Tractor HDR

[TenD]

Working from the jpg I was unable to extract any information from the blown out highlights, with a jpg there isn't much room to change the exposure.

[sparkie1263]

I have a RAW image but don't know how to upload it.
Frank

[TenD]

Do you have a host site?(photobucket, Pbase, Flickr, etc.) I can't process a Sony RAW file anyway. But if you would use your Sony RAW processor and process the RAW file at -1EC to a .tif, then do the same at -3EC, and then the same at +1EC. Then upload the .tif files to your host and allow me access to the files. The .tif files are uncompressed and give a lot of information to work with. I am just curious at what can be done in Photomatix with this file. Then I'll try to describe all of the steps I used to get to the final result.

[sparkie1263]

Photobucket won't let me upload a tiff file.
Frank

[TenD]

Hmmm. Do you have photomatix?

[sparkie1263]

yes I have photomatix

[sparkie1263]

I opened the three files in Photmatix and processed it to a jpeg. Here it is.
Frank

[TenD]

Do as I suggested. First on the original photo process the RAW file for -1 and put the White balance correction that Don suggested, save it as a jpeg. Then process the file twice more using the same WB correction but once at -3 and once at +1, saving each as a .jpg. Then open photomatix and chose generate HDR. Load the three processed .jpgs click OK and specify 2 as the EV spacing. OK. Check align source images, uncheck attempt to reduce ghosting artifacts, and leave the bottom radio button where it is(recommended). OK.
The HDR generated is going to look semi ugly, if you mouse over the resulting photo you'll see the information that is there. Click Tone Mapping. Move the sliders in the tone mapping section to your taste. I would recommend backing off the strength a little, and upping the luminosity a little for starters. Good luck

[TenD]

That one came out pretty well, those highlights in the house in the background are too far gone for any recovery there. When you shoot RAW(or anything for that matter)make sure your histogram bumps the right side, but doesn't slam up against it clipping off the highlights which makes them completely unrecoverable. Look at how good your last attempt looks compared to your first attempt. You are on the right track now.

[sparkie1263]

I will give it a try tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time to explain how to do an HDR. I really appreciate the lessons.
Frank