Fake HDR Effect in Photoshop

November 23, 2010 · 19 comments

in Photoshop Tutorials

HDR stands for high dynamic range. It’s basically an image with dark blacks and bright whites. This creates a strong contrast between the colors and tones. HDR is usually achieved by taking two images with different exposure brackets. One photo being under-exposed, and the other over-exposed. Then, lots of tweaking and rendering in Photoshop.

However, this tutorial would show you the cheat way to create an HDR effect in Photoshop with just one image. It’s easy, straight-forward and will take you less than 10 minutes. This tutorial is thanks to KolNedra originally spotted on his Flickr.

The image I will be using is this one:

1.) Duplicate the Layer

Call the original layer ‘Original’, now duplicate it by right clicking on the layer and call the new layer ‘B&W’.

2.) Adjust the B&W layer

Change the blending mode of B&W layer to Overlay.

Now desaturate the B&W layer. This will convert it to a black and white image. To desaturate, go to:
Image > Adjustments > Desaturate

Now, we’re going to invert the B&W layer:
Image > Adjustments > Invert

3.) Gaussian Blur

To add Gaussian Blur to the B&W layer, head to:
Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur

Tweak the Radius amount to around 30 pixels. You can adjust this your own personal taste. Anywhere between 20-50 pixels will create this “glow” around the edges.

You should now have something like this:

4.) Linear Light

Duplicate the Original Layer and call this Layer ‘Linear’. Place the Linear layer above the B&W layer.

Change the blending mode of Linear layer to ‘Linear Light’.

Tweak the Opacity of the Linear layer until you’re satisfied. I’ve made mine 65%.

Once you’re happy with everything, combine all the layers together:
Layer > Flatten Image

And you’re done!

Tagged as: cheat, contrast, dynamic, easy, fake, hdr, high dynamic range, Photoshop, quick, tute, tutorial

Article by

1 part ad agency. 2 parts freelancer. An avid urban photographer, traveler, and streetwear lover. Geeky curator of all things awesome. Sustains on Vegemite, meat pies and lamingtons. Follow me on Twitter or Flickr.

Yi has written 69 awesome articles for us at Photoble

  • Photographer

    Well, actually HDR is not what you say “It’s basically an image with dark blacks and bright whites”. The thing you describe is just picture with high contrast, the same as you get in the end, but don’t confuse, this is really far from HDR …
    HDR is popular topic, but still not everyone can achieve it, so, this is bad example.
    good day =]

  • Photographer

    Well, actually HDR is not what you say “It’s basically an image with dark blacks and bright whites”. The thing you describe is just picture with high contrast, the same as you get in the end, but don’t confuse, this is really far from HDR …
    HDR is popular topic, but still not everyone can achieve it, so, this is bad example.
    good day =]

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    Thanks for your comment. I understand the limitations of this tutorial and of course, it’s not going to be as accurate in achieving a ‘true’ HDR effect. Nevertheless, I thought this is a fun tutorial that’s quick and easy to achieve a high contrast effect — I didn’t really aim to give an example of HDR photo at all.

    Apologies if you misinterpreted the tutorial.

    Cheers

    Yi

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    Thanks for your comment. I understand the limitations of this tutorial and of course, it’s not going to be as accurate in achieving a ‘true’ HDR effect. Nevertheless, I thought this is a fun tutorial that’s quick and easy to achieve a high contrast effect — I didn’t really aim to give an example of HDR photo at all.

    Apologies if you misinterpreted the tutorial.

    Cheers

    Yi

  • http://twitter.com/MartinsKrastins Martins Krastins

    Thanks for the simple idea! When not overused, it gave a life to some pictures I tried it on.

    P.S. To the “Photographer”: the topic doesn’t say it is a HDR, so it isn’t. No need to explain why it isn’t.

  • http://twitter.com/MartinsKrastins Martins Krastins

    Thanks for the simple idea! When not overused, it gave a life to some pictures I tried it on.

    P.S. To the “Photographer”: the topic doesn’t say it is a HDR, so it isn’t. No need to explain why it isn’t.

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    Thanks Martins, appreciate your feedback! We’re just getting started on our Photoble Flickr group, so feel free to showcase your works: http://www.flickr.com/groups/photoble

    🙂

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    Thanks Martins, appreciate your feedback! We’re just getting started on our Photoble Flickr group, so feel free to showcase your works: http://www.flickr.com/groups/photoble

    🙂

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  • 54

    This NOT what HDR is, not even close. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range – Not high contrast, You should get your facts right, before trying to teach people a technique, you know nothing about!

  • 54

    This NOT what HDR is, not even close. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range – Not high contrast, You should get your facts right, before trying to teach people a technique, you know nothing about!

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    It would be great if you have taken the time to read the previous comments before making this statement, where I’ve tried to comment on the limitations of this tutorial and how it’s not supposed to be a HDR tute.

  • http://www.twitter.com/yiiee Yi

    It would be great if you have taken the time to read the previous comments before making this statement, where I’ve tried to comment on the limitations of this tutorial and how it’s not supposed to be a HDR tute.

  • Podererz

     
    Thank you for the trick – i think it’s wery god that someone takes the time to make tutorial.
    And unlike some other tutorials, in this one you can se what is going on and everything is explained so you can figure it out.
    If some uses HDR as a Bible, go to that places and worship  it.
     

  • Podererz

     
    Thank you for the trick – i think it’s wery god that someone takes the time to make tutorial.
    And unlike some other tutorials, in this one you can se what is going on and everything is explained so you can figure it out.
    If some uses HDR as a Bible, go to that places and worship  it.
     

  • Teepee

    wow everybody…calm yourself. its a tutorial for people like…..me! who have never tried anything LIKE HDR before and just wanted a similar look. it does look similar. and at the very least it’s a neat look. CALM YOURSELVES. have some tea, take a poo, whatever you have to do to lower your blood pressure…

  • fotoclipping

    your tricks is very important for me to make a nice output…

  • Consternate

    If you are aware of the fact that this has nothing to do with HDR whatsoever then you might not want to sell it off as an HDR effect tutorial. Saying “It’s basically an image with dark blacks and bright whites.” is basically the opposite of what it is, why would you say that? You could avoid people “misinterpreting” (although there really isn’t any question of interpretation here) by just correcting the mistakes.

  • Phil

    Didn’t work well for my pic… 🙁

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