Salvation Mountain

[bessie_smith]

Salvation Mountain
Originally uploaded by Candice (Bessie Smith).

Salvation Mountain near Niland, California.

The entire set can be seen here

Comments

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

That's HDR, right? Mind if I ask what programs you use to process HDR images? (I like HDR, but I'm reluctant to spend $100 on Photomatix and $700 on Photoshop.)

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

Actually, no, this shot isn't an HDR, it's a single photo processed in Photoshop. I didn't need to do any tonemapping or HDR processing on it.

I do use Photoshop and Photomatix (both the standalone program and PS plug-in) for processing HDR, plus I have several 3rd party Photoshop plug-ins that enhance color and detail.

There is a program called FDR Tools, it's much less expensive than Photomatix and Photoshop, and there is a free basic version that you can try. I used it a few times. I wasn't crazy about the interface, but it's pretty easy to use and gives good results. You might want to check that out.

But, I gotta say, if you really get into doing HDR, sooner or later, you'll want to get Photoshop. If you know anyone who's still a student, you could always give them the money to buy the student edition of Photoshop. It's something like $200, still a good bit of money, but a bargain compared to the regular edition.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

I've heard of FDR Tools, though unfortunately I think it's only for Windows.

As for Photoshop, I had no idea it was so cheap for students. I'll have to give that some serious thought. It'd be no problem to find someone who could buy it for me.

Thanks!

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

FDR Tools does have a Mac version, and the paid version is rather inexpensive, something like $60, but give the free version a try, it's pretty good. But, any HDR software you try, you'll get the best results if you also tweak it with Photoshop after.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

Well I'll be damned, I remembered wrong. Awesome.

I'll start thinking about Photoshop for my birthday (in two weeks!). It's between that and money for a Nikon D40. What would you do? (My current camera is a Fuji S700 DSLR-like.)

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

Get Photoshop first, get good using it, then get a DSLR. I can tell you from experience that good processing skills can delay the urge to get a new camera.

Now, when you do want that DSLR, there are some things you simply must know first. Once you get a DSLR, you will contract lens buyers addiction (LBA). It's inevitable. First you'll want longer focal length, then you'll want a wider lens, then you'll want a macro lens, then you'll want faster glass and start looking at prime lenses. Don't even get me started on filters. That's just how it is, there's really no avoiding it.

D40, eh? Have you considered the D60? I think the price difference is around $100, and the D60 has a dust reduction system, very helpful. Doesn't eliminate the need for manual cleaning, but it does reduce it.

Also, I would recommend not getting the camera with the kit lens. I would recommend getting the camera body only, then getting something like a 18-200mm lens or 16-85mm, and don't be afraid to look at Sigma and Tamron lenses, which are usually less expensive. Once you settle on a camera, take the time to research lenses, it's worth it.

Oh, and one more recommendation for when you're in the market for a new camera, Fred Miranda (http://www.fredmiranda.com/). Fred Miranda is a photography site that, in addition to photography discussions, reviews, image hosting, even plug-ins and software, has a buy and sell forum (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10) which is awesome. People selling their used equipment, often at very reasonable prices. I got a used Canon L series lens that was in like new condition for almost half the price of a new lens and much less than I've usually seen at other places for used. Now, when I'm in the market for new equipment, I check there first before going to someplace like Amazon, Adorama or B&H.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for all the advice. It'll be a good reference for the future.

Photoshop CS4, right? Not Lightroom or Elements or anything like that? I'm gonna be in Long Beach in a week and could get one of my friends who's still a student to pick it up for me at the CSULB bookstore.

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

Not Elements because it doesn't support HDR merge. It can be done in Lightroom, but only if you also get a third party plug-in. I have both Photoshop and Lightroom, I like them both, but knowing you're interested in HDR, Photoshop is the way to go.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

Cool, thanks. So Photoshop is the most well-rounded application and the best place to start, then?

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'd say that. The learning curve can be pretty steep, but it is so much fun to learn by experimentation.

And I would also recommend picking up a couple of PS books, like the CS4 book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby (Scott Kelby has a lot of good Photoshop books out), and I hear that Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual by Lesa King is also a good one to get.

There are some books on HDR. All the ones I've seen refer to HDR + tonemapping with HDR programs like Photomatix and FDR Tools. I like Mastering HDR PHotography by Michael Freeman best.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

Great. Thank you again.

[bessie-smith.livejournal.com]

Oh, and one thing I should note about student editions is that Adobe does require that proof of student status be submitted so they can verify eligibility, so your friend will have to verify their student status before you can use the program.

[spuzbal.livejournal.com]

Ah, got it. Thanks.