Using HDR in CS2

I have recently tried using the Merge to HDR function in CS2. I took several series of bracketed shots using my 350XT auto bracket function, on a tripod. Some of the series were with a 1 stop span and others with a two stop span.
Each time my final result looked flat and muddy. The results were less pleasing than taking the "middle" shot and PP in CS2.

CS2 does not give you much information on using this function. When the program finishes its merging it gives you a white point fix slider. There are drop down menues that allow you to change the image to 8 or 16 bit.

Does anyone use this function much. Are there tutorials?

I am thinking of going to using traditional graduated neutral density filters but I would prefer to learn to use the CS2 function if I could get it to come out well.

Any discussions would be appreciated.
Thanks

You are on the right angle of using HDR in place of a split-ND.

What is interesting about HDR is that it seems to require a 4 to 5 stop range for it to work well.

The muddieness you are experiencing is normal. You are trying to take an imense tonal range and trying to smash it into a small space - thus the muddieness and lack of contrast.
You will need to do some post-processing.

Try this.
For the scene you are shooting establish your middle ground or "proper exposure".
Then bracket at 1/2 stops. Eight shots above proper and 8 shots below proper.
Now try blending various combinations of these to see what gives you the best result.
There is no substitute for experimentation here. Too new of a topic to have steadfast rules out there.

The PS HDR function is rather limited. Try Photomatix.

These may help:
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=111749&hig​hlight=HDR
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=119905&hig​hlight=HDR
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=112872&hig​hlight=HDR
https://photography-on-the.net …php?t=94979&hig​hlight=HDR

I have had the best results with HDR using the 7 shot method
I start at the point my esposure meter shows a minimal full stop (most overexposed, but still in the ballpark) and then I run my shutter dial 1 stop (three clicks in 1DsMkII) faster take picture and repeat until I am at most underexposed shot. This usually results in 7 shots 3 stops on each side of the line.

Then I fix any white balance (and only white balance) issues while in Bridge
Then I run merge to HDR from within Bridge using the .CR2 files.

After it gets done processing then I move the white point slider to the right usually to make it look good on my limited monitor and save the file. I usually use the default gamma convert, but the bottom one (which I can't remember its name) seems to work well on most shots as well.

After saving I bring into PS and usually end up downgrading to 16-bit, but even then it is true 16-bit at that point.

All I know is it is not appropriate (or can be used) for all shots, but makes a huge difference when it can be used.

the majority of photos I took at Yosemite in Oct'05 and Jan'06 where triple bracketed exposures for the sole purpose of making HDR images. I've started using Photomatix, as I prefer the tone mapping options. CS2's hdr program seems to lack the controls needed to produce the best results, although I expect Adobe will have a much improved version in future.

Wow thanks for the information guys. I will digest this and post any further questions.
In looking at Photmatix I notice two processes (versions) - an exposure blending and tonal mapping process. Which process do you guys use and or recommend.

Depends on what results you are looking for.
There are sooooo many subtleties when it comes to Tone Maping or Exposure blending.
Play a bit. Notice what the limits are for input images for both processes and keep this in your brain when you are shooting and then combining exposures.

Seriously, when you start out with HDR bracket like a madman.
I mean take 18-22 shots per scene. Sounds insane but then you have all options open to you. Once you get Photomatix figured out you can be more specific with your bracketing.

Have fun!