HDR software

[DreamFlight87]

I am starting to get into digital post-processing with the photos I take, and recently stumbled upon HDR. That then led to finding three types of software/plugins to achieve that look; HDRsoft’s Photomatix, Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro, and Topaz Labs’ Topaz Adjust. I am wondering if anyone has ever used any of those products, and if so which one would you recommend? Or are there other ways to achieve that unique HDR look?

 

[Frantasmic]

HDRsoft’s Photomatix


I use this and it is easy and lots of fun.


Mr. Cricket on this board (look in the wide angle picture thread) has produced some really good pictures using this software with touch ups in Lightroom I think.


One of my favorites I've done using this software is the Alamo:



alamo_hdr1 by msf61, on Flickr


A lighter version with the same software:


alamo_hdr by msf61, on Flickr

 

[ssanders79]

I use Photomatix. I still used LR and sometimes Adjust to finish off the image.

 

[HPS3]

Same here, I use Photomatix and finish in LR3. Once you load your images, Photomatix does most of the work. All you have to do is make adjustments to your liking.

 

[photo_chick]

I use Photomatix as well.

 

[rdunative]

I use Photomatix most of the time but check out easyHDR. Sometimes I found it works better with certain images. The one below was done with easyHDR.

 

[NCtoFL]

For you guys with LR3. Do you use photomatix essentials, or pro with the LR plugin? I'm trying to determine if pro is worth the extra $$ over essentials.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[DreamFlight87]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. It seems like Photomatix is the software of choice, I will have to download the trial and test it out. rdunative, that picture you posted looks amazing, I will have to check out EasyHDR as well.

 

[wbeem]

I use Photomatix, but also have Nik's HDR Efex Pro. Photoshop CS5 also has HDR capabilities built inside and has excellent ghosting control, but I always come back to Photomatix as the best tool for my workflow.

You can get plenty of different looks from Topaz. The shots below are all HDR using Photomatix, along with finishing in Photoshop. That's the important thing - you aren't done when you tone map in Photomatix.


You mentioned Topas Adjust, but that isn't HDR software. It's photo finishing software, like Nik Color Efex Pro or OnOne Perfect Photo Suite.


Sunset Stripper by wbeem, on Flickr


Baby, It's Cold Outside by wbeem, on Flickr


This Way to Infinity…and Beyond by wbeem, on Flickr

 

[krb2g]

I use Photomatix. I have Topaz Adjust (bought the bundle) but haven't really played with it much....

 

[ssanders79]

For you guys with LR3. Do you use photomatix essentials, or pro with the LR plugin? I'm trying to determine if pro is worth the extra $$ over essentials.

Thanks,

Kevin

LR Plugin (I'm lazy that way)

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I use Photomatix for the HDR and basic presets. Bring it back to LR3 for the finish

 

[DreamFlight87]

I downloaded the Photomatix trial and have been impressed by what I have seen so far. So I think I will be purchasing it over the other ones. Thanks again to everyone for the info and recommendations, as well as the amazing photos, those definitely inspired me to really learn the ins and outs of the software.