Processing time is not an issue for me because I spend around a week on each listing writing and creating websites, so the Photomatix process goes on in the background in batch. Even when I go back and have to re-do some shots with hand tweaks on white balance and details enhancer it is still just a break in the action and not an interference. There is plenty of other stuff for me to do so I am not twiddling thumbs waiting for Photomatix to finish.

@Larry – The new e-book looks great, and I am looking forward to your new chapter on HDR. I think I am improving on the details enhancer settings but it still feels more like art than science. Any light you can shed in that direction would be most helpful.

Granted, if it is working, that’s great, but wow, that’s a lot of pix. I can only imagine how long it takes Photomatix to process that many…

There are times when an exaggerated effect works really nicely and I can’t resist using it, like on a log structure horse barn that got the ‘old west’ look thanks to HDR.

With the help of this blog as well as occasional lurks on the flikr discussions, I have solved some of the cooked-up problems in my first attempts and have gone back and re-done everything. Still not perfect, but improving, and the most recent project got an accepted offer in less than a week. That is what it is all about.

I use a Canon Rebel XTi with a 10-22 lens, and am presently doing nine interior shots bracketed one stop apart, and Photomatix seems to be able to sort through it nicely. Exteriors are three bracketed at 2 stops apart, handheld, and if the wind is a problem one of those shots is used as a psuedo. When the house gets full sun on the front, though, no HDR is needed.

I was blown away the other day to see an ad in National Geographic Traveler for a property in Phoenix (I want to say it was Hyatt Resort but the issue is at home) that was clearly done in HDR. Yes, it had “the look”. Not overdone, but enough to tell what it was. Maybe this signals the start of acceptance?

1. Natural vs. artificial: I appreciate HDR’s ability to show highlights and details the eye can see but single exposure images can’t. For example, views thru windows, textures on furnishings, reflections off granite counter tops, grains in wood, veins in plant leaves, etc.

2. Client’s protest: I agree that clients won’t actively debate technique. However, those that don’t like your product won’t return. I’ve never had a client complain about not being realistic.

3. 100% HDR? I have trouble finding a single exposure shot that can’t be improved when combined with some of the many other exposures I take with each scene. My standard work process is to take three bursts of three. So I end up with 7 exposures from -3 to +3 in one stop increments.