Explains step by step how you can make an ordinary JPEG photo into an HDR photo. All you need is a jpeg photo, HDR merging software and Adobe photoshop...

1. LET’s MAKE IT
BETTER

2. LET’s MAKE IT
BETTER

3. You will need
• A photograph (in RAW format)
• Photomatix pro ( Used to do HDR fusion)
• Adobe Photoshop

4. Step 1
• Open up Photoshop and import the image

5. Step 2
• Unlock the layer by double clicking on the lock
icon.

6. Step 3
• Make 2 copies of the layer
by pressing ctrl+j twice
• Rename the layers for
convenience

7. Step 4
• Hide the layer named over exposed and select
the under exposed
• Click on image -> adjustment -> exposure

8. • Increase the exposure until you get
completely blown out sky and fine details
in the ground

9. Step 5
• Now hide the over exposed layer and select
the layer named normal
• Choose and expose half of what you used for
over exposed layer
• In this case +1.5 will do just fine
• Save each images as new image files

10. you will end up with 3 images with different
exposure.
Normally Exposed
Over Exposed
Under Exposed

11. Step 6
• Open the HDR fusion software (photomatix
pro)
• Drag and drop the 3 photos in
• Choose merge for
HDR processing and
press OK

12. • Choose a suitable preset and click “Process”

13. Step 7
• Adjust the curves to make more contrast

14. Step 8
• You will end up with a High dynamic range but
grainy picture.
• Save it as jpeg and import back to Photoshop

15. Step 9
• Unlock the layer and click on images ->
adjustments -> curves

16. • Adjust the blue and green curves to turn the
whole picture into purple tone

17. Step 10
• Duplicate the layer
• Click on filter -> blur -> Gaussian blur
• Increase the blur value until you get a silky sky

18. Step 11
• Create a layer mask on the blurred layer
Create Layer
mask

19. Step 12
• Use a black brush and paint on the areas
where you want to bring the details back.

20. Finishing touch
• Merge all layers together
• Adjust brightness and contrast to make the
colors pop up more

21. And here we are…
WE HAVE MADE IT BETTER !

22. • Visit:
– Triads-photography.blogspot.com
– Facebook.com/triadsphotography