How to create a fake HDR using Photoshop

The fake in my fake HDR is the fact that I didn't use 3 or more images. The fake consists of me showing you how to make an HDR with just 1 image. 

The way to do this is to use Apply image

1. Start with opening an image in Photoshop.
   
   
   
2. Make 2 new layers and rename them to Shadows and Highlights
   
3. Fill the Shadows layer with white and the Highlights layer with black
   
4. Add a layer mask to both layers
   
5. Make both layers inactive and select the layer mask of the Shadows
   
6. Go to Image > Apply Image and use the setting of the picture underneath. Make sure you've checked Invert
   
   
   
7. Make the layer active and set the Blending mode on Soft light
   
8. Now select the layer mask of the Highlight layer and choose Image > Apply image
   
   NB: Now make sure Invert is not checked.
   
   
9. Make the layer active and set his blending mode to Soft light. With the opactity of a layer you can make the effect of the layer less strong. 
   

Voila, this is the end result. It's not a proper HDR image, but with the techniques I explained in this post you can manipulate the shadows and highlights to create this ' Fake HDR effect'. 

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