I'd often thought it must be possible to use one RAW file to make multiple copies at different exposures to use in HDR. Thanks for info in issue 75. However I've followed instructions and used both the disk image and some of my own and I get the message that there is insufficient tonal range to complete the process. I'm using CS2. I changed exposure on disk image to -3 and saved and then -2 and saved etc until I had six image files to import as per instructions. With my own image I tried -4 to + 4 = 9 images to see if that had better tonal range, but same message. Any suggestions as to what I should be doing?

Good question Steve, as on the couple of occasions I have tried the same technique, I have received the same message.  Any help from the HDR gurus out there would be greatly appreciated.

 

Andrew.

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Andrew Fuller's DCM Gallery

I have CS2 and did try out its HDR when I thought I might be interested in the technique as a tool.  The same thing happened to me also.  I think the problem lies in that the file info being read by the programme is the same regardless of the simulated exposures created from one file.  I sometimes use a manual blending technique when the need arises which is useful, but doesn't  give the same effect as most HDR fans are looking for, but it does give more dynamic range when required.  If you really want that graphic look, I think Photomatix is the software to covet.  Although, and I am one of them, it doesn't suit everyone's taste.

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In CS2/3 you need to strip the exif from the converted files for it to work.

Another package worth looking at is Dynamic-Photo HDR - different results to Photomatrix and has various filters.

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Mark

Digital Photo Group
My Website

Ne nuntium necare

I use photomatix for all my HDR work and when you get this message you can manualy put in the data or the software detects the expo for you. I think that once the photo is taken then, even if ou change the expo in raw software when  converting to raw, it will still read the photo as the expo it was taken as rather tahn what you have changed it to. You some times have to clear out the exif data.  Not 100% it thats right but that is how it seems to work. I have never used CS2 or CS3 for HDR as you get a better conversion with photomatix. You can then save the file as a tiff or jpeg re-open in CS2 and the alter how ever you like. Try and get hold of Matt Harris, he is on here somwhere, he will know 100%.

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Edit Champion 2
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Thanks for your responses guys.  I have been thinking about Photomatix for a while now, and this may sway me towards purchasing it.  I too, like you Keith, am not a great fan of overdone HDR in th hands of the inexperienced, but have seen some fantastic examples if done correctly & subtlely.

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Andrew Fuller's DCM Gallery

How do you strip the exif data?

Im sure I tried the tutorial (using cs3) and didnt get an error message.

Ann

 

you could just use the save for web feature which should strip out the exif data.