HDR Merge in Luminar Neo can be applied to a single image or combine multiple bracketed exposures into a single, high-dynamic range image. This technique helps you capture details in your scene’s darkest and brightest areas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on using HDR Merge in Luminar Neo:
- Capture bracketed photos: You’ll need to capture a series of bracketed photos with your camera, typically varying by exposure value (EV) increments (e.g., -2, 0, +2). Make sure to use a tripod to avoid misalignment between shots.
- Import your images: Open Luminar Neo and import your bracketed photos into the software. You can do this by clicking the “Add” or “+” button and selecting the images from your computer.
- Access the HDR Merge tool: In Luminar Neo’s Catalog mode, select a single or bracketed set of images and drag them onto the HDR merge window.
- Click the gear icon for additional settings: You can select Auto Alignment, Chromatic Aberration Reduction, and Ghost Reduction. Selecting Ghost reduction gives you additional options; select the base reference image and choose the strength applied to Ghost reduction.
- Merge the images: Click “Merge” to initiate the HDR merging process. Luminar Neo will combine your bracketed exposures into a single HDR image with an extended dynamic range.
- The merged image is saved as a Tiff image in the HDR Folder. You can leave the image in this folder or drag and drop it into the original folder.
- Fine-tune your HDR image: Once the HDR image is created, you can edit and enhance it using Luminar Neo’s various editing tools, such as adjusting the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and more, to achieve your desired look.
Using the HDR Merge feature in Luminar Neo, you can create stunning images with a broad dynamic range, capturing details in both highlights and shadows that would be difficult to achieve in a single exposure.
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Location in Neo: Catalog view Extension section