Took a while but here they are. The first parts are in August!
After Capture Processing
-Transfer images from card to computer storage media
-Opinions differ regarding processing raw files or processing TIFF.
-My experience is that most simple images will do ok processing the raw files.
-As the scene becomes more challenging, process the raw files and create TIFFs.
-The Lightroom Photomatix Plug-in will create a TIFF
Do not touch exposure when processing the images!
Old School Bridge/Photoshop Method
-Select all source files in Bridge
-Go to the menu bar and find Tools>Photoshop>Load files into Photoshop Layers
-Mask away
Old School Lightroom/Photoshop Method
-Select all source files on filmstrip or Library Grid View
-Right click, scroll, and choose Open as Layers in Photoshop
Bridge/ACR TIFF Creation – First Method
-Select all source raw files in Bridge
-Double click one of them and open ACR
-Hit the “Select All” button in the upper left of the ACR dialog
-Set Tone Curve to Linear and Sharpening Amount to “0”
-Synchronize all images
-Configure full size TIFFs
-I typically save the TIFFs to an“HDR Source TIFF” Folder
Lightroom TIFF Export
-Select all source raw files on the Filmstrip or Library Grid View
-In the Develop module, set the Tone Curve to Linear and Sharpening Amount to “0”
-Synchronize and return to the Library
-From the left panel of the Library module, click Export
-Configure full size TIFF files
-I typically do not reimport the TIFF files
Lightroom Plug-In
-Select all source raw files on the Filmstrip or Library Grid View
- In the Develop Module, set the Tone Curve to Linear and Sharpening Amount to “0” (This is easily set as a Preset.)
-Synchronize and return to the Library
-Right click and scroll down to Photomatix
-Click
-I normally reimport and stack the final processed image
-Photomatix Method to Combine
-Open the program and click “Generate HDR image”
-Select the image files and click “OK”
-Select options as desired
-Photomatix will convert
-Save the HDR as a Radiance file
-Photomatix Method to Process
-Open the radiance file
-Click “Tone Mapping”
-Select method
-Tone Compressor for a more photo-realistic look (sometimes)
-Details Enhancer for more control and art feel
-Change sliders to taste
-Click the “Process” button
-Save the output
-Process again as required
-Repeat process saving each time
-Photomatix alternate method to Process
-This works extremely well for single images processed multiple times
-With only one source file process for highlights, shadows, and midtones. Save each version and then continue from here.
-Open Photomatix
-Click “Exposure Blending,” select the source images, and click “Ok.”
-Choose your options and move sliders to taste
-Click the “Process” button
-Save the output
Finish
-Photomatix Output is still in a somewhat “raw” state. Take the result back to Lightroom or Photoshop and process.
