Structure vs. Contrast
RAW images often start out looking flat with very little contrast, and the most common adjustment is to boost contrast. However, increasing contrast comes with some drawbacks:
Loss of detail in highlights and shadows
Reduced color accuracy
A better solution is to enhance the image using HDR structure. Unlike contrast, structure emphasizes pixel definition, improves textures, and helps recover fine detail that is often lost when contrast is adjusted. Even with a single exposure, this approach can make a noticeable difference in clarity and depth.
Step 1: Create a Single-Exposure Tonal HDR with High Structure
Begin with your RAW file and generate a tonal HDR image that emphasizes structure and micro-contrast.
I typically use HDR Efex Pro or Lightroom for this step, but alternatives like Photomatix or Photoshop (CS5 and later) work just as well.
Export the RAW file into HDR Efex Pro.
Adjust tone compression to -100.
Set saturation to -100, which will temporarily convert the image to black and white.
Next, adjust the structure to 100 and set the HDR method strength to around 50%. Choose an HDR method that produces a crisp, detailed, high-contrast effect. Once satisfied, save the result.
Examples
Tokina 11-16 (11mm, ISO400, 1/25s at f10, hand held, no flash)
I’m unhappy with this image. The glow effect gives a nice ambience but also loses detail in the foreground trees. We will regain this detail without compromising colour and ambience.
This is the HDR tonal map, created using the process described above. We can use the texture information in the map to add detail into the colour image.
Here’s the merged image. I’ve used a layer mask to add detail only to specific areas (the foreground subjects).\
Conclusion
HDR images can be mixed with the original image to produce effects that are not easily achieveable by other means. We saw how structure/micro contrast processing can be used to enhance texture and add detail to a heavily processed image.
For many photographers, HDR images are not a preferred option for the final piece, but HDR can be used in post-processing for intermediate stages (e.g. opening up shadows, adding texture, softening highlight burnouts, etc).