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| HDR Tone Mapping with Layers in Photoshop |
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Create natural looking HDR tone mapped images in Photoshop with editable layers. This tutorial is an improved version of our Layered HDR Tone Mapping Photoshop tutorial from 2007. This new technique is capable of the same results but with a significantly smaller file size. We also added additional techniques to improve sharpness and contrast for a more realistic looking photo.
Preview of Final Results
Original image (middle exposure)
This is the original image of the middle exposure. For this tutorial, we used three images with a two stop difference in light.
Realistic setting
This new effect not seen in our previous HDR tone mapping tutorial creates an image similar to the middle exposure except it just has more dynamic range. This is a good technique you can use to improve the quality of your image without making it look like it was HDR tone mapped. In case you do not see the difference with the original middle exposure, examine the tsrees and mountain in the background and the lights on the floor. The realistically tone mapped image shows more detail than the original image but still retains similar contrast.
Rollover the image below to see the before and after effect.
Flattest setting
This is the flattest results this HDR tone mapping technique can create. This effect can be reduced by simply lowering the opacity of the layers. This technique works great with improving the looks of interior and real estate photos but can look a bit dull for landscape photos.
Rollover the image below to see the before and after effect.
Stock Photos
If you don’t have a set of HDR photos you’d like to use, feel free to use the images below. Click on the images below to download the full size image.
