I’ve been creating HDR photographs for about three years, so I am well-versed in this topic!
There are a number of HDR Software packages available on the market. Some are free and some cost money. I have tried the vast majority of these packages. Because this site is considered on of the top HDR Photography websites on the web, companies often send me their packages to test.
It’s always been my goal to find the easiest and most robust software. Regular fans of the site know that I only review and recommend software that I actually use. In my humble opinion, Photomatix Pro is the best HDR Software available. I send a lot of photographers over there, and they gave me a Photomatix Coupon Code of “STUCKINCUSTOMS” for 15% off. You can order it (or get a free trial) from the Photomatix webpage.
I’ve met with many HDR expert photographers and the vast majority of them are lovers of this software like me. It’s easy to use, the UI is very slick, and it’s quite fast. Moreover, I’ve spoken on the phone with the owner of the company and she is very nice. She’s committed to making the best product available, and I appreciate that as a photographer. She reads all feedback and takes all suggestions very seriously.
I have a nice free how-to guide and HDR Tutorial available here on the site if you want to learn how to use the product.
Below, I have put a few photos of both the software being used and some of the results.
August 11th, 2009 23:33 | Susan Martin
I am “blown away” by your work. This has inspired me to attempt to use the HDR software. Your tutorial, I am sure, will be of great benefit.
I live in Victoria Australia and I love taking photos in the beautiful state of Tasmania. I would love to see what you would do with images shot in this amazing place.
Keep up the great work.
Susan M.
August 11th, 2009 23:50 | Stuck In Customs
Thank you very much Susan!
September 22nd, 2009 12:33 | Craig Moore
I am very impressed with your website and HDR images.
I have been using Photomatix for about a year. I also teach digital photography. I would love to turn people on to your website and work.
From your comments, that appears OK. I need to do alot more with my website, which I set up for my students use. Could I post a link to your website in mine?
Your comments are welcome. Craig
November 10th, 2009 13:47 | Cowboydoug
Nicely done… I specialize in panoramas and have wanted to try HDR for a while, in fact I am going to shoot my first shots today with my new Canon 5D mark II… woo hoo…
I live in St.George, Utah, a fabulous area known for Zion National Park, Grand Staircase & many others. Utah really is a wow place, so much to see & do. I thank you for sharing your images & expertise.
Until we meet again & as always… Happy trails,
Cowboydoug
November 16th, 2009 17:23 | Julian Herbert
Hi Trey, I came to your site through the recent TWIP podcast. Looking at your (quite frankly) stunning images, I feel inspired to try HRD on some of my own work.
I was thinking about your recommendation for the ’sharpening’ software. You gave Nik Sharpener a really good review (the before and after comparison was particularly interesting) and so I wondered how this compared with your recommendation for HRD sharpening, i.e. the Noiseware product.
Sincere thanks,
Julian
November 16th, 2009 17:40 | Stuck In Customs
Thanks!
Julian – I suggest Nik, Topaz, or Lucis for sharpening – I use them all!
November 16th, 2009 18:55 | Julian Herbert
Thanks for the advice Trey. Apologies for the typo, I should have said HDR!
December 8th, 2009 12:37 | Nicholas Manurung
i like this..
December 9th, 2009 19:14 | Roberto
You’ve got here some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen.
Keep up with the good work.
R.
December 18th, 2009 10:43 | Bill Reade
Great work, how do you get the people shots without blurring? How many fps, iso, tec
December 27th, 2009 14:40 | Brian
Hi, I’m a former pro photog, but I am also a computer consultant/programmer, independent scientific researcher and inventor. HDR is a baby compared with what it will evolve into. Presently there are available fairly powerful computer-on-chip modules, which should soon make on-camera HDR processing possible. I predict better algorithms, requiring less computing power, and an adjustable dynamic range boost:
HDR IS the future of photography, but not the way it is now. Viewers will get a taste of it, and they will not want anything else. But I urge the photog community to present proper examples of HDR: Images that look like what the human eye actually sees.
If the general public witnesses a freak show, they won’t like it. The images in this post could serve as tasteful examples of how properly restrained HDR processing can improve image quality.
I’ve been using Linux. The HDR tools available are based on Linux HDR tools. Linux offers increased flexibility and power over MacOS and/or Windows, in HDR processing. In fact, HP has a $120.00/month workstation capable, using open source Linux tools, to make HDR movies.
One of the available movies is called, “Fiat Lux” (Let There Be Light). You can google it and take a look.
December 31st, 2009 19:53 | Moose
A relative digital novice, I became introduced to HDR through the Canon Digital Photography Forum, and just started researching HDR software today. Your shots are amazing! (or maybe I’m just easily impressed at this point
At any rate, after the money I’ve spent on a few lenses, the price of a decent program like Photomatix is a drop in the bucket if I can get results anywhere close to the images posted.
January 6th, 2010 23:47 | Paul O'Neill
OMG!!!! I wanna be a photographer!!!!
Trey, your photos are absolutely stunning – thank you for sharing!!!!
January 7th, 2010 16:05 | Brandon Seidel
Thanks for the info and screenshot. I will check it out. Love your images by the way.
January 7th, 2010 21:22 | Lainess Gatdula
Thanks so much for the info. I love your website and infact just became your fan on facebook. i will definately get a copy of your book. I just recently learned about HDR and found your site from Dombowers website. Looking at your photos inspired me to try it out. thanks!
January 21st, 2010 05:17 | ning
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January 28th, 2010 04:06 | Joel Ogedegbe
I could easily say that your photos are some of the best I’ve seen yet.
Please I would like your permission to have a link to your site on my photography site so that my members and visitors can see your work and hopefully learn something about HDR photography from you.
Thanks for sharing.
January 28th, 2010 04:25 | blog - photorein.com
[...] http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-software/comment-page-1/#comment-742554 [...]
February 2nd, 2010 07:28 | Marco
I believe that the picture which looks most like what the naked eye would see is “two chairs by the sea”!
February 5th, 2010 16:44 | Philip Bobrow
I have been using the Photomatrix trial version for awhile now and before I pulled the trigger on purchasing it I wanted to see what else was out there. Your blog came up on Google and perfectly answered my questions. I’m having fun using a little 12mp digital point and shoot, it’s got a sharp Schneider lens but miss not having the use of a polorizer or neutral-density filters with this camera. HDR software is like having these filters again. thanks
February 17th, 2010 08:34 | Darren
I think HDR is exciting, and could definitely split photography into two separate fields.
I can already see a split in early adoptors, some are going the arty route, because it is new and looks great, and others are after purity of image to the original, which is also ok.
Does anyone know if the HDR of the future will be a single image process combined with technical wizardry in the shot data, or whether compound images will still be used?
February 22nd, 2010 22:11 | HDR in PS CS4 - The Photo Forum - Photography Discussion Forum
[...] done HDR is supposed to look like not that crayola friendly pictures being uploaded lately here. HDR Software – What I recommend __________________ EQUIP: NIKON D5000 / AF-S NIKKOR 18-55MM VR / NIKKOR 55-200MM AF-S DX ZOOM [...]
February 25th, 2010 04:04 | Larry
Beautiful work, Trey! I’m surprised that you have not invested in a Perspective Control lens for the type work you do. I’ve just gotten interested in trying out HDR and will advance to Photomatrix if needed and appreciate your recommendation.
February 25th, 2010 04:07 | Larry
Beautiful work, Trey! I’m surprised that you have not invested in a perspective control lens for the type work that you do. Have just started to explore HDR. Thanks for the software recommendation based on your extensive work in the field.
March 2nd, 2010 18:02 | Warner Weber
I agree that Photomatrix is the most impressive software. I also use Serif Photo Plus X3. After I process images there, I usually take them into PhotoShop for some more processing using some actions I have downloaded.
Your shots are awesome. The one looking out the window to the mountains with the puzzle in the foreground says it all..It is what HDR is all about.
I saw Brian’s comment that in camera processing should be coming…Hasn’t it come in the Sony Alpha 550? Definately some great things to come.
I have been working on HDR images for about six months now and am finally getting some affects and images I really like.
Keep up the great work.
I am in love with Panoramic photos. For my wishlist I would love to see Photomatrix process both. It would have some weight, but I think it can be done.