The Merge to HDR Pro command
allows you to combine multiple images or different exposures of the
same image or scene (i.e., a bracketed exposure). This command takes the
best elements of each photograph and combines them to create a single
HDR (High Dynamic Range) image with more dynamic range than is possible
with a single image, creating 32-bit high-quality digital images. Since
several photos will be combined to create a single image, it’s important
to place the camera on a tripod (so the camera won’t move between
shots), and then take enough photographs (a minimum of 3) at different
exposures to capture all the dynamic range of the scene. You can have
Photoshop automatically align the merging images and remove any ghosting
due to people moving or misalignment during consecutive shots, or you
can do it manually. HDR Pro comes with custom presets—such as Flat,
Monochromatic, Photorealistic, Saturated, or Surrealistic—to make it
easier to set options. HDR includes faster, smoother exposure
adjustments. You can even use HDR Pro along with Photomerge—an image
stitching feature—for high-quality panoramic images.
Use Merge To HDR Pro
Click the File menu, point to Automate, and then click Merge To HDR Pro.
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Click the Use list arrow, and then select from the following options:
- Files. Click the Browse button, and then select the images.
- Folder. Click the Browse button, and then select the folder containing all the images.
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To quickly add currently opened files to the list, click Add Open Files.
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To remove any images from the list, click the file name, and then click Remove.
Did You Know?
You can start the Merge To HDR command from Bridge. Select the images you want, click the Tools menu, point to Photoshop, and then click Merge To HDR Pro.
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Select the Attempt To Automatically Align Source Images check box to let Photoshop try to align the images together.
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Click OK.
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If you did not check the option in step 5, specify any of the following options, and then click OK.
- Select Files. Select or clear the check box under each thumb-nail to specify which images to use.
- Preset. Select a preset, such as Flat, Photorealistic high or low contrast, Monochromatic artistic, and Surrealistic.
- Remove Ghosts. Select to remove image ghosts. Ghosts are slight shifts in elements when you take consecutive photos.
- Mode. Click the Mode list arrow, and then select a bit depth for the merged image.
- Method. Click the Method list arrow, and then select from the available options (vary based on the method):
Exposure. Adjusts the highlight end of the image’s tonal scale. Gamma. Adjusts the image gamma, using a simple power function. Similar to adjusting the midpoints in an image’s brightness.
- Save Settings. Click the Preset Options button, click Save Preset, type a name, and then click Save.
Photoshop attempts to combine the elements of all the images. |
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