What's your favourite tip? Let me know! Want a tips video on capturing HDR frames the right way? Write "Shooting HDR" below! Don't have the plugin yet? Get the best deal here: bit.ly/HDR4NEO
These are awesome tips, Anthony! More useful than any other channel I've seen. The most useful tip was how to use layers to mask in only parts of the HDR--that was one feature from Lightroom that I didn't know existed in Neo! And creating additional brackets through Develop Raw is such a brilliant hack.
Thanks Jim! 😀 YES, HDR is back and as you say, fun! I reckon you and I should do a collab vid at some point. Not sure what exactly... but something to ponder if you're game 🙂
Shooting HDR for sure! Perhaps even a series of videos all on HDR that would cover all of your tips and tricks and best practices (including any tips viewers send in to you that you find helpful). Love your videos and examples!
I hope that Skylum fixes some of the issues you identify. The need to add an amount slider and give an option to create temporary files when merging if the files have been modified. It would also be cool if merge could create a dmg.
I have just added Luminar Neo to my processing setup after much hesitation. Watching this video has really piqued my interest as far as the HDR plugin is concerned. Time to revisit a lot of old bracketed images. Thank you.
I hate your video tutorials .... they always make me feel so inadequate!!! Just joking, mate! 😁 Love all your vids, but like someone else has already said, I'm going to need to watch this one several times to let it all sink in. I've always enjoyed using Skylum's Aurora HDR 2019 and still think it's one of the best HDR editing programmes out there. However, now that you've shared all these great tips, I can see that I'm going to have to give Neo's HDR merge tool more of a workout! Thanks again for such a great tutorial, and thanks also for all that you do on your channel to help us become better photographers. You're the best! 👏
Thanks Ozguy! Yeah, Aurora was great and it's a shame they discontinued it. But at least the engine that gave us those lovely realistic blends lives on in the new HDR merge extension. Cheers for watching and commenting! best wishes, Anthony😀
A cracking vid Anthony but I think I'll need to watch it a few times to get it all to sink in. Shooting HDR for definite. Luminar Neo has certainly hit the spot with this one. Looking forward to the next vid👍😎
Shooting HDR from your perspective would be great, we all have curret ways we do our work but... Always looking for a better solution at executing our craft.. Thank you..
Very good ideas on how to use HDR. I would never think I could do that, but now I have more options with laminar Neo... Thanks for sharing, and I join the list of people who are requesting more videos like this... keep up the good work.... Also I enjoy learning with all your videos... Regards, Evans
Love HDR as long as it's not over cooked. Merge seems great but, I would need batch processing when doing 25-50 images from a shoot. Maybe they will add it later. Still using Aurora HDR with great results.
Hi Greg. Totally agree mate. I think people who are super negative towards HDR just haven't seen it used properly as, for sure, in the past, it's been completely bastardized. I'm hopeful we'll see the ability to batch in a future update. Until then, if you're fortunate enough to have Aurora before they pulled it from sale then bonus. Keep going with that!
Plus one for the batching. Also dust spot removal is an issue with hdr it can emphasise any spots. There’s a whole different problem with using presets or process sync because dust removal gets lost. Ideally I’d like to remove dust spots and power lines once the hdr is complete. THEN be able to paste a look or sync a group of pics on top of the dust removal. But when you do that you lose the dust removal. The alternative is to output a tiff of the hdr with dust removed and then start from there but that adds another process and eats disk space. I’m currently doing over 200 HDR merged shots per client so these things really add up. @@AnthonyTurnham
Hi Anthony! I will look at my RAW collection and do some 'single image' HDR's and see how they go! Very interesting video Anthony! Regards from Felix the Cat! 😺😺
As usual, a great video with a lot of info. Just please SLOW DOWN!!! I know, change the speed on YT but while I love the excitement it just is nice to have time spent more slowly so each student can take the time to see all the moves the master makes. Don't want to spend good $ and not get all the info -- oh, oh, I didn't spend $. Even better to spend no money and get great value though. If you think the video would be too long which I never do make more than one -- 3 tips and 4 tips etc. I sure will be certain to view both. Sure wish I could find software that would provide text of the spoken word of the video. Also it is always good to not just say "click here" etc. because sometimes it is difficult to see exactly what was done especially if going fast. However, as said, another great video which follows those before and previews what we can expect in the future. Thanks so much.
Thanks Phlotographer! That's some power feedback right there. Much appreciated. I've tried to condensed my videos more recently and it seems the general consensus is "slow down". I'll try to heed that advice!
Shooting HDR. This has been so helpful! In the portrait example, why do you duplicate the HDR layer for the masking work? I'm in learning mode so need help to grasp this concept. Thanks!
Great question! So the mask would work on either instance of the HDR layer. I added the first layer and applied that over the whole photo at about 1/4 strength. Then I added the second instance of the HDR layer so I could paint in the effect stronger but only in the specific areas I wanted more of the effect.
I was actually thinking about tip 7 earlier in the video and then you addressed my question a few minutes later. Magical! The prep step is key but the single HDR merge us remarkablly good as well. My shooting HDR vote!
"Shooting HDR" ... Great Stuff! This really helps simply adjustments that can not only be time consuming but tedious in Lightroom-Photoshop and CaptureOne Pro- Affinity Photo. I'm hoping that I'll be able to use this approach on my real estate interiors photos. Sooooo ... if you have the time, and don't mind doing it, would you do a video on real estate interiors using this procedure, pretty please??? Thanks, Chuck(NE Florida) : +)
Hi Chuck I'll see what I can do. But i do have some vodeo requests from my channel members/supporters, and as those guys kindly keep me caffeinated I do prioritise them 😀 (you're welcome to join 😉).
As I was testing the new HDR Merge, I used your first tip on blending the HDR with the original photo. This worked very well and gave some sparks to the photo without having it too "HDR...ized." I'm looking forward to having a look at the other 6 tips!
Honestly, I prefer the results in LR or C1 rather than Luminar Neo. I feel the results are a bit like the old fashion HDR, not so exagerated but not as natural as I would like it to be. I will try what you explain on this video 😉 Thanks Anthony
Hey - that is what I said about using layers. I am sure quite a few people mentioned that. Have you compared an HDR generated by Aurora vs the plugin? I did yesterday - huge difference in output. I thought they would be closer since Skylum says it is the same engine. Francois
@@AnthonyTurnham I still prefer Aurora for many reasons. Mainly it fits my workflow way better. I start in photoshop, use it as a filter, then apply it like a layer. I find the images processed in Aurora are better quality HDRs straight out of the box than the plugin. Since I do architectural photography as a business I prefer to have more tools. The NEO plugin just requires more steps/a different workflow that does not save me time. I applaud Skylumn for doing it. I also wish they would continue to support Aurora by updating file extensions. I truly appreciate your channel and have learned so much watching you - but I wish/hope that folks like you could use your voice and platform and offer Skylum feedback that Aurora was one of the best HDR programs and could continue being the best with minimal effort on their part (especially considering they are still selling it. I think they could differ negative comments by updating the extensions. Yes, of course there are workarounds. But extend probably a task that wouldn't be too complicated for their developers to their fanbase)
I've been using Skylum's Aurora HDR for years now. How does the underlying software differ? I shoot real estate, construction and especially sunrises with a drone and batch them in Aurora.
Hi Rob. The engine is supposedly the same. But HDR Merge is simply a plugin to enable the merged output file. Post production is then performed in Luminar Neo, which has different tools to Aurora. Personally I prefer the Neo workflow. However at time of writing the ugin doesn't batch like Aurora does.
@@AnthonyTurnham For one construction job every week, I batch between 70 and 100 files. I can see the utility of it for the individual ones though, like my sunrise shots. Great job, by the way!
Hi Romie. Kind of a moot point now, as Skylum have discontinued Aurora. But, it had a few. I never liked them too much tough and usually left my merge as it was and still edited the file in another app.
Shooting HDR. Question regarding your last tip. When you exported the edited pictures to the temp folder did you export those photos as jpeg, tiff or another format? Thanks
G'day Anthony Firstly a brilliant video blog. Would the bit rate of a 16bit tiff increase to a higher bit rate when you HDR it again? Is that why there's more range? Please do a video on shooting in bracket exposures. I believe that Neo's HDR can have up to 10 brackets. Would it be possible to shoot both HDR bracket photos and bracketed depth shots in the one HDR gamet? Havagooday mate Greg
G'day Greg! You pose some good questions there my friend! The bit depth will stay consistent at 16bits regardless. The latitude of the dynamic range increases simply because we're offering up more brightness information. Currently HDR Merge works for exposure bracketing only, not bracketing depth of field. I think the "bracket up to 10 shots" is actually a bit of marketing hype. It's cool that it can do it but I've only ever shot up to 9 brackets and that's been an exception over 20 years or so!
Hello Mr. Turnham. First, thank you for your great work. I am kind of beginner on landscape photography and only subscribed to your channel. I am confused on what to purchese: Aurora HDR or Luminar Neo. What is the difrference between both of them? Thanks once more
Hi Alberto. Super easy decision as Aurora is specifically for HDR work and Skylum have recently stopped supporting and selling it. Soooo.... bit.ly/Luminar-NEO is your best choice! (You can use code ATNEO to save a bit off the total 😀)
I found high quality jpegs to produce surprisingly good results when used in the merge, so no real need to waste space or processing time on 16bit tiffs.
When you add in a layer it seems to keep it in a selection of user imported layers. So you end up with a growing collection of redundant images. Any way to stop this happening? I just want to try out layers, fix the image, output it and move on. I don’t want to see that layer every time I open the layer options.
Yes, that's just the way it's coded unfortunately. I seem to right click and delete the layers when I get too many cluttering that space. Not ideal, but that's the current solution.
Well you can but there's not really much point. If you're just using a single frame then the dynamic range is limited to the 14bits of data (or whatever your sensor is capable of recording) and that's it. Regardless of what you do with it in post production. The best approach for HDR is to physically capture different exposures in camera. That will actually provide you with the greatest dynamic range to cover a high contrast scene.
I hate to spoil the hype but if you want maximum control and quality in your HDR workflow you should consider using the HDR merge in DXO PhotoLab on your raw files. In there you have all the usual adjustment tools for raw adjustments, optical corrections, noise reduction, sharpening, purple fringe control, local adjustments via the unique controls points, etc. All on a HDR merged raw file! And it works for both bracketed or single image HDR merge as well. On top of that you’re able to export it in DNG (with adjustments made) format to your preferred pixel editor, such as Photoshop or Affinity. Total control and RAW all the way! The only thing, in my workflow, I would like to see as an improvement is if the HDR function in Capture One would also allow for single file merge, like it works in DXO. That would be the ultimate workflow for me, since I normally do all my raw editing in Capture One.
@@AnthonyTurnham Yes, you can also do a double HDR merge, in two steps, like you described for Neo in DXO while maintaining its RAW status. One of the greatest advantages is that you’re able to apply DXO DeepPRIME noise reduction and its renowned optical corrections algorithms directly on the HDR file. No need to first ‘prepare’ the individual images in a bracketed series before committing to a HDR merge. Good luck!
Thanks for all the great content! I'm just preparing to start a real estate photography business and trying to decide what software and approach should I begin with. A question I have is using Luminar Neo with Merge can I merge a whole folder of HDR images like say 40 HDR photos with desired settings and do all at once or I need to individually do each separately? Then can I apply abase template to the group before individually adjusting merged images to final? This would be directed to high volume photography not Architectural or interior design. Thanks again!
How do you add (in your case) 'My Images' link to the Layers tab? I can't see how to do it and it has limited my use of Neo. I did buy HDR merge and it's very good for dealing with DNG files!
@@AnthonyTurnham spent a bit of time after typing that playing with it yesterday - Under Layers I only had 'Flares', 'Light Leaks', 'Sparklers' and 'Stardust Bokeh' and at the top a Load Image button. If I click that I can navigate to the HDR Merge folder on my Mac with Finder and then add the picture I want. It then remains in the sidebar under 'My Pictures' but doesn't have the '+' button and I have to fiddle about finding the image in Finder every time. Seems a bit of a hassle. I can't see any setting for the menu either. I have to say that I think Neo works well but the layout seems more than a bit ill considered.
Hi Rew. I'm just about to do some tests on that. I'll probably put a video together. If I don't post it on this channel I'll share it to my architectural photography channel bit.ly/ATArchitecture
You say processing a set of 8-bit JPEG's instead of RAW files will "suffice." Will it suffice for 16"x20" prints, or just suffice for Instagram? In that case will using a smart phone suffice relative to a DSLR?
Hi Rich, the size of the print is more a question of resolution than bit depth. But to clarify, if you try using a series of bracketed 8 bit files you'll be surprised by the increase in quality and ultimately the increase in useable dynamic depth. I'm more interested in print rather than Instagram so yes, done right, you should be able to create a print quality shot. With regards to smart phone vs DSLR that really depends on your purpose. My wife hates the thought of wielding a big DSLR and lenses for anything and for her purposes a smartphone is the best choice. For my imagery it's my "real" camera for the win all day long. Although for the odd quick snaps for the sake of memories then, yes, a smart phone will suffice.
I'm trying to use this for merging real estate photos and while the quality isn't that bad, however the app gives a grunge looking feel to the HDR photos. whenever there's room brackets with windows, the HDR shows details of the windows but unfortunately it creates a dark glow around the window which makes it look bad. How do I resolve this?
When I add a layer I’m the program seems to keep that layer forever and it shows up as a layer option in other libraries. Is that normal? I’d imagine if someone was working on a corporate series with the CEO looking over their shoulder and some saucy boudoir shots popped up every time as a suggestion every time you added a layer it could get a bit embarrassing! On the other hand I have library of layers building up including light leaks and fake bokeh… any ideas?
Hi Andy. So the techs must have thought it would be a good idea to keep recently added layers in easy reach as thumbnail options in the flyout. I just right click and delete them once I'm done. It's not an elegant solution but it works. And anyway, I'm sure the CEO would love to see some of those boudoir shots 😬😜
Export one, then boost the exposure (eg +1 ev) and export that, then adjust the exposure again, (say -1 ev), export that, and then merge them with the HDR Merge plugin 😀
What's your favourite tip? Let me know! Want a tips video on capturing HDR frames the right way? Write "Shooting HDR" below! Don't have the plugin yet? Get the best deal here: bit.ly/HDR4NEO
These are awesome tips, Anthony! More useful than any other channel I've seen. The most useful tip was how to use layers to mask in only parts of the HDR--that was one feature from Lightroom that I didn't know existed in Neo! And creating additional brackets through Develop Raw is such a brilliant hack.
Ah! At last and it works too!!! A brilliant photo, so I will use HDR for all my dull looking pictures! Regards from Felix the Cat! 🐱🐱
Outstanding video Anthony... And yes, a video on Shooting HDR would be great. Many thanks.
"Shooting HDR" This series is terrific Anthony. Thanks so much.
Cheers Chris!
This is fantastic.
Shooting HDR, very interesting tutorial, must watch again.
Thanks Nigel!
SHOOTING HDR!!! Thank's Anthony, you convinced me big time to move to NEO, what I've did recently. It changed the quality of my job!
Fantastic!
was interesting, thanks Anthony
Shooting HDR yes please and thanks for a great video.
SHOOTING HDR
Shooting Hdr . Amazing content Anthony!
Shooting HDR. Yes plese mate. 👍
Thanks. And yes.
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR!!!
Excellent, thank you. All tips very useful.
Thanks Anthony, Shooting HDR
Love it mate, great tips! And love those landscapes, too! HDR is fun again, right??!! 😊
Thanks Jim! 😀 YES, HDR is back and as you say, fun! I reckon you and I should do a collab vid at some point. Not sure what exactly... but something to ponder if you're game 🙂
@@AnthonyTurnham oh yeah that's a fun idea, let me give it some thought and you too, and we can chat sometime about it!
shooting hdr. Great tips, loved tip#7 never thought about it in thar manner!
Shooting HDR Yes Please 📷👍🏻
Shooting HDR 👍
Shooting HDR. Thanks.
Shooting HDR for sure! Perhaps even a series of videos all on HDR that would cover all of your tips and tricks and best practices (including any tips viewers send in to you that you find helpful). Love your videos and examples!
Thanks Roger!
I'd like that full shooting HDR video please :)
Great work as usual !
Shooting HDR!! More great tips, thanks Anthony.
Very good AT
I hope that Skylum fixes some of the issues you identify. The need to add an amount slider and give an option to create temporary files when merging if the files have been modified. It would also be cool if merge could create a dmg.
Agreed on all of that!
I have just added Luminar Neo to my processing setup after much hesitation. Watching this video has really piqued my interest as far as the HDR plugin is concerned. Time to revisit a lot of old bracketed images. Thank you.
A very useful video. I'll probably need to watch it a few times to let it sink in and to be able to use the tips. Thanks!
Great tips. Thank you.
I hate your video tutorials .... they always make me feel so inadequate!!! Just joking, mate! 😁 Love all your vids, but like someone else has already said, I'm going to need to watch this one several times to let it all sink in. I've always enjoyed using Skylum's Aurora HDR 2019 and still think it's one of the best HDR editing programmes out there. However, now that you've shared all these great tips, I can see that I'm going to have to give Neo's HDR merge tool more of a workout! Thanks again for such a great tutorial, and thanks also for all that you do on your channel to help us become better photographers. You're the best! 👏
Thanks Ozguy! Yeah, Aurora was great and it's a shame they discontinued it. But at least the engine that gave us those lovely realistic blends lives on in the new HDR merge extension. Cheers for watching and commenting! best wishes, Anthony😀
A cracking vid Anthony but I think I'll need to watch it a few times to get it all to sink in. Shooting HDR for definite. Luminar Neo has certainly hit the spot with this one. Looking forward to the next vid👍😎
Hi Anthony. Wow...HDR... Thanks.
You're welcome mate 😀
Great video, thanks Anthony.
Thanks John!
Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for all the tips. Makes using Luminar Neo HDR that much easier!
Great tips, yes shooting hdr would be helpful
Shooting HDR, great tips thanks.
Great video - very helpful. And I would also like to see a video about taking HDR series
Shooting HDR from your perspective would be great, we all have curret ways we do our work but... Always looking for a better solution at executing our craft..
Thank you..
Short, but great video thar very much helps. Thanks Volker
Perfect-Τέλειο!!!!!
Shooting HDR 🙂
Very good ideas on how to use HDR. I would never think I could do that, but now I have more options with laminar Neo...
Thanks for sharing, and I join the list of people who are requesting more videos like this... keep up the good work....
Also I enjoy learning with all your videos...
Regards,
Evans
Love HDR as long as it's not over cooked. Merge seems great but, I would need batch processing when doing 25-50 images from a shoot. Maybe they will add it later. Still using Aurora HDR with great results.
Hi Greg. Totally agree mate. I think people who are super negative towards HDR just haven't seen it used properly as, for sure, in the past, it's been completely bastardized. I'm hopeful we'll see the ability to batch in a future update. Until then, if you're fortunate enough to have Aurora before they pulled it from sale then bonus. Keep going with that!
Plus one for the batching. Also dust spot removal is an issue with hdr it can emphasise any spots. There’s a whole different problem with using presets or process sync because dust removal gets lost. Ideally I’d like to remove dust spots and power lines once the hdr is complete. THEN be able to paste a look or sync a group of pics on top of the dust removal. But when you do that you lose the dust removal. The alternative is to output a tiff of the hdr with dust removed and then start from there but that adds another process and eats disk space. I’m currently doing over 200 HDR merged shots per client so these things really add up. @@AnthonyTurnham
Hi Anthony! I will look at my RAW collection and do some 'single image' HDR's and see how they go! Very interesting video Anthony! Regards from Felix the Cat! 😺😺
As usual, a great video with a lot of info. Just please SLOW DOWN!!! I know, change the speed on YT but while I love the excitement it just is nice to have time spent more slowly so each student can take the time to see all the moves the master makes. Don't want to spend good $ and not get all the info -- oh, oh, I didn't spend $. Even better to spend no money and get great value though. If you think the video would be too long which I never do make more than one -- 3 tips and 4 tips etc. I sure will be certain to view both. Sure wish I could find software that would provide text of the spoken word of the video. Also it is always good to not just say "click here" etc. because sometimes it is difficult to see exactly what was done especially if going fast. However, as said, another great video which follows those before and previews what we can expect in the future. Thanks so much.
Thanks Phlotographer! That's some power feedback right there. Much appreciated. I've tried to condensed my videos more recently and it seems the general consensus is "slow down". I'll try to heed that advice!
Goodnight!! Congratulations on the videos! Can Luminar NEO bracket waterfall or long exposure photos perfectly?
Clever
Shooting HDR. This has been so helpful! In the portrait example, why do you duplicate the HDR layer for the masking work? I'm in learning mode so need help to grasp this concept. Thanks!
Great question! So the mask would work on either instance of the HDR layer. I added the first layer and applied that over the whole photo at about 1/4 strength. Then I added the second instance of the HDR layer so I could paint in the effect stronger but only in the specific areas I wanted more of the effect.
@@AnthonyTurnham thank you!!!
I was actually thinking about tip 7 earlier in the video and then you addressed my question a few minutes later. Magical!
The prep step is key but the single HDR merge us remarkablly good as well.
My shooting HDR vote!
Thanks Chris 😀
+5!!!
"Shooting HDR" ... Great Stuff! This really helps simply adjustments that can not only be time consuming but tedious in Lightroom-Photoshop and CaptureOne Pro- Affinity Photo. I'm hoping that I'll be able to use this approach on my real estate interiors photos.
Sooooo ... if you have the time, and don't mind doing it, would you do a video on real estate interiors using this procedure, pretty please???
Thanks, Chuck(NE Florida) : +)
Hi Chuck I'll see what I can do. But i do have some vodeo requests from my channel members/supporters, and as those guys kindly keep me caffeinated I do prioritise them 😀 (you're welcome to join 😉).
As I was testing the new HDR Merge, I used your first tip on blending the HDR with the original photo. This worked very well and gave some sparks to the photo without having it too "HDR...ized." I'm looking forward to having a look at the other 6 tips!
Great stuff 👍👌
Honestly, I prefer the results in LR or C1 rather than Luminar Neo. I feel the results are a bit like the old fashion HDR, not so exagerated but not as natural as I would like it to be. I will try what you explain on this video 😉
Thanks Anthony
Hey - that is what I said about using layers. I am sure quite a few people mentioned that. Have you compared an HDR generated by Aurora vs the plugin? I did yesterday - huge difference in output. I thought they would be closer since Skylum says it is the same engine. Francois
Yes you did! Nice idea for a comparison. Which version did you prefer and why? Cheers.
@@AnthonyTurnham I still prefer Aurora for many reasons. Mainly it fits my workflow way better. I start in photoshop, use it as a filter, then apply it like a layer. I find the images processed in Aurora are better quality HDRs straight out of the box than the plugin. Since I do architectural photography as a business I prefer to have more tools. The NEO plugin just requires more steps/a different workflow that does not save me time. I applaud Skylumn for doing it. I also wish they would continue to support Aurora by updating file extensions. I truly appreciate your channel and have learned so much watching you - but I wish/hope that folks like you could use your voice and platform and offer Skylum feedback that Aurora was one of the best HDR programs and could continue being the best with minimal effort on their part (especially considering they are still selling it. I think they could differ negative comments by updating the extensions. Yes, of course there are workarounds. But extend probably a task that wouldn't be too complicated for their developers to their fanbase)
I've been using Skylum's Aurora HDR for years now. How does the underlying software differ? I shoot real estate, construction and especially sunrises with a drone and batch them in Aurora.
Hi Rob. The engine is supposedly the same. But HDR Merge is simply a plugin to enable the merged output file. Post production is then performed in Luminar Neo, which has different tools to Aurora. Personally I prefer the Neo workflow. However at time of writing the ugin doesn't batch like Aurora does.
@@AnthonyTurnham For one construction job every week, I batch between 70 and 100 files. I can see the utility of it for the individual ones though, like my sunrise shots. Great job, by the way!
"Shooting HDR" please. Thx Anthony
shooting HDR
Does Aurora have features that the Neo plugin doesn't have?
Hi Romie. Kind of a moot point now, as Skylum have discontinued Aurora. But, it had a few. I never liked them too much tough and usually left my merge as it was and still edited the file in another app.
Shooting HDR. Question regarding your last tip. When you exported the edited pictures to the temp folder did you export those photos as jpeg, tiff or another format? Thanks
Hi Bruce. I exported as jpeg. I've found the results from 16bit tiff don't warrant the extra processing time or space taken.
G'day Anthony
Firstly a brilliant video blog.
Would the bit rate of a 16bit tiff increase to a higher bit rate when you HDR it again? Is that why there's more range?
Please do a video on shooting in bracket exposures.
I believe that Neo's HDR can have up to 10 brackets.
Would it be possible to shoot both HDR bracket photos and bracketed depth shots in the one HDR gamet?
Havagooday mate
Greg
G'day Greg! You pose some good questions there my friend! The bit depth will stay consistent at 16bits regardless. The latitude of the dynamic range increases simply because we're offering up more brightness information. Currently HDR Merge works for exposure bracketing only, not bracketing depth of field.
I think the "bracket up to 10 shots" is actually a bit of marketing hype. It's cool that it can do it but I've only ever shot up to 9 brackets and that's been an exception over 20 years or so!
Hello Mr. Turnham. First, thank you for your great work. I am kind of beginner on landscape photography and only subscribed to your channel.
I am confused on what to purchese: Aurora HDR or Luminar Neo. What is the difrference between both of them? Thanks once more
Hi Alberto. Super easy decision as Aurora is specifically for HDR work and Skylum have recently stopped supporting and selling it. Soooo.... bit.ly/Luminar-NEO is your best choice! (You can use code ATNEO to save a bit off the total 😀)
AT In tip 7 what are you exporting the edited bracket frames to folder as before HDR merge?
I found high quality jpegs to produce surprisingly good results when used in the merge, so no real need to waste space or processing time on 16bit tiffs.
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR please!
When you add in a layer it seems to keep it in a selection of user imported layers. So you end up with a growing collection of redundant images. Any way to stop this happening? I just want to try out layers, fix the image, output it and move on. I don’t want to see that layer every time I open the layer options.
Yes, that's just the way it's coded unfortunately. I seem to right click and delete the layers when I get too many cluttering that space. Not ideal, but that's the current solution.
It's like growing up eating 4 cookies then becoming an adult and realizing you can eat a whole sleeve!
You can also just use say one raw file and duplicate them for different exposure stops and then merge.
Well you can but there's not really much point. If you're just using a single frame then the dynamic range is limited to the 14bits of data (or whatever your sensor is capable of recording) and that's it. Regardless of what you do with it in post production. The best approach for HDR is to physically capture different exposures in camera. That will actually provide you with the greatest dynamic range to cover a high contrast scene.
I hate to spoil the hype but if you want maximum control and quality in your HDR workflow you should consider using the HDR merge in DXO PhotoLab on your raw files. In there you have all the usual adjustment tools for raw adjustments, optical corrections, noise reduction, sharpening, purple fringe control, local adjustments via the unique controls points, etc. All on a HDR merged raw file! And it works for both bracketed or single image HDR merge as well. On top of that you’re able to export it in DNG (with adjustments made) format to your preferred pixel editor, such as Photoshop or Affinity. Total control and RAW all the way!
The only thing, in my workflow, I would like to see as an improvement is if the HDR function in Capture One would also allow for single file merge, like it works in DXO. That would be the ultimate workflow for me, since I normally do all my raw editing in Capture One.
I'll check it out. I always like keeping things in a nondestructive raw state as long as possible. Thanks.
@@AnthonyTurnham Yes, you can also do a double HDR merge, in two steps, like you described for Neo in DXO while maintaining its RAW status. One of the greatest advantages is that you’re able to apply DXO DeepPRIME noise reduction and its renowned optical corrections algorithms directly on the HDR file. No need to first ‘prepare’ the individual images in a bracketed series before committing to a HDR merge. Good luck!
Thanks for all the great content! I'm just preparing to start a real estate photography business and trying to decide what software and approach should I begin with. A question I have is using Luminar Neo with Merge can I merge a whole folder of HDR images like say 40 HDR photos with desired settings and do all at once or I need to individually do each separately? Then can I apply abase template to the group before individually adjusting merged images to final? This would be directed to high volume photography not Architectural or interior design. Thanks again!
Currently one at a time. No batch.
Batch processing may be on the way. Watch this space... 😉
How do you add (in your case) 'My Images' link to the Layers tab? I can't see how to do it and it has limited my use of Neo. I did buy HDR merge and it's very good for dealing with DNG files!
Hi mate, not really sure why it wouldn'tbe there. I just click the + icon and I have the option to navigate to my photos.
@@AnthonyTurnham spent a bit of time after typing that playing with it yesterday - Under Layers I only had 'Flares', 'Light Leaks', 'Sparklers' and 'Stardust Bokeh' and at the top a Load Image button.
If I click that I can navigate to the HDR Merge folder on my Mac with Finder and then add the picture I want. It then remains in the sidebar under 'My Pictures' but doesn't have the '+' button and I have to fiddle about finding the image in Finder every time.
Seems a bit of a hassle. I can't see any setting for the menu either.
I have to say that I think Neo works well but the layout seems more than a bit ill considered.
How does it work with high dynamic range interiors?
Hi Rew. I'm just about to do some tests on that. I'll probably put a video together. If I don't post it on this channel I'll share it to my architectural photography channel bit.ly/ATArchitecture
You say processing a set of 8-bit JPEG's instead of RAW files will "suffice." Will it suffice for 16"x20" prints, or just suffice for Instagram? In that case will using a smart phone suffice relative to a DSLR?
Hi Rich, the size of the print is more a question of resolution than bit depth. But to clarify, if you try using a series of bracketed 8 bit files you'll be surprised by the increase in quality and ultimately the increase in useable dynamic depth. I'm more interested in print rather than Instagram so yes, done right, you should be able to create a print quality shot.
With regards to smart phone vs DSLR that really depends on your purpose. My wife hates the thought of wielding a big DSLR and lenses for anything and for her purposes a smartphone is the best choice. For my imagery it's my "real" camera for the win all day long. Although for the odd quick snaps for the sake of memories then, yes, a smart phone will suffice.
I'm trying to use this for merging real estate photos and while the quality isn't that bad, however the app gives a grunge looking feel to the HDR photos. whenever there's room brackets with windows, the HDR shows details of the windows but unfortunately it creates a dark glow around the window which makes it look bad. How do I resolve this?
There's an update coming which I'm not able to discuss yet but it'll have a feature to allow us to get around this nicely!
it would be amazing if we could process 32bit images (3D renders) in NEO
Hi mate. What software do you use to create your 3D renders?
@@AnthonyTurnham octane render (produces 32bit exr or hdr images)
Good one . My favourite two tips are using HDR on a single image and for portraits.would appreciate “shooting HDR “ please
Purchased the HDR, but can't open it to work on images. I clicked on the little puzzle icon but still nothing. What step I'm I missing?
Not sure. Should be the way to do it. I'd reach out to the help desk at Skylum.
Is it possible to export images from Lightroom Classic to Luminar, edit in the HDR plugin and then return the result to Lightroom?
Yes. You'd just use the export/import function from each program.
@@AnthonyTurnham Message from Skylum - "For now, HDR Merge cannot be accessed in a plugin version of the app".
Shooting For HDR
Shooting HDR please.
When I add a layer I’m the program seems to keep that layer forever and it shows up as a layer option in other libraries. Is that normal?
I’d imagine if someone was working on a corporate series with the CEO looking over their shoulder and some saucy boudoir shots popped up every time as a suggestion every time you added a layer it could get a bit embarrassing!
On the other hand I have library of layers building up including light leaks and fake bokeh… any ideas?
Hi Andy. So the techs must have thought it would be a good idea to keep recently added layers in easy reach as thumbnail options in the flyout. I just right click and delete them once I'm done. It's not an elegant solution but it works.
And anyway, I'm sure the CEO would love to see some of those boudoir shots 😬😜
@@AnthonyTurnham it’s the CEO’s mother though… she looks good for 72!
Well Anthony, it's very slow - too slow, how did you manage to convert a single RAW image into three with different 'apertures'? 😾😾 Felix the Cat. 🐱🐱
Export one, then boost the exposure (eg +1 ev) and export that, then adjust the exposure again, (say -1 ev), export that, and then merge them with the HDR Merge plugin 😀
Shooting hdr
Looks like the HDR Merge plug in has quite a lot of limitations and needs some time and updates to "grow up".
Where is HDR Merge button?
Just drag the files you want to merge into the HDR merge tool and the merge button is directly underneath it.
Good explanation but as an instructional video it's spoken way too fast to grab ..
Thanks. That's good feedback.
Shooting HDR...
Slow down, particularly when explaining Tip #7. I would appreciate a single video on Tip #7.
OK. Noted. Thanks. It's a tough balance. I get some people saying speed up, some saying slow down 🙃
Panorama stitch is a joke vs other app
Which other app? I've found Neo's pano stitch tool to be really good.
Fantastic tips again! Thank you so much
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR please!
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR
Shooting HDR