This HDR Photoshop tutorial will show you how to make fake HDR in Photoshop using just single image. Basically, in the process you increase dynamic range of your photo, then your increase local contrast. While HDR photos are getting momentum, it could be a good way to achieve popular HDR look without a lot of efforts and expenses to buy standalone software. I suggest also using Masks to apply HDR effect just to certain areas and play with Layers opacity. If you successfully used this technique, please post link to your fake HDR photos in the comments.
1. Duplicate Original Layer two times. That’s how Layer 3 appears. (Ctrl+J)
2. Set the Blending mode of Layer2 to Overlay.
3. Apply Image->Adjustements -> Desaturate. (Shift + Ctrl + U)
4. Now invert Layer2: Image -> Adjustements -> Invert (Ctrl + I)
5. Next step is to add Gaussian Blur to it (Filter- > Blur -> Gaussian Blur) around 50 pixels
6. Apply to Layer3 Filter->Other->Highpass with 60px Radius.
7. Change the blending mode of Layer3 to Overlay.
8. If you would like moderate looking HDR reduce Opacity of the 3rd layer, if you’d like to give it a punch duplicate the layer.
Original image
Fake HDR image
Want more of this? See these posts:
i am lost on how you create ‘layer 3′?
Right from the start you need to duplicate your original image 2 times.
Another great way to create the same pseduo-HDR effects is with Topaz Adjust. Check it out if you get a chance. Is a Photoshop plug-in and its easy on the wallet. . .and they give discounts for just about everything. I love this product! Just thought I’d share with you!
nice! very easy to do and creates a nice effect, some photos may need further adjusting
Great tutorial!!
I have seen many fake HDR how tos on the web but this surpasses them all!!
Nice and easy.
I had to bump the values a tad because of the size file I was working with, but this is an awesome time saver!!
Thanks!
no substitute for true HDR, but works really well. Easy to get a lot of neat effects by playing with the blend mode of layer 2.
This is just insultingly easy! Awesome!
That’s awesome. Very cool. Thanks
very easy and thanks. tried this on a photo of a woman i know. photo looks awesome, thank you for your knowledge sir.
Best HDR tutorial I’ve seen on the web. I’ve tried 4 other techniques and this provides the best result. Thank you.
hi, thanks a lot, this tutorial help me a lot, thanks again