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.