e7 / HDR:

Objectives:

 

This exercise will give you hands-on experience shooting for HDR and editing multiple photos in Photoshop using layers and masking techniques.

You will need a tripod or when you shoot, you should have a way to secure your camera so that it doesn't move.
Shoot with full sun, find a subject with hot highlights and deep shadows. This project works best if you shoot landscape.

In your camera

 

Use a Tripod. Attempt exposures with faster shutter speeds and a large (deep) depth of field.

It is best to shoot a few subjects so that you have options.
Bracket for 1 and 2 stops over and under EV 0.
Shoot stationary subjects if possible.

Use a matrix meter setting. {read more about metering here}
If you aren't able to get the exposure settings that you need (aperture / shutter), make sure that your ISO is set for your lighting conditions. If you still experience issues, increase your ISO. This will introduce more noise into your image because you are increasing sensitivity, but you will have more flexibility with shorter exposures.

Choose an aperture setting to remain constant and bracket based on your shutter speed.

View your images and their metadata to make sure everything is working properly.

Using the Software

 

Using "Merge to HDR Pro" through Bridge or Photoshop (automation):

Select all desired bracketed images (I recommend doing this through Bridge)
Menu Bar > Tools > Photoshop > Merge to HDR Pro

There are presets and other sliders that I will demo in class.
I highly recommend that you choose a setting that is "realistic" and not "surreal" or overly saturated.

Video: HDR - video 1, video 2 (these both provide basically the same information)

Using Photoshop & Masking Techniques (manual):

Bridge: Select 2 bracketed image files (most likely the EV0 and EV-1)
Menu Bar > Tools > Photoshop > Load Files into Layers

This will launch Photoshop
and will open all 2 files as layers in 1 photoshop image file

I will demonstrate in-class how to do this, and how to apply a mask and how to use a mask to create an HDR image.

You can use either of the 2 techniques that I will demo (automation or manual) and turn in the final image.

Using HDR Adjustment in Photoshop

Open your Panorama from the e6 assignment.

Merge all layers

Convert layer to a "smart object"

Menu Bar > Image > Adjustments > HDR Toning

 

Save & Turn in


folder:
lastname_e7

The Multi-image HDR edits:
lastname_e7_multi.psd (either auto or manual method)

The Panorama HDR conversion file:
lastname_e7_panorama.psd