It’s my favourite step to the HDR processing. This phase is the most creative and the most funny. Working on our image earlier processed in Photomatix we can get some very interesting results. Personally I spend most of my work in this phase because here I reach my personal impression.There is not a HDR standard line to follow in this phase, but in the course of this tutorial we will see what are the guidelines on how to intervene in post-processing on a HDR.
USE LAYERS IN PHOTOSHOP
The use of layers in stack and layer masks is crucial in a HDR post-processing, indeed, with the layer masks, you can add or remove items from the selected image. It can happen that we don’t like some most detailed elements that disturb the overall picture. Using layer masks in Photoshop with HDR image you can simply import one or the normal exposures composing the HDR you’re working on and remove, with the layer mask, unwanted areas. Using layers in Photoshop will help you to get best results in the final image.
ADD MORE DETAILS
I always add more detail and contrast to my image in Photoshop. You can use different plugins for Photoshop dedicated to this function, there are many of them on the market I can advise you to find what works for you more and try some of them. Also important at this stage is to always use layer masks to cover the areas that will be too detailed or cartonish.
COLOR CORRECTION
This is the funny part where you have to add color and vibrancy to your photos. It ‘a delicate stage because the color and brightness of some areas of the picture can change the overall impact of the same. For this step, use the various filters in Photoshop, the functions of saturation and vividness of the color and opacity adjustment again using the above layer masks. It ‘important that you have such as the ability to choose which area you want more or less desaturated in your photos.
LIGHT CORRECTION
In all my photos I usually fix something of light and contrast, I often use the Levels tool that allows you to easily control all the values inherent in the lighting/contrast of the photo.
Completed this phase your HDR will be significantly more detail, contrast and bolder colors.
Photomatix image
Final result
