The popularity of HDR has inspired a lot of software development, making it one of the more competitive categories for special-effects apps. HDR Express, the newest offering from Unified Color, is one of the easiest-to-use solutions we’ve seen yet.
The simple, clean interface reduces the steps involved to really streamline the process. HDR Express can merge multiple exposures shot at different EVs into one new HDR image, or you can apply the effects to a single exposure.
HDR Express can be installed as a standalone app or as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture. List Price: $99. Contact: Unified Color, www.unifiedcolor.com
MERGE TO HDR
HDR Express can automatically import multiple bracketed exposures of a scene, align them and merge them to create your new base image file. Three options, designed for different types of subjects, are available for reducing “ghosting” artifacts that can result from subject movement between exposures.
TONE MAPPING
When you start working with a new image, the first step is to pick a tone-mapping preset. Five presets are built in to get you started quickly. You can always adjust the brightness, highlights and shadows after.
