what?

[craigvince]

Here's the academic link for Photomatix, in case anyone wants it:
http://www.hdrsoft.com/order/academic.html

Looks like the best discount is 75%. I couldn't find anything about free for photography students.

[ryan-oceros]

Photomatix offers discounts, and some are substantial. I paid 39 dollars for it because I'm a teacher. Some discounts are 75-100% depending on if you're a student and/or photography student.

edit: nvm didn't read all the posts. thanks

[MattRaizoku]

Photomatix