Topaz Labs Blog

How can I quickly create HDR-like Images?

Posted on 04. Mar, 2011 by Ashley Robinson in Question of the Week, Tips, Tricks & Tutorials

If you’re looking to make stunning HDR-like images (without the busywork) then Topaz Adjust may be right for you. So let’s explore the idea of HDR a little….

What is HDR? Have you ever come across an image that was so surreal with it’s perfectly colored and detailed features? Well, that’s HDR in a nutshell. HDR (High Dynamic Range) captures the full range of luminosity between light (highlights) and dark (shadows) in a scene…meaning that you get a more brilliant and dynamic range of color and detail in your image.

Traditional HDR (processing) is a multi-step process that requires taking a series of images at different exposures (known as bracketing) and combining the multiple exposures during post processing – giving you a perfectly exposed image with an attractive balance of highlights, shadows and details. However, the downside is that the process of creating HDR can often be tedious and time consuming – and difficult to those that are new to HDR.

Creating HDR-like images with Adjust simplifies traditional HDR processing by eliminating the excess shooting and processing steps. Topaz Adjust is unique in the fact that it allows you to take a single image and enhance the highlights, shadows and details in just a few clicks to create a dynamic image that pops. If you are new to HDR processing then Adjust can help you achieve the same type of look with less work. If you a seasoned pro then you might even use Adjust to further enhance your traditionally-processed HDR images – for some added WOW!

Check out the images below to see how easy it is to create HDR effects with a single image. The Adjust-Lite image was processed once through Topaz Adjust and features dynamic color and detail. Adjust-Strong was processed twice through Adjust to give it a stronger, bolder and more detailed HDR-like look. When processing your images, you can apply the effects as strongly or as subtle as you’d like.

Learn how to create stunning HDR-like image using Topaz Adjust, demonstrated by professional photographer and BetterPhoto.com instructor, Deborah Sandidge.