How to create an HDR image using Photomatix

In these few steps, you'll learn to use Photomatix to create High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. This process can take your ordinary images to the next level and even be used to add an almost surreal effect to your shot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera capable of controlling exposure through shutter speed
• Tripod preferable (or camera capable of capturing multiple frames per second)
• Remote shutter switch preferable
• Computer with Photomatix installed

1. 
    

   Find a spot and get your tripod and camera set up. When you have your shot lined up, meter for the brightest area of the shot (if able). If your camera is capable, enable the AEB or Auto Exposure Bracketing (see camera manual). This will provide speed and ease in capturing the required images. If you do not have this feature available, you will simply need to make the exposure adjustments manually. Keep in mind, if making manual adjustments, be sure not to move the camera's position across the three exposures to be taken. Now, take your first shot at normal exposure (use of a remote switch will help eliminate camera shake while capturing the images).

2. 
    

   Next, take a second shot of the same scene at -2 exposure. If you have AEB enabled, you will simply be able to fire the shutter release again without making any changes. Else, make the manual adjustment for the -2 exposure and capture. The second image should be darker and underexposed...

3. 
    

   For the third shot, repeat as the second only this time capture the image at +2 exposure. Again if AEB is enabled this will happen automatically when the shutter is fired again. This image should be bright and overexposed...

4. 
    

   Now that you have all 3 exposures, download the images to your computer and open Photomatix. Click on the "Generate HDR image" button and you will be prompted with a source selection popup. Using this popup, browse to the 3 images you've just taken, select all of them at once and click "Open". Click "OK" and you now have and "Options" popup. If desired, you can use the "Align source images" option to try to match up your images, or if you are comfortable that all the images have been framed the same with no movement simply uncheck this option. Leave all other setting as is and select "OK". Assuming you've loaded RAW image files, Photomatix will begin converting the images and generating the HDR image. When the new image displays, it may look off...but that is because the monitor can not yet properly display the image in it's current format. Select "Tone Mapping" to further process the image. After a few moments you should be a bit more pleased with the new image. From here you can use the "Details Enhancer" tab to adjust the image settings (preferable). Some of my favorite setting are: Strength=85, Color Saturation=80, Luminosity=9, White Point=4.3, and Black Point=2.5...but feel free to adjust according to your personal likings. Once adjusted, click "Process" and the image will be converted and tonemapped. When this is done, you can now save the file as a TIFF or JPEG and you're good to go.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, capture all images in RAW format if your camera is capable.
• If your camera is capable of capturing 5fps or faster, it may be possible to capture the required images for HDR without a tripod given you have a steady hand.
• For a "cheat" with similar results...capture 1 image at normal exposure in RAW format, then use the software that came with your camera (or software of choice) to manually edit the exposure settings for -2/+2 exposure, saving each as separate image files. This is not true HDR, but can produce some very nice results.
• Same process can be done using 5 exposure, -2/-1/0/+1/+2, for even greater detail.
• Ensure camera is steady between each frame