Aurora HDR Pro was released a year ago and is well on its way to be a bestseller. Quite a feat in the very overcrowded software market. I think it is the best on the market, better than my previous all-time favourite HDR software,
Photomatix Pro. Why? Mostly because it has phenomenal features, great presets, layer masking and the best
noise reduction filter I have even seen. Check it out yourself at
www.aurorahdr.com
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Looking through a derelict business, Bank St, Pyrmont
This was the 'best' exposure from a 5-frame bracket |
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Aurora's default HDR setting. Quite nice from a standing start. Maybe a little too light? |
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Another Aurora preset - this time it is a nicer tint, better tonal density, warmer, and pretty much what I wanted from an HDR shot. |
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Another preset - this time with slightly more of an 'HDR-look', but cooler shadows than the previous example |
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Full-on, surreal preset with all the hallmarks of a solid HDR image: over the top colour, gritty textures in the shade and the sky areas. |
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Surreal pt. 2 I loved this preset. Clearly wacky colour but a tint that gives a totally different read on the same scene. You either like it or hate it! |
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Aurora hs a couple of neat diffusion and softening sliders. In fact most of the tonal change sliders can be softened if needed. Here it is used more as a highlight glow |
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Don't forget that HDR software usually has a few black and white presets - Aurora is no slouch. Bear in mind that I have not changed any of these images other than to apply a different preset recipe to each. The software provides a staggering array of further tonal change possibilities if you have the time, desire or interest to investigate. |
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Final example is an even heavier, grainier HDR effect while still producing something that's almost real - the clouds still need a bit of work but I thought it a credible result for a preset... |
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For a bit of fun I also include a couple of examples processed using one of the many apps that Jixi Pix produces. This is a favourite: Moku Hanga for a Japanese woodblock effect and, below, a paint effect... |