Comments on: Photoshop Workbench 152: High Dynamic Range Photography Using Photomatix Pro

By: Tony Reynes

Tony Reynes — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:40:16 +0000

Mark,

First off, although I may not agree with all the comments, I think freedom of thought/speech is essential to lively dialog.

Secondly, the Workbench was classic you! I so respect a person who can be vulnerable to others in public. You have showed us once again how enthusiasm, risk-taking and intellectual honesty trumps a smooth oily presentation.

Thanks,

Tony

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:00:45 +0000

Hi Mark. I have always enjoyed your podcasts right from the “early days” of Radiant Vista and indeed continue to do so.

The HDR podcast was very interesting. I have owned Photomatix for some time now. I like the idea of HDR but I have found that the results vary considerably with some images converting well and others looking dreadful. I hate the “overdone HDR” look. I accept some folks like this but its not for me. What I find a little annoying when using Photomatix, is the inconsistency of output. If i blend images with the same variable exposur range in Photoshop, I am generally very happy with the results. If I blend the same images in Photomatix I may find the “plastic: result unacceptable. Why can`t Photomatix just blend the images agreeably and consistently? The Photoshop HDR process remains awful I am afraid.

I am certain the future is HDR, and we are starting to see the beginnings in higher end cameras now. Soon we will just select HDR in camera and the blending process will occur in camera; perhaps with the output in RAW?

Thanks again Mark, keep exploring those boundaries, I for one am with you!

Regards.

Nick
ENGLAND

By: Trub

Trub — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:47:05 +0000

Some people drive in the left lane, focused on the destination. Others enjoy taking a back road knowing that the journey gives meaning. Sharing the joy and amusement of new discoveries is profoundly human. It is but one vista on life’s journey and we can’t wait to see what is up ahead. I for one am thankful for the insight, hints, examples, encouragenment provided over the last few years and I look forward to more. It doesn’t matter to me if a presentation is polished or not but what does matter is that it is offered in an atmosphere of open sharing. The content offered on RV has been the best learning environment I have encountered and I am thankful that it is continuing.

By: TR Reece

TR Reece — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:09:16 +0000

Mark when I ask you to do a HDR for me I did not know it would create such mixed reviews. I have been playing around with HDR for a few months now and have come up about the same results as you. I have the book Mastering HDR by Michael Freeman and his workflow suggestions are much the same. I think you did a great job in the workshop. HDR is a hole new animal and I believe you still have to pick the best time of day for good lighting. Overcase days ,early morning and late evening I have found to be the best. In my opinion no one has mastered solfware that canovercome bad exposure and lighting.
Great worshop
TR

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:06:59 +0000

One more thing,

When you first create the HDR merge in Photomatix, save it out as a .hdr. This will save you the time of having to rebuild it , if for some reason you want to run through tone mapping with different setting.