Discussion Forum: Photomatrix & Blown Out Windows

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Topic: Photomatrix & Blown Out Windows

Message posted by kropke on October-21-2005 at 6:25pm

June-08-2005
113 Posts

Hello: Several people in this forum suggested that I use Photomatrix to help solve the problem that I am having with my windows getting blown out on my tours. I use the 0-360 lens. I am using the trial version and seem to think that it works well (once I learn how to use it properly). Anyway, my question is...What tools would I use for the quickest fix for my problem? I don't have alot of time to spend on each one and I am hoping that someone has found the quickest way to resolve the "way too bright" windows. Thanks.

Message posted by johnfl68 on October-21-2005 at 10:27pm

United States
May-27-2005
70 Posts

I have been playing around with this a bit and in most cases I just load the set of images into Photomatix and then do the following:

Combine> H&S Details - Auto> OK

This seems to work in most situations. If the images where taken on a tripod and all should line up, I recomend not checking the "Align before combining" box, as I do not see much difference, but the overall size of the picture changes by a few pixels, and sometimes this throws off the viewer.

Some people say you only need to take 3 pictures, nominal exposure, one step above, and one step below.
Example based on a nominal exposure at 1/30 sec:
1/15
1/30 *
1/60

Others say you need to take as many as 7 pictures.
Example based on a nominal exposure at 1/30 sec:
1/4
1/8
1/15
1/30*
1/60
1/125
1/250

In the test shots I have made recently I have found 3 shot sollution in which the end result is very close to the 7 shot version. This can come in handy if you are short on time. I have only tested this on interior shots, and the sun is usually pretty bright in Florida (when there isn't a hurricane approaching). The theory would be that your first shot is properly exposed for inside, the second is slightly overexposed for shadows and darker areas, and the final shot is properly exposed for outside the window(s).
Example based on a nominal exposure at 1/30 sec:
1/15
1/30*
1/250

There are lots of different ways to do things, you need to see what works best for you. Also some rooms will be better subjects and some will be worse. It will just take a bit of getting used to the settings and number of pictures needed to get the desired output based on the room lighting conditions. This will all come with time for any of us, as every picture you take you will learn more.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

John

Message posted by ajay on October-22-2005 at 5:18am

November-09-2004
167 Posts

If u have PS dont bother with photomatix. Simplest is to take two pics, one exposed for room and one for windows. Import into PS as layers with the room exposure layer on top. Rub out the windows area using the erasor - flatten image. I find if you trace the outline of the windows first using the marquee tool it means you dont have to be careful around the edges when erasing, saves tons of time.
Alan

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aj

Message posted by phoenixrising on October-23-2005 at 12:00pm

United Kingdom
January-16-2003
974 Posts

I also prefer PS.

I used to need 5-7 exposures so that I could get a smooth blend when I was still useing my cp4500/FC-E8 setup. (Tend to like to have to many then to few pics)

Since I use my Canon 20D/Sig 8mm set up and take pics in RAW I find I only require 3 shots. Therefore I take a couple of sample shots to get the ideal lighting right. Then set the timing and auto bracketing (ie this will allow me to take 3 shots in a row at different exposure times) and take my shots. The nice thing about taking images in RAW is that I can do looooooooaaaaaddddssssss of post processing work that'll compenaste for even the worst cockup.

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If I only had an hour to chop down a tree... I'd spend 45 mins sharpening the axe.