This is a tutorial to show you how I am combining regular images taken with flashes and high dynamic range images taken with no flashes. I hope you find it as interesting as I did in learning how to do it.
For those who have looked at my blog recently, you know that I have been testing the waters with high dynamic range photography. If you don't know about HDR (as it's called), this is where you capture images in RAW mode (with a suitable camera) and typically no flashes used AT ALL. Then you use software like Photomatix (which is what I use, but Photoshop has some tools too), to combine these multiple images into one file that stores all the data. (The reason you capture them in RAW format is because the RAW format, unlike JPG, stores the metadata about exposure levels.) One can then output this very data-intense file into a JPG image that you can then use just like any other JPG image; when you output it, you can create many, many different effects like creating super-saturated images.
OK, so let's start by showing you the final image so you know the level of photo that I am seeking to achieve:
IN PARTICULAR, I'm trying to bring out the rich, rich colors that you see on the table, the vase, the fire, and the windows. As you see the traditional photos that I took, they won't have this richness, but, by combining them with HDR images, I am able to achieve a wonderful effect. Why use artifical flash images at all? I have not yet perfected how to adjust the levels of the high dynamic range image to create a nice warm feeling in a room. I know how to do that with flash lighting and adjusting the camera. When I just use HDR, I find that the walls go grey, and I'm struggling. By simply starting with a base photo, and then enhancing it, I am able to create the warm, inviting image that I see in my eyes and mind.
OK, so below is the tutorial that shows you how I combined them. This is just one big JPG file because it was easier to assemble in Photoshop to show you.
And, because I know that someone will ask....The time to create the final image: 45 minutes to set up and shoot all the component images. 1 hour of operating the pc to create all the HDR images. 2 hours to assemble the images and carefully cut out, erase, adjust transparency, etc. I realize that many might not be willing to spend 3-4 hours on a single image, but I take my time and don't rush it, and, consequently, I know that the result will be what I see in my mind.
Margaret Hokkanen, Carlsbad Real Estate
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