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Create an Artificial HDR Effect in Photoshop

True high-dynamic-range photography requires multiple shots of the same image with different exposures. But with this technique, you can create HDR-like effects even if you had time to take only one photo!
Written by Russell Brown on July 16, 2009
Average: 3.6 (133 votes)
Comments (7)
Categories: Graphics, Graphics Image Editing, Photo Image Editing, Photography, How-Tos

HDR is cool, but because it requires multiple takes of the same scene that are nearly identical, you might think it's impossible to achieve when you're shooting objects that move.

However, with Adobe Photoshop CS4 and this tutorial, you can create a faux HDR effect that adds an oversaturated, illustrative enhancement to underexposed images.

Stream the 10MB QuickTime tutorial in a separate window by clicking the image below.

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1

Faux HDR

Absolutely awesome, Mr. Brown!!! Thank You! :)

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 06:14.
2

Just for Parrots

I think 'Russel Brown HDR Effect' works fine just for parrots :-) Anyway I watched and learned your many tutorials: thank you very much.

Submitted by Guest on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 09:08.
3

Doesn't have to be RAW

Of course it's always best if you start with a raw image, but you can open a JPEG image in Adobe Camera Raw and get the same effect. Assuming the camera didn't throw out too much necessary detail when creating the jpg, of course. Thanks for the great tutorial!

Submitted by Guest on Sun, 08/02/2009 - 20:16.
4

HDR effect on single image

Russell Brown has created the BEST TRAINING VIDEO OF THE DECADE! Even if you don't plan to use his specific effect, seeing the range of possibilities out of RAW is incredibly valuable. Most videos -- understandably -- are trying to make it look "right." In that most are alike! But Mr. Brown spreads his wings and soars with his parrot over mountains, Asian gardens and more. Beautiful. More!
Hawai'i Bill

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 08/19/2009 - 18:56.
5

Thank you so much for this!

Thank you so much for this! I have tried several tutorials for making HDR like images and none come close to this one. I saved your video because I never want to lose this!

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 08/19/2009 - 23:11.
6

Actually, this is a pretty

Actually, this is a pretty common topic on the web. I think a better website overall for stuff like this would be cambridgeincolour.com

Submitted by Guest on Sat, 12/12/2009 - 13:28.
7

Great tutorial

Thanks for this very helpful tutorial. The parrot looks absolutely amazing, I didnt know this could be done.

Submitted by Create8 on Fri, 01/15/2010 - 07:24.

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