I then pulled them in to Photomatix 3.0 and for image # 2 I created a blended image. This gave me a globally adjusted image where everything has a balanced, but much higher dynamic range to it. For image number 3, I used Details Enhancer which let me handle much more of the control and let me create an image with even more dynamic range. This third image was probably much closer to what I was seeing with my eye and what made me stop to take the image in the first place.

Another technique that is becoming more popular in the last year or so is what is called the grunge look. It is where an image is processed to the point of looking less like a photo and more like an illustration. The fourth image is one that I processed in that way. It has a gritty feel and looks more like an illustration than a photo.

Some will say, Photoshop can do HDR, do I really need Photomatix 3.0? In my opinion yes if you want to have full control over processing HDR. Sure you can do some basic HDR in Photoshop, but if you want the control to really manipulate your images, you really need Photomatix; especially to create the grunge/illustrative look, and to take it to the max, you need both.

Photomatix 3.0 is available for both Mac and Windows from HDRSoft for 99 USD or 75 Euros. The upgrade from 2.x to 3.0 is free of charge. They have a gallery if you want to see what others have done with Photomatix as well as a free trial version. I very highly recommend this product.