Through The Lens 3 – How To Blend Multiple Images For High End Results

Through The Lens 3 – How To Blend Multiple Images For High End Results

Photoshop Photographer TrainingThe are many different routes to take when editing photos for your virtual tour company. When editing HDR (High Dynamic Range) imagery, there are many programs that can be used to automate the blending of your exposures for you, but do the results give you the best possible final image?

While I have used many options to process multiple exposure into a single image that shows detail across the entire dynamic range, I hands down prefer the results I can achieve with hand blending in Photoshop. I have found this method produces the most natural looking, realistic photographs.

Sure using Photomatix, SNS or one of the many HDR programs will speed up the workflow which as a virtual tour provider is EXTREMELY important, but at the end of the day, the quality of the images suffer. If I am going to put my name on the work I expect it to be the highest quality I can possibly produce. These programs often produce results that appear muddy and unappealing. Unexpected color shifts are also common and difficult to control.

I understand from a photographer’s perspective that hand-blending images is not for all situations. If you have multiple real estate virtual tour jobs to edit in a day, and customers who demand quick turnaround, this may not be the best editing system for you. Hand blending requires a greater time investment. When this is the case there are programs that provide a good balance between time input and quality output worth using; as long as the outcome meets your client’s requirements. Keep in mind that higher quality imagery will attract clients who are willing to pay for better quality. You may just find that you have less work, but you are able to make the same amount of income or more.

In this Webinar I will show you how to edit images in Photoshop using Adobe Camera Raw to make basic edits of the images, and then open them into Photoshop as layers. I will demonstrate how to take advantage of layer masks to reveal details in shadows from my overexposed images and bring back detail in the blown out highlights to make an equally balanced photo. Once you have begun to master this technique I believe you will find it your go to method of editing for higher end clientele.

I will also show you how to create basic presets in Adobe Bridge, that you can use on any photo project. I will also go over creating keyboard shortcuts, that will help make the process easier, once you get the hang of this technique.

This webinar will be best for those who understand Photoshop, but if you are new to the program don’t despair. There are many resources such as YouTube and Lynda.com (which offers a free 7 day trial) that you can learn from. Stick to it and you will be a Photoshop pro before you know it!

We hope you can join Jay and I Tuesday Sept 27th at 7:00 pm.

Register now in your RTV Virtual Tour Manager!

 

Beth Nixon

Lead Processor, RTV Inc

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