My father advised us to visit Muir Woods while in San Francisco, so we took his advice and were not disappointed! It is a beautiful redwood grove across the golden gate bridge. You can do a 2 mile, 3 mile or 4 mile walk through a pristine forest.
PROCESS:
1.Bracketing three exposures: -2; 0; +2
I took three photos at higher ISO (because I did not carry a tripod). One was normal exposure (0); another was overexposed (+2) and the third was underexposed (-2)
2. Photomatix HDR:
Then I blended all three together with Photomatix to get a combined better exposure. This is called HDR (High Dynamic Range) when you take the best exposure area from each image to mimick a superior range of exposure that is more similar to what the human eye can see.
3. Photoshop Edits:
I straightened out the perspective in Photoshop, then I toned down some of the HDR effect I thought was overdone. Finally I sharpened the image a bit.
Muir Woods - HDR Photomatix & Photoshop - Caryn Esplin
HDR blend of 3 images
-2 exposure
0 exposure
+2 exposure
Oh the memories of Muir Woods! There’s a bite that takes you through the woods and down to the ocean that is beautiful as well. I love that you posted this as a tutorial of how you did it! I’m always learning from your simple tips. This picture is beautiful. So sharp and vibrant. Love the soft sun through the trees. Reminds me of simpler times!
Thanks for the comment, Rebecca. Did you mean a bike path through the woods? Have you gone down to the ocean from here? Wow, that sounds awesome. Walking through these woods was a nice distraction from the city and a good after church stroll. Almost spiritual. Being engulfed by these giant redwoods. People were quiet and reverent so others could enjoy the serenity. Of course the signs asked you to be as still as possible. I thought that was so cool.
It’s actually a different path than the bike path through the woods. I suppose you could ride a mountain bike but it’s a very narrow hiking trail that is steep in some locations and takes you through the woods, into the meadows and down the mountain to the ocean. It’s about 5-6 miles I think. It’s so much fun and never very many people on it but so very reverent and quiet. Such a peaceful place!
Isn’t this an example of when you DO use Smart Camera technology so someone else can go see exactly which tree in Muir Woods you photographed? If you used it, how do I see it? Brad and I love Muir Woods and are so glad you went!
Hi M-L, Thanks for the comment. I am glad you know of Muir Woods. It is an amazing place! Are you talking about GPS locating of an image? If so, I do not have that, but I can add it. We can talk about it sometime to clarify. Thanks again!
Thanks Caryn – WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SETTING – definitely a spiritual experience – I can feel it through your photo. I would LOVE to go there if I’m down that way – might need to get some directions – and to think not far from the busy city!
As always THANK YOU for sharing your expertise and knowledge so freely. You’re the BEST.
Hi Roberta,
I always love hearing from you! It was an amazing place. So serene and reverent. Thanks for the comment.