Is there a Layers way to simple HDR?

[weyburn bartel]

I've just started using layers, primarily for adjustments and trying out sharpening using High Pass ( sounds impressive but believe me I've struggled! :eek:)
Reading some of the magazines over here in England I have become interested in HDR and Focus Stacking. The magazines keep referring to software required ,sometimes quite expensive at that,but the more I read about layers the more I feel there must be ways of "brushing" out the bits you don't need/want.
I realise the answer(s) will probably be lengthy but would really appreciate it if anyone can point me in the right direction to links, previous threads etc, if my theory is right.
Only my second thread but this is a great site and there's so much I'm learning from you guys.
Many thanks in anticipation;)
Weyburn

p.s. I should have mentioned I'm using PSE6

[Byron Gale]

Weyburn,

Perhaps the method I used in THIS (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?p=457248#post457248) thread, to lighten a shadowed face, could be a good concept upon which to build.

In brief, you can create an adjustment layer which makes a particular portion of the image look better, and then confine it to just that area using the associated layer mask. A series of these tailored to various "zones" in the image might give you what you seek.

No doubt, we'll see a variety of opinions about this!

HTH,

Byron

[weyburn bartel]

Byron,
Many thanks for that reply and so quick too! hardly a " lethargic response time"
Looks like that could be the answer and I'll go back and study the other replies to the thread you referred me to and give all a try.
It'll be interesting to see what other replies are posted (if any:rolleyes:)
Thanks again
Weyburn

[Barbara Brundage]

Another way: open your photo in the raw converter (you can open jpegs and tiffs there, too). Adjust it to favor the highlight areas (your shadowed areas will probably be too dark). Save that file in the editor. Now go back and open the original in the raw converter again and adjust it for the shadowed areas; save in the editor. Then add one image on top of the other (you can just copy/paste). Put the image with the most good areas on top. Get out the eraser with a soft brush and erase away the bad spots from the top image, showing the good areas from the bottom layer.

[MOOSE]

However, as I understand it, the shadow areas are where noise likes to hide. So once you optimize your photos for those areas, you may not like what you see. Noise reduction is one of the benefits of a true HDR.

[ljameso1]

Also, photomatix is an inexpensive program that does a great job.

[Barbara Brundage]

Photomatix is very popular, but there are many other options, too:

http://www.hdrlabs.com/tools/links.html

scroll down to see a list of HDR programs.

If you have a mac, bracketeer is excellent, too, although technically that's image blending rather than true HDR.

[weyburn bartel]

Al, Linda, Barbara, many thanks for sharing your knowledge on this. I've a lot to read and to try!
Weyburn