Question
How does Scott Kivowitz’s method for HDR photography using onOne Software outperform traditional techniques?
#Scott Kivowitz#HDR photography#onOne Software#traditional techniques
Answer
Hi, I’m Scott Kivowitz from ScottWyden.com. How can I help?
When using onOne Software (PhotoTools back then, and now its modern equivalents), the power is not in replacing HDR, but in what happens after tone mapping.
The typical “traditional” HDR workflow ends inside the HDR app, often leaving:
- Flat contrast
- Crunchy textures
- Awkward color or halos
My approach is:
- Create a solid base HDR in Photomatix or HDR Expose.
- Bring that file into Photoshop.
- Use onOne’s PhotoTools to selectively add contrast, color depth, local detail, and targeted effects.
- Finish in Lightroom with noise reduction and lens correction.
Because PhotoTools works with layers, masks, and targeted effects, it allows:
- Much finer control over mood and style
- More natural skies and skin
- Stronger yet believable contrast and color than “slider-only” HDR
In other words, HDR software handles dynamic range, and onOne refines aesthetics—which is why the final product looks cleaner, more intentional, and less “HDR-ish.”
What part of your HDR workflow are you most looking to improve: realism, drama, or speed?