If you're just like me, you don't walk around your photoshoots with a tripod and don't (or can't) take multiple images to create a bracketed HDR. Well, good news my friends, we don't have to do it anymore either! Today, I'm showing how to create kick-ass HDR with single images (while having a little fun on the way). Ready? To your spoons everyone! HDR editing was originally created by merging multiple images to obtain maximum details from the expanded dynamic range. You know the technique: An underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed … [Read more...] about Single image HDR: The sundae technique
aurora HDR
When to photograph brackets for HDR
High dynamic range (HDR) processing opens a whole world of photographic possibilities. There are several outstanding HDR creation tools available today including Lightroom and Photoshop from Adobe. The question to answer is "when does one shoot HDR brackets?" The "pro" answer Shoot HDR brackets — one normal exposure, one two stops under normal exposure and the last one two stops over normal exposure — in high contrast situations. An example is a building painted a light color in sunlight with foliage in the shadows. Greenery requires a lot of … [Read more...] about When to photograph brackets for HDR
Using Aurora HDR for black and white in architectural photographs
When we think of HDR and architecture we tend to think of real estate photography, we also tend to think of it in color. Here are a few ways you can use Skylum’s Aurora HDR to edit your architectural shots in black and white. For this image, I decided to start with an Architecture preset in Aurora. I used the Bright Exterior Look to start. What I discovered is that I had to zero out the saturation first, then apply preset and then zero out the saturation again. If I clicked on the preset first and then moved saturation to zero it left … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR for black and white in architectural photographs
How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-k83SZd8zs Learn how to bring out the most detail in wildlife or portraits. Check out Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear and how they can help Photoshop or Lightroom users. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait
Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNT16gTY7VY Learn how to capture better street photographs using bracketed images for the best image in Aurora HDR. Then hand off to Perfectly Clear for fantastic finishing touches. Both tools work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography
Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear
Join photographer Rich Harrington as he shows you how to bring out the most detail in a landscape scene. He'll walk you through the Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear workflows. Both work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear
Pairing Aurora HDR and Luminar Flex
We have all heard that the best time of day to photo is sunrise and sunset. This is quite true as the sunlight passing through the atmosphere softens the light giving our environment more dimension and a warm glow. But what do you do the rest of the day? Alternatives If you are working with a subject that is relatively small and close to you, adding fill flash, a reflector or using a shaded area can fill the bill. If you are a pro you especially have to be able to bring the image home no matter what the lighting conditions may be. What if … [Read more...] about Pairing Aurora HDR and Luminar Flex
Virtual Tours: Merging an HDR image with Aurora HDR
Virtual Tours are a quickly growing area of opportunity for photographers. Local businesses can share what it's like to visit their facilities with Google and other platforms. In this multipart series, we'll learn about the process. Let's learn about merging an HDR image with Aurora HDR Merging an HDR image with Aurora HDR from Virtual Tours: Video, Photo, and VR by Richard Harrington and Francis Torres … [Read more...] about Virtual Tours: Merging an HDR image with Aurora HDR
Free Photoshop Webinar Today
We invite you to join us for Boosting Your Photoshop Workflow with New Technology with Richard Harrington How can AI, LUTs, and Tone mapping improve your images? Live Video Event in the Photoshop and Photography Group Saturday, February 16th at 11 AM Pacific Time. Join us here – https://www.facebook.com/events/376493476476815/ Would you like to dramatically improve how you work in Photoshop or Lightroom? In this Live Video event, you’ll learn how new and emerging technology can dramatically improve your photos. Join Rich Harrington as he … [Read more...] about Free Photoshop Webinar Today
JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019
Have you snapped some lower resolution images with your smartphone and you'd like to give them a little (make that BIG) kick to catch all the attention on social media? Here's a 2-minute trick to go from flat to fabulous. Whether you are an amateur or a pro photographer, we all end up taking pictures with our iPhone or Android at some point. It's always with us, always ready, even when we are not! Understand that I do personally prefer taking pictures with my camera when I plan to take some. Sometimes, however, wonderful and unexpected things … [Read more...] about JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019
Combo superpower: Using Luminar 3 and Aurora HDR 2019 together
Whether it be for outdoor images or oppositely poorly lit indoor ones, combining the power of both Aurora and Luminar in my editing workflow helps me achieve looks that would otherwise be impossible to get. Here are two recent pictures example I did with two different lighting conditions. Example 1: The breezy sunrise Picture yourself: It's 6:30 in the morning and you are in the middle of a vast area surrounded, wind and snow and below zero temperature. The sun isn't up yet but a bunch of courageous athletes is already warming up to take on … [Read more...] about Combo superpower: Using Luminar 3 and Aurora HDR 2019 together
Bringing depth to a long exposure with Aurora HDR 2019
Back in August, I went out to the lakeshore — Grand Haven, MI to be exact — with hopes to photograph the waves and sunset coming in. It was at the tail end of a wind storm that lasted a few days, and this was my second trip out to the lakeshore to capture it. But that night, the waves were a bit more subdued. And, just my luck, it started to get really hazy. My goal of photographing the Grand Haven lighthouse with the sunset in the background wasn't meant to be. So I decided to change my approach. I was out photographing with Olympus … [Read more...] about Bringing depth to a long exposure with Aurora HDR 2019
Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 2
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 2 of 2. Read part 1. In this 2 part article, we're going to explore creating a 3 image HDR in Aurora 2019. I’m using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW shooting AEB (auto exposure bracketing) mode taking 3 photographs. One challenge in shooting multiple exposures with a drone is that there can be a slight change of position between the photographs, even at faster shutter speeds because of GPS drift, wind, and other variables. Because of this, I will use a high ghost … [Read more...] about Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 2
How to NOT ruin real estate HDR’s
I recently bought a house, so I was looking at loads of real estate pictures. Most are simply informative pictures, and most are made with a smartphone. Real estate pictures can be fun to make, however, and when done well they can help sell a house more quickly. HDR is a great tool to make good real estate photos, but if you let your imagination run away you can end up with a picture that belongs more on a movie poster than the MLS. Let me share a few ideas to help you make the most of your HDR's for real estate. Time of day As with all … [Read more...] about How to NOT ruin real estate HDR’s
Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 1
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 1 of 2. In this 2 part article, we're going to explore creating a 3 image HDR merge in Aurora HDR 2019. I’m using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW shooting AEB (auto exposure bracketing) mode taking 3 photographs. One challenge in shooting multiple exposures with a drone is that there can be a slight change of position between the photographs, even at faster shutter speeds because of GPS drift, wind, and other variables. Because of this, I will use a high ghost … [Read more...] about Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 1
Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
Like many of you, I started photography learning to shoot and process black and white in high school. It was amazing to see a photograph materialize in the chemicals, and it was incredible how much detail I could see in the scenes. Back then I only shot 35mm Tri-X film, but the tones and contrasts were captivating. Now, using tone mapping on a single image I can get similar tones. The details Aurora HDR 2019 can reveal are incredible. I'll use this panorama from Montana to show demonstrate. I shot it with a 200mm lens on my Lumix … [Read more...] about Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
Save big on Luminar and Aurora HDR
See all the Cyber Monday deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Now's the perfect chance to get some great Skylum software at a discounted price. Skylum is offering sales on both Luminar and Aurora HDR products. Deals are available through Nov. 28, 2018. Luminar 2018 Luminar is a great all-in-one editing tool, offering RAW processing filters like you're used to, but also tools like Accent AI Filter, AI Sky Enhancer, Foliage Enhancer, Sunrays and more. New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for just $49 through … [Read more...] about Save big on Luminar and Aurora HDR
Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Think of Aurora's Looks like a recipe you would find in a cookbook. You follow the instructions describing how to combine ingredients, prepare the food and then cook it to make a meal. Along the way, you learned how each ingredient affected the flavor. You experiment by adding or removing ingredients and now the recipe has become your own. Sounds delicious right? Well, instead of a cooking lesson, that's the concept behind understanding and create Aurora HDR Looks. What are Aurora HDR Looks Aurora HDR Looks are made up filters whose settings … [Read more...] about Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Using LUTs in Aurora HDR 2019
You’ll find Aurora HDR 2019 at a special price along with a bundle of training videos, Looks, and LUTs designed for Photofocus readers, here. The new Aurora HDR 2019 offers you many new features one of which is the ability to use LUTs in processing your photographs. In this article, I'm going to take a look at the new feature and I will be using this image with Aurora HDR 2019 initial processing on it, but I will not make any other changes. Then I will apply 9 different look up tables or LUTs to it so you can see how much variety LUTs can … [Read more...] about Using LUTs in Aurora HDR 2019
Drone aerials single exposure HDR with Aurora 2019, part 2
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 2 of 2. You'll find part 1 of this article here. In this 2 part article, I'm going to show you how you can enhance a single image in Aurora 2019. I'm using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW. One of the challenges with the DJI DNG RAW is that it can take a lot more work to create a good looking photograph from it. I was very interested to see how Aurora 2019 handled this challenge. Let's take a look. Full disclosure: I received a copy of Aurora HDR 2019 for review … [Read more...] about Drone aerials single exposure HDR with Aurora 2019, part 2
Drone aerials single exposure HDR with Aurora 2019, part 1
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 1 of 2. In this 2 part article, I'm going to show you how you can enhance a single image in Aurora HDR 2019. I'm using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW. One of the challenges with the DJI DNG RAW is that it can take a lot more work to create a good looking photograph from it. I was very interested to see how Aurora 2019 handled this challenge. Let's take a look. Full disclosure: I received a copy of Aurora HDR 2019 for review purposes. As always, I am giving you … [Read more...] about Drone aerials single exposure HDR with Aurora 2019, part 1
Weekly Wrap-Up: Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2018
Welcome to a brand new feature — the Weekly Wrap-Up — a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. Flickr to end 1 TB of free storage, limit free accounts to 1,000 photos Flickr has announced massive changes to its account offerings, taking effect this coming January. In April, SmugMug purchased Flickr, which sparked a “months-long effort to listen to its members and understand what Flickr needed to thrive and evolve.” Read more... Exclusive: What’s in store for Olympus? This year at PhotoPlus Expo, all the rage … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2018
How to make real estate interiors with HDR in 9 steps
Making real estate pictures can be a lot of fun and even profitable. The thing is, you can easily spend way too much shooting and finishing them to make it worth your time or worth the realtor's time to hire you. Or maybe you're a realtor and you need to make these kinds of pictures for your client. Either way, using HDR is the fastest way to get great looking real estate photos. Here are ten tips to shoot them fast and finish them fast so you don't turn real estate photography into a money pit. 1. Shoot on a tripod You need to use a tripod … [Read more...] about How to make real estate interiors with HDR in 9 steps
Learn how to get the most from Aurora HDR 2019’s Detail Boost filter
The improved HDR Details Boost filter in Aurora HDR 2019 improves image sharpness without increasing digital noise, creating unnatural ghosting or halos in an image. Here’s how apply this powerful tool to improve the quality of your images. Understanding the HDR Details Boost sliders The HDR Details Boost filter has 5 sliders, Small, Medium, Large, Protect and Masking. Each setting can be used alone or in combination with the others. Fight your first instinct to move all the sliders around and see what happens. Instead, experiment and … [Read more...] about Learn how to get the most from Aurora HDR 2019’s Detail Boost filter
How to get perfect detail and tones in environmental portraits
Making pictures of people who are good at their craft while they are doing their craft is one of the best subjects you can ever find. They are passionate, you are passionate, and the pictures always turn out well. When I make environmental portraits, I do my best to control the light. However, since I'm invading someone's space and interrupting their day, it's best to be as quick as possible. That means that I never get to set up four lights with gels and grids to highlight and isolate the interesting stuff. Fortunately, you can use tone … [Read more...] about How to get perfect detail and tones in environmental portraits
Get the most from your photo; use a single frame in Aurora HDR 2019
Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! Or download a free trial version. Limited time offer. Aurora HDR 2019 has a significant update: It's got artificial intelligence. Using the new Quantum HDR engine, it actually analyzes your photo to see what kind of picture it is and what sorts of adjustments it will need. It's amazing. Normally, we think of using HDR software on a bracket of images all made at different exposures. But Aurora HDR 2019 … [Read more...] about Get the most from your photo; use a single frame in Aurora HDR 2019
Aurora HDR 2019 available now… Yes, it’s shipping
Aurora HDR 2019, Skylum's latest update to its venerable HDR software, has officially been released. The update lets you easily apply and customize HDR looks to both bracketed sets and single images. New to the 2019 update are several features, including a new tone-mapping technology powered by Skylum's Quantum HDR Engine, a new HDR Smart Structure, a new LUT Mapping filter as well as 11 new integrated color grading sets to use with the LUT Mapping Filter. It also features improvements to the HDR Details Boost filter, Adjustable Gradient … [Read more...] about Aurora HDR 2019 available now… Yes, it’s shipping
Aurora HDR 2019 bootcamp video and last minute pre-order savings
Richard Harrington has created a great deep dive into Aurora HDR 2019. It covers how to make these great enhancements for single image long exposures, single image environmental portraits, and bracketed exposure landscapes. Time is almost up to pre-order Aurora HDR 2019. Act now to get a special price on Aurora HDR 2019 – CLICK HERE. Pre-order today and you'll receive a special bonus pack described at the end of this post. This offer is only good for a very limited time. Single Image Long Exposure Single Image Environmental … [Read more...] about Aurora HDR 2019 bootcamp video and last minute pre-order savings
Photofocus exclusive bundle of Aurora HDR 2019 + bonus videos, looks, textures and more
Your chance to pre-order Aurora HDR 2019 is almost up. The software is scheduled to ship on October 4, 2018, to those who've placed an advanced order. As a big thank you for supporting our site, we've got a collection of goodies. If you place an order and fill out this form, we'll send you a bunch of free stuff. A texture pack with 22 high-res textures Try adding these as a layer and use blending modes for all new looks. These are perfect to unlock a whole new look in your HDR image. A bundle of 25 creative LUTs Use with the new … [Read more...] about Photofocus exclusive bundle of Aurora HDR 2019 + bonus videos, looks, textures and more
The Traveling Photographer — Route 66 meets Aurora 2019
Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! What do Route 66 and Aurora 2019 have in common? Both provide countless opportunities for enthusiastic photographers to explore the realms of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. Why? Because high contrast subjects, such as vintage buildings shot under a mid-day sun, night scenes with neon signs, and magical landscapes photographed during the golden hour are the heart and soul of Route 66 and of … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer — Route 66 meets Aurora 2019
