by Sean Arbabi | Publisher: Peachpit Press | Release Date: May 2015 | ISBN: 9780134077079

This critically-acclaimed interactive training program from Peachpit Press offers exceptional quality high-definition video to teach the fundamentals of HDR Efex Pro, the premiere high dynamic range image-created software from Google's Nik Collection. Including 1.5 hours of tutorials, this Learn by Video features instructor and professional photographer Sean Arbabi. In this video, Sean first presents a great introduction to HDR imagery–how it works, why it is so powerful, and how you can harness that power to create great images. This video includes a complete workflow, from importing images to final output. Sean discusses the best features of the program and dives in to share his own personal workflow for creating HDR images. This video covers importing images, setting up preferences, how to begin the HDR process with the Preset Library, and how to fine-tune that work to create your own custom conversion. Sean will cover the powerful Tone Compression, Method Strength, HDR Method, and Tonality features, as well as how to use HDR Efex Pro's Grad ND sliders, Control Points, and Vignettes to put the finishing touches on your image.

1. In this chapter we'll discuss the history of photography, concentrating on contrast and how HDR was performed in various ways in the past. We'll define what HDR is, why it’s an amazing process, and how it’s changing exposure and photography as a whole. Then we’ll cover how to capture the scenes needed to produce an HDR image using HDR Efex Pro.
   • Welcome 00:02:15
   • HDR 101 00:04:17
   • Why HDR Is So Wonderful 00:09:54
   • How to Capture HDR Images 00:08:34
2. In this chapter we'll cover general technical information about the HDR process, such as what file types to use, various features of the program, and the main sections of the interface. You'll soon see why I love using HDR Efex Pro to combine my images into a High Dynamic Range image.
   • Technical Information Before Beginning 00:05:36
   • Features of the Program 00:09:23
   • The Image Selection Dialog, Merge Dialog, Interface, and Settings 00:06:57
3. In this chapter we'll discuss a few ways to access HDR Efex Pro with Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as through its stand-alone version. We'll demonstrate which menus to use, and how to start combining your bracketed series into an HDR.
   • Selecting and Importing Images 00:06:17
   • The Image Selection Dialog 00:03:57
4. The Merge dialog feature in HDR Efex Pro provides an important step in combining your image files smoothly and efficiently. In this chapter we’ll talk about the benefits and pitfalls of each choice, and the ways to blend your HDR before moving forward.
   • The Merge Dialog, Ghost Reduction, and Chromatic Abberation 00:17:44
5. This chapter will demonstrate how to use the history and viewing preferences when working with your HDR conversions, and how side-by-side comparisons of the before and after versions of your image provide yet another reference point.
   • Selecting Preferences That Work Best for You 00:15:17
6. Much of the strength and simplicity of HDR Efex Pro lies in its presets. As this chapter demonstrates, you can simply select the HDR version you want and either convert the image immediately, or add your touch to the preset to create your own personalized version. You can also import a preset created by another photographer.
   • The Preset Library, Custom Presets, and Importing Presets 00:13:50
7. This is where the rubber meets the road—exposure control and the various adjustments that allow you to fine-tune your HDR creation. In this chapter we'll discuss how each image will differ depending on its content, how to protect certain tones, and a philosophy that “less or more.” We’ll also cover Control Points, then address finishing touches.
   • Tone Compression, Method Strength, and HDR Method 00:14:14
   • The Tonality Panel 00:11:02
   • The Color Panel 00:02:10
   • Control Points and Selective Adjustments 00:14:08
   • The Finishing Panel: Vignettes, Grad ND Sliders, and Levels & Curves 00:12:19
   • The Histogram Panel 00:04:02
8. Now that we have achieved our preferred results, we'll cover a basic explanation of how to save and title your finished HDR creation, and briefly discuss the option to import the final scene into Lightroom or Photoshop for any minor adjustments.
   • Final Review and Finishing Adjustments Outside of HDR Efex Pro 00:14:11