I was challenged by interesting question from Google+ discussion: what post processing is preferred if you are shooting a multiple exposure HDR without a tripod. I’ve tested 3 methods: 1. Align and Merge to HDR image in Photoshop 2. Stack and align bracketed exposures in Photoshop and then assemble HDR image in Photomatix Pro 4 3. Align and process HDR in Photomatix Pro 4
All 3 ways have advantages and disadvantages. I’ll show you 100% fragments, and you will make your own decision on what is the best and where.
My preference will depend from time I have for processing each image. For perfect result, I think, we need to combine all 3 methods and using masking in Photoshop to use only the best parts from each image. The fastest way for creating handheld HDR is Photomatix Pro 4, but we will get little bit blurred image with lost some details. I found that the optimum method for me is to use Photoshop for aligning only and process HDR file in Photomatix Pro 4. Alternatively, Photomatix plugin for Photoshop can be used, I believe it gives the same result. Now, the test results:This is the test image without any post HDR ajustments and corrections with saved as much details as possible:  Test HDR image Continue reading HDR without a tripod: Photoshop vs Photoshop+Photomatix Pro 4 vs Photomatix Pro 4
I like this type of articles a lot: before and after images. Now I show you some outstanding HDR images we had done in a past. Do not do them much now, busy with in-studio work with the products, but I still enjoy working with HDRi.
I will not give you many technical aspects how to make HDR photos, but this is what our photographer Alex Koloskov has told me about how he shot these landscape HDR photos: ” I usually do from two to four or five exposures for each HDR, decision s made based on how wide dynamic range is needed. For bright sunny day, where there is a deep shadows and bright sky or water is present, up to five exposures may be needed to get the correct exposure for the whole range of brightness. On dusk and dawn, two or three exposure will be enough. I rarely use auto exposure bracketing (when camera makes from 3 to 5 images for you form up to _3 to +3 f-stops), but rather shoot on manual, making more then 3 f-stops bracketing when needed. The idea is to get correctly exposed the darkest and the brightest part of the image , the rest should fall in between.” ~Alex
For these landscape images I used Photomatix Pro 3 because I like some unrealistic effect it gives.
When I need more realistic images (especially for architecture) I like to use Photoshop, selecting two or more files from a set of exposures to merge and create a High Dynamic Range image. There is even more accurate method: using masks, when I manually merge specific areas of the image by masking them and blending with another layer. But again, for these particular photos I used Photomatix Pro 3 plus some Photoshop adjustments. Mouse Over to see Before and After  HDR photography before and after, Atlanta, GA Continue reading High Dynamic Range images. HDRi before and after. Landscapes.
You can buy all this images in High Resolution on our stock photos web sites:  Night Atlanta, GA stock images Continue reading New stock images of Night Atlanta, GA
It is not real HDR images. It’s an advantage to shoot RAW. What is the difference between JPEG and RAW formats? The main advantage of JPEG format is that images in JPEG are ready for print or can be uploaded to the web as soon as you take them off your camera.
If you choose to use RAW format, you can have a lot of fun manipulating your image. I promise  . You may not know it, but camera RAW format is 12, 14 or even 16 bits per color (depending on your sensor), compared to 8 bits per color for a JPEG. What does that mean? RAW gives significantly more room for adjustments, as it has more color information (this is a raw snapshot from a camera’s sensor), allowing more brightness, contrast, white balance, and saturation, without losing quality. The final image will be converted (down-sampled) to 8 bits per color, because our monitors only support 8 bits per color anyway. Working with JPEG is like manipulating on a small web-size photo, compared to a full-resolution source and saving it to a small size afterward. 
Continue reading Not HDR. Before and after photos.
 Callaway Gardens, Georgia
 HDR photogrpahy I hope you see where is before and after:-)
| Welcome to AKELstudio post production blog.
Photography after shooting.
Before and After Images.
| | | *If you are interested in technical secrets of a studio photography, please visit also the blog of our photographer Alex Koloskov |
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