Fake HDR Photoshop tutorial
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!!
Dec 17th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Dec 17th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Dec 18th, 2009 at 2:19 am
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Dec 18th, 2009 at 11:44 am
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Dec 18th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating imitation HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Dec 21st, 2009 at 2:12 am
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]
Jan 21st, 2010 at 7:25 am
[...] Fake HDR Photoshop Tutorial – A simple, 8-step tutorial for creating fake HDR images with Photoshop. [...]