I have a brand new class available that covers the exact techniques I used to create the illustrative photographs I’ve been featuring on this blog. The class is available at xtrain.com. I think you can get a 15% discount on the course (but don’t quote me, since I haven’t tested it yet) by entering "Ben" as a coupon code when signing up for the class (minus the quotes). The class is divided up into four modules:
- Shooting for HDR: which describes how to setup your camera and what to look out for when shooting images destined for HDR.
- Merging Exposures: shows you multiple methods for combining multiple exposures into a single HDR image including special ideas for dealing with problems like motion in water, etc.
- Processing HDR Files: you’ll learn how to take a 32-bit HDR file and process it into a normal 8 or 16-bit file that can be further adjusted in Photoshop.
- Enhancement: in this section, I describe the vast majority of Photoshop techniques I use to bring an image to completion, including a few actions that I find to be useful.
Here’s what one student said after taking the class:
"This has to be the best, informative, fully capture of the whole topic on-line course I’ve ever taken or seen. Congratulations to Ben, and anyone helping Ben put this on……I’m totally blown away. I’ve been looking for a long time for this topic to be explained to me."
-David McLaughlin
In a few months, the class should also be available on DVD… keep an eye on this site for future details.
You can also get a discount on the software I use for processing the HDR files (known as Photomatix Pro) by using "Digital Mastery" as your coupon code.
The image above is an example of the type of image you’ll be able to create after taking this class (as well as ones that look more like straight photographs).
Hey Ben,
Thanks alot for posting the details about the on line course which I’ve now purchased. As expected you’ve done a real great job there taking it from capture all the way to the final image.
I’m off to France for a week travelling around the Normandy Region, Calvados etc so will no doubt get plenty of opportunities for some images that’ll do great going through the process in your online classes.
Re the 15% discount, I gave it a go but nothing came up but hey, $79 isn’t exactly gonna break the bank anyway :o)
Thanks again and take care out there,
Glyn
I sure do wish I could take the class, but unfortunately where I live broadband is unavailable (except for satellite, which I don’t want). I’ll be checking here for news about the DVD. Hope it won’t be too long a wait!
Ben,
I’m totally excited that we’ve gotten to do courses with you. If anyone has any problems with the promo codes please don’t hesitate to contact services@xtrain.com or 866-xTrain0
See you soon!
I’m interested in the HDR course but I’m a little confused with the additional cost of Photomatix.
I guess because I have not used that software I don’t understand what it the difference is between HDR in CS3 and what Photomatix accomplishes.
That is .. can I get the same HDR final results in CS3 without Photomatix ?
Also what is the discount on Photomatix?
Hope I was not to confusing.. tks
George
FYI From my experience Ben’s discount code for PHOTOMATIX PRO gives you 15% off and must be entered as all one word with no spaces i.e. digitalmastery
George,
If Photoshop could do what Photomatix does, then I wouldn’t mention the product. Photoshop’s HDR processing sucks. I use Photomatix 100% of the time.
I believe the discount on Photomatix is 15%, but I haven’t tried it to be sure.
-Ben