I’m always looking for new ways to enhance my images. I’m especially interested in what happens when I combine my workflows to create new combinations.

For this image, I really wanted to bring out the contrast. At the same time, I also wanted to take control over color and tone. The solution? HDR and Camera Raw working together. Here’s the workflow.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/77470142 w=A]

  1. Merge the images in Photomatix Pro.
  2. Invoke the Contrast Optimizer method for a more subtle HDR approach. This is part of the new version 5 beta (get the free trial).
  3. Finish the image using the Finishing Touch options.
  4. Save a 16-bit TIFF image and choose Open saved image with Photoshop CC choice.
  5. Convert the layer to a smart object.
  6. Run Camera Raw as a filter. Take advantage of options like clarity, toning, sharpening, and post crop vignette.

Disclaimer: This is just one way to enhance contrast.

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