"Merging Exposures" primarily focuses on three techniques using two different software products that you can use to merge exposures. The instructor gives the basics of the Photomatix software package and then continues by showing how to merge a single group of images and then how to do it in a batch of images. Then he shows how to use  Photoshop's HDR capabilities. This tends to be the tool of choice when shooting handheld or on a monopod since the release of the CS3 version; it can handle alignment when there is slight movement. Depending on your tool of preference, you can always take it back to Photomatix for additional processing.

"Processing HDR Files" now takes the HDR files that you created in the last class and begins to process them. Again, while techniques for using Photoshop are shown, the major focus is on using Photomatix. During the Photoshop segment you are taken through the different options that you have for processing your file, what the sliders do and how to work with the curves adjustment. For the first Photomatix segment, you will learn how to process your files by using "Tone Mapping" and more specifically using "Tone Compressing" portion to get that, more natural, photographic look. After this you may want to take it back to Photoshop for additional adjustments.

Next you will learn about the options available when you work with the "Details Enhancer". This gives much more control over the processing of your image. You are still treating it as a photographic image, but now with more available adjustment options. Next, still using the "Details Enhancer," you will learn how to process your image to get that illustrative look; sometimes called the grunge look. Then you will see how to double process the image. Finally for this class, you will see how to process a single file 16-bit image in Photomatix to get interesting results.

In the last class, "Enhancement" you will see how to do further enhancement in Photoshop. You begin with Camera Raw to exaggerate colors. Next you work on spotting and retouching, with some good tips and tricks, brightness and contrast changes, and color interpretations. Then you will learn how to automate some of these procedures by using Actions, Dual HDR process will show you how to use dual processing to create two images to take the best parts of an image to merge into one image. Finally, you are taken through start to finish examples.