Playing with HDR

[casil403]

I just downloaded a trail version of Photomatrix and put some images to the test....these are the stream shots I found last weekend.
I'm not sure if they are any good but this is a way fun process regardless!

[casil403]

They looked way better on my computer than on this post.....:confused:....especially the first one.

[F8&Bthere]

Nice. Where were these taken? I'm guessing they were not bracketed exposures?

[casil403]

I didn't bracket them...is that why they look weird? I did use a tripod however.
The little wishing well on Highway 40 is where they were taken.
Ahhh well...I guess I know what I'm doing for my next trip out to the mountains!

[F8&Bthere]

I didn't bracket them...is that why they look weird? I did use a tripod however.
The little wishing well on Highway 40 is where they were taken.
Ahhh well...I guess I know what I'm doing for my next trip out to the mountains!

No i think they're way better than my first attempt at HDR, and that was using a b racketed sequence. That said, I was using Photoshop merge to do it and I later learned there were some steps I skipped. From what I've heard Photomatrix is da bomb! In the morning I'll be getting out my map to find hwy 40!

[Mad Aussie]

You'll find if you upload to a flickr or photobucket album or similar and link here the photos come out a bit sharper. This forum seems to reduce the quality ever so slightly and we see as a bit softer image than it should be.

[JAS_Photo]

I like the color and tone on the second. Yes, the attachments fuction seems to make images appear unsharp and weird at times.

[casil403]

In the morning I'll be getting out my map to find hwy 40!

The main road running through K-Country is Highway 40. The wishing well is located closer to the Trans Canada than the Highwood Pass Gate on the east side of the #40.
If you look for a sign that says "Point of Interest" that's it.

[Marko]

I have to look into this issue...but in general, if the photo is less than 150K to start, in my experience (100% of of images I have uploaded) the shots look decent when uploaded directly.

What was the Original filesize of image 1 casil?

thx
Marko

[casil403]

The original was 5.2 MB Marko

[Marko]

ahhhhh - ok.
I'll need to research this then...there must be a better image reducer that can do the job. seems like the softness is happening when the files are > 15oK and get reduced.

what I usually do is upload files that are less than 150k - so far works everytime (though it is an extra step)

thx
Marko

[kat]

I have to look into this issue...but in general, if the photo is less than 150K to start, in my experience (100% of of images I have uploaded) the shots look decent when uploaded directly.

What was the Original filesize of image 1 casil?

thx
Marko

I've even noticed a difference with that! I ususally put mine down to the 150k or less size to upload to flickr and there is quite a difference between the uploaded one here and the flickr ones I embed. Or maybe it's just certain photos with looots of details?

[casil403]

Usually, I resize too(<150K) before uploading...mind you with the layers, this was a HUGE file so I'm sure some detail had to have been lost.

I think this file I loaded on here was +200k....I was really tired last night when i submitted...made regular coffee instead of decaff the night before and proceeded to drink almost a pot.....:eek:!

[F8&Bthere]

The main road running through K-Country is Highway 40. The wishing well is located closer to the Trans Canada than the Highwood Pass Gate on the east side of the #40.
If you look for a sign that says "Point of Interest" that's it.

It goes to show you what kind of a navigator I am- I live about 45 minutes from the east end and been that far many times. I have never gone much further than the east gate entrance. One day last summer I headed out on a rare day off from work and the kids intending to drive further out towards the Trans Canada, hoping to find some waterfalls, try experimenting with some HDR stuff, maybe find a good panorama opportunity, and about the time I got to the gate I realized I forgot my tripod (Doh!)

[casil403]

Just so as not to confuse you F8...I meant the east side of the road.. I'd hate for you to be looking for it in the wrong place. Another great water fall is Sarrail falls at Upper Kananskis lakes...park in the lot and walk the trail heading northwest about 1 km to the falls. They are pretty nifty as well.
If you wanna go further, keep heading on the trail to the Rawson lake turnoff to the left and head up! easy, and a good trail but a bit steep!
That is definitely a great summer jaunt. Last week the snow was almost up to my hips and I had to crawl on my knees in some spots to get out!
I want spend some time exploring the Smith-Dorrien road more this spring/summer!

[jjeling]

You'll find if you upload to a flickr or photobucket album or similar and link here the photos come out a bit sharper. This forum seems to reduce the quality ever so slightly and we see as a bit softer image than it should be.

Not only do the photos soften up, but they become very desaturated as well. Kind of kills the purpose of HDR. You will still see the results but if you upload anything through the medium on this site, it will always look MUCH better on your computer prior to the upload.

A heads up. If you are using photoshop to create the HDR images, always make sure you are converting the image into an 8 or 16 bit image. 32 bits is too high for your monitor to show, and it will not print properly. Also, moving it down to 16 bits allows you to play with the local adaptation, which is basically how to achieve your desired effect.