Creating an Edgy Look with HDR Toning in Photoshop

Learn how to use high-dynamic-range (HDR) toning to add an edgy look to a black-and-white photo.

Welcome to another hands-on Black-and-White Project. In this course, photographer and teacher Chris Orwig shows how to use HDR toning to craft a distinct look, starting with a raw black-and-white photograph. First, he shows how to perform basic adjustments in Camera Raw, and then moves into the HDR Toning controls in Photoshop. There he'll use sharpening, masking, and Curves to refine the portrait and blend the HDR layer back into the original image. And to prove HDR is not just a great look for portraits, Chris introduces several mini projects that show how to integrate the HDR toning effect into different photographs, such as landscapes and vintage-inspired pics.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Basic Adjustments with Camera Raw

• Basic tone adjustments
• Improving details

2. Adding Some Magic with Photoshop

• Duplicating the image and applying HDR toning
• Combining images together with Soft Light blending
• Apply high-pass sharpening
• Masking in the high-pass sharpening
• Retouching away distractions on the face and shirt
• Painting in darkness with curves and masking
• Final project review and cropping

3. Black-and-White HDR Toning Mini Projects

• Adding a subtle snap to a portrait
• Combining HDR and noise for a motorcycle man
• Creating a gritty look for an old sailor
• Using HDR and color to create a vintage surf photo
• Improving a landscape photograph

Conclusion

• Next steps