Photoshop Tutorials

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Step 3 – Applying the HDR tone mapping effect

Before we begin, move the layer with the middle exposure to the bottom. The two layers with the underexposed and overexposed image should be on the top.

In the Layers palette, right click on the layer with the darker exposure then choose Blending Options.

While holding down the Alt key on your keyboard, drag on the all the way towards the right until it is hidden under the . Click OK. What this just did was make the darker parts of the layer transparent. The darker it is, the more transparent it is. Now you have the highlight details taken from the layer with the underexposed image.

Now we’ll apply the opposite layer style to the overexposed layer. Right click on the layer with the overexposed image then choose Blending Options. While holding the Alt key, drag the all the way to the very left side. Click OK. Now you have the shadow details from the layer with the overexposed image.

You’ve just tone mapped your image using the flattest setting!

For better layer organization, create a new group by pressing the button in the Layers palette. Name this group “Tone Mapping” then drag the top two layers into the group.

You can lower the strength of the tone mapping effect by lowering the opacity of the group.

If you like to continue with the tutorial to apply the realistic tone mapped effect, leave the opacity of the group at 100%.