hdr probs

hi i been messin with this pic obviously i could not take muliple shots had to change exposure then merge shots.
i kind of like the darker look but got lots other things wrong.
the other pic is better starting point fo ps but some strange things happened to the whites in a couple of places any idea what settings affected this like this?

cheers shane

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Trying to achieve a good HDR image from a single image is usually not possible because the single image will have blown out highlights and/or dark shadows. It is impossible to create data from blown out areas, and it is very difficult to pull data from dark shadows without creating a lot of noise.

My suggestion for this type of shot would be to capture the bike and rider at proper exposure (using a tripod). Then, while that section of the track is empty, take your under and over exposed shots (using the tripod). Then, you will have to use layers in PS to blend them together manually. You could try PM, but I doubt it will bring the bike and rider in....but it's worth a try.

It's not an HDR necessary shot. I'm sure the standard photo would be much more appealing.

Remember - every time someone (mis)uses "pseudo-HDR", God kills a kitten.

How about posting the original image so we can see what that looks like.

ninjaboy wrote in post #11162131
some strange things happened to the whites in a couple of places any idea what settings affected this like this?

Basically, as I understand it, that's HDR for you. It attempts to show detail in highlights and shadows by using the detail in the under / overexposed versions to replace them.

So, those blocks of white will be given the treatment for highlights and it wil fill them in with 'detail' from the darkest version - in this case making them go grey as there is no detail, so it just darkens them.

HDR doesn't work for every image, especially when using just one source image as that cannot actually extend the DR beyond what was captured, so no actual HDR is possible. In effect it darkens the highlights and lightens the shadows, and that is what you got.

I'm not a fan of HDR usually, but it can look good when done well on an image that suits the treatment. This image just doesn't suit it, or need it. The original shot should be good without playing around with it like this.

hi thanks for replies i have put original pic on i know it doesnt need hdr but i was just trying to see if anything could be done to make the pic look diff with good effect.
could not do the tripod bit as i was the one riding the bike lol.

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That shot is perfect the way it is IMO.

Oh yeah, that shot looks fine. You would be better off applying a LR preset or Topaz preset, or maybe a contrast layer....but no need for Tone Mapping.

Just had a play with it in PS with some simple curves to tame those highlights. That's about all it needs.

Turn on image editing and see what ideas get psoted.

If you go to user CP and click on edit profile you could check the box that gives people permission to work on your posted pix.
Then some people will show you their ideas...

ok done that.

Cheers shane

If your looking for an HDR look this is what I came up with in CS5 using HDR toning. The original is very good as is.

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Thats the kind of thing i wanted to acheive in between painting look and picture but perhaps a little darker .
great job i obviously weht about it in the wrong way i take it you applied the tone mapping straight to the original and didnt bother to diff exposures.

Cheers shane

ninjaboy wrote in post #11181506
Thats the kind of thing i wanted to acheive in between painting look and picture but perhaps a little darker .
great job i obviously weht about it in the wrong way i take it you applied the tone mapping straight to the original and didnt bother to diff exposures.

Cheers shane

Just used the single exposure and applied tone mapping using CS5.