Streamlined HDR in Lightroom Workflow
I’m an enormous proponent of HDR images and use it every day. I make use of completely different HDR software program and numerous enhancing strategies to realize pure trying and balanced HDR pictures.
Over time, the muse of my Pure Wanting HDR strategy was the workflow the place I used a mix of Photoshop and Lightroom. Utilizing Photoshop HDR Professional, the module of Photoshop, to merge a number of pictures to HDR and Lightroom to use a customized enhancing method to provide the ultimate look.
“Pure Wanting HDR Pictures Information” is, by far, the most well-liked tutorial on PhotoTraces.com the place I break down my favourite method.
I extremely suggest that you just try the “Pure Wanting HDR Pictures Information” the place I additionally reply the commonest questions in easy phrases. A number of the questions embrace: “What precisely is HDR Pictures?” and “Why do I want HDR?”
The method requires a number of steps and, if I show them schematically, it appears to be like like this:
Lightroom > Photoshop HDR Professional > Lightroom > Photoshop
On the whole, the method is just not too complicated but it surely requires each Lightroom and Photoshop, in addition to a number of steps to finish it.
HDR in Lightroom? Is that this for actual?
Just lately Adobe launched a brand new model of Lightroom, model 6 (learn my overview Adobe Lightroom 6 Evaluation – New Options). One of many largest addition that shocked many photographers was the Picture Merge HDR module built-in into Lightroom.
It turned the sport changer within the discipline of HDR images. Not solely does the brand new processing methodology bypasses Photoshop altogether, but it surely additionally saves an unlimited period of time on creating and enhancing HDR pictures.
The HDR in Lightroom is the fact now.
Initially, I used to be planning to replace my “Pure Wanting HDR Pictures Information” with the brand new Lightroom 6 HDR possibility however, later I spotted that Lightroom HDR is one thing utterly completely different that deserves its personal tutorial.
To proceed with this tutorial, all you want is Lightroom 6 or later. If you wish to comply with me step-by-step, you will get the identical pictures that I used on this demonstration.
Obtain the supply RAW information under. Import them into Lightroom and you might be able to create your first HDR in Lightroom.
For Lightroom HDR tutorial, I chosen 3 bracketed pictures (-2; 0; +2) I took in Hawaii (O’ahu Island) whereas mountain climbing alongside Hanauma Bay Rim Path early within the morning. I used Sony A6000 digicam and Sony 10-18mm lens on a tripod (FEISOL Event CT-3442).
That was my very first journey with the brand new tools after I switched from Canon DSLR to Sony Mirrorless.
Earlier than you can begin with the tutorial you want to import demo photos to Lightroom.
Step 1 – Picture Merge > HDR
In Lightroom, choose 3 bracketed photos you propose to course of as HDR, proper click on (possibility click on) and choose PHOTO MERGE > HDR…
You may be offered with the Lightroom’s new Picture Merge interface with HDR Choices.
As you’ll be able to see the variety of HDR choices are very restricted in comparison with standalone HDR packages like Photomatix. On the identical time, I discover them (choices) to be very efficient and I by no means skilled the necessity for extra controls.
Auto Align – although I used a tripod, I chosen this feature in case the sturdy wind induced digicam motion between the pictures.
Auto Tone – when chosen, the Lightroom tries to mechanically tone map picture by adjusting the publicity, recovering the shadows and the highlights. Since I’m planning to make use of my customized edits, I don’t care about this feature.
Deghost Quantity – I should not have shifting objects in my composition in addition to the waving grass brought on by sturdy wind. I chosen LOW settings to permit some “ghosting” within the foreground, to have the ability to obtain the impact of lengthy publicity softness.
If you find yourself carried out with the HDR Choices press MERGE button and Lightroom goes merge 3 bracketed pictures, create new HDR picture with the DNG extension and reserve it subsequent to the unique photos. All carried out mechanically.
Beneath is the brand new HDR picture produced by Lightroom. As you’ll be able to see it appears to be like boring and unappealing and we have now to use Lightroom edits to deliver it to life.
Step 2 – Preset Based mostly Lightroom Enhancing
To hurry up the method of enhancing and to have extra inventive choices, I made a decision to make use of Lightroom Presets Based mostly Enhancing. The method relies on making use of beforehand saved presets to the picture and selecting the right trying model.
To comply with alongside, you want to use my Free Lightroom Preset Assortment. In the event you need assistance on methods to set up and use free presets, please examine my tutorial: Learn how to Use PhotoTraces Free Lightroom Preset Assortment
Preset: Pure
First, with just one click on I utilized Pure preset from my Free Lightroom Preset Assortment and later used ToolKit changes to superb tune the picture (for assist examine the tutorial).
Listed below are the precise enhancing steps I used to realize the ultimate look:
- Pure preset
- 08 Open Shadows ++
- 20 Vibrance +
- 23 Saturation 0
- 38 Sky Blue Darker +
Enhancing formulation: Pure (8, 20, 23, 38)
Preset: Finish Of Summer time
Enhancing formulation: Finish of Summer time (4, 12, 15, 32)
Preset: HDR Mix
Enhancing formulation: HDR Mix (12, 21, 40)
Preset: Hawaii Sundown
Enhancing formulation: Hawaii Sundown (4, 8, 31, 40)
The next “appears to be like” I managed to realize through the use of my premium Landscapes Lightroom Preset Assortment Vol.1
Preset: Tropical Morning
Enhancing formulation: Tropical Morning (32, 40)
Preset: Damaged Clouds
Enhancing formulation: Damaged Clouds (8, 11, 15, 31)
Preset: Pinkish Hue
Enhancing formulation: Pinkish Hue (32)
Preset: Level Lobos
Enhancing formulation: Level Lobos (5, 9, 12, 15, 40)
Preset: Skyshine
Enhancing formulation: Skyshine (1, 9, 33)
Step 3 – Inventive Choice
As you’ll be able to see, through the use of Lightroom Preset Based mostly Enhancing we managed to create 9 very distinctive “appears to be like” in a really quick time frame. Subsequent step is to pick the model we like the very best.
My private desire is the “look” produced by Tropical Morning preset.
What’s your favourite “look”?
Conclusion
The brand new Lightroom HDR module simplifies the method of making HDR pictures. It’s less expensive (no Photoshop required) and far easier. Together with the Lightroom Preset Enhancing, the method of making HDR pictures turns into extra streamlined and fewer time-consuming.
