LET’s MAKE IT BETTER

LET’s MAKE IT

BETTER

You will need

• A photograph (in RAW format)

• Photomatix pro ( Used to do HDR fusion)

• Adobe Photoshop

Step 1

• Open up Photoshop and import the image

Step 2

• Unlock the layer by double clicking on the lock icon.

Step 3

• Make 2 copies of the layer by pressing ctrl+j twice

• Rename the layers for convenience

Step 4

• Hide the layer named over exposed and select the under exposed

• Click on image -> adjustment -> exposure

• Increase the exposure until you get completely blown out sky and fine details in the ground

Step 5

• Now hide the over exposed layer and select the layer named normal

• Choose and expose half of what you used for over exposed layer

• In this case +1.5 will do just fine

• Save each images as new image files

you will end up with 3 images with different exposure.

Normally Exposed Over Exposed Under Exposed

Step 6

• Open the HDR fusion software (photomatix pro)

• Drag and drop the 3 photos in

• Choose merge for HDR processing and press OK

• Choose a suitable preset and click “Process”

Step 7

• Adjust the curves to make more contrast

Step 8

• You will end up with a High dynamic range but grainy picture.

• Save it as jpeg and import back to Photoshop

Step 9

• Unlock the layer and click on images -> adjustments -> curves

• Adjust the blue and green curves to turn the whole picture into purple tone

Step 10

• Duplicate the layer

• Click on filter -> blur -> Gaussian blur

• Increase the blur value until you get a silky sky

Step 11

• Create a layer mask on the blurred layer

Create Layer mask

Step 12

• Use a black brush and paint on the areas where you want to bring the details back.

Finishing touch

• Merge all layers together

• Adjust brightness and contrast to make the colors pop up more

And here we are…

WE HAVE MADE IT BETTER !

• Visit:

– Triads-photography.blogspot.com

– Facebook.com/triadsphotography