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Merged Images/composite
Jan 14, 2020 15:18:37   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
Shots from Lake Havasu City Balloon Fest 2020. It was a windy weekend, so balloons did not get up much. So catching some shots was a bit of a challenge. I decided to try some photo merge. Done with Photoshop Elements 2019.. Captures were with My EM10 mark iii Using the 14-150 and the 40-150 lenses.


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Jan 14, 2020 15:33:59   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
I like both compositions very much! In the first there is such a free feeling, flying high into the sky. The second is more about shapes, colors patterns - very engaging.

With #1 there is a little remnant of cut-out on the edge of the balloon on the left (top) you may wish to remedy. Also, the direction of light seems to be different with each, which is only important if you're trying for total realism

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Jan 14, 2020 16:06:50   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
I like both compositions very much! In the first there is such a free feeling, flying high into the sky. The second is more about shapes, colors patterns - very engaging.

With #1 there is a little remnant of cut-out on the edge of the balloon on the left (top) you may wish to remedy. Also, the direction of light seems to be different with each, which is only important if you're trying for total realism


THANKs good catch I will fix it. The original background shots were taken at two different times and two different locations. So that is why the lighting is different. I prolly was not as focused on real as I was composition. The first shot required two separate sessions on Elements cause it only lets you work with two images at a time. Actually the 3 balloon shot is using three separate images and two different lenses. Refining the selection some what tedious with Elements (at least with my current level of proficiency using merge). I have only done this before with fireworks which were much more forgiving. thank you again. thanks for the feedback. Enjoy your day :)

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Jan 14, 2020 16:13:39   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
frankie c wrote:
...The first shot required two separate sessions on Elements cause it only lets you work with two images at a time...
Were you using the Guided Edits module? With expert mode and layers, you can have dozens of pieces, each on a separate layer. One other notable difference is that you can re-arrange your composition (or delete/add) should you change your mind - been there, done that!

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Jan 14, 2020 16:16:32   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 

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Jan 14, 2020 16:35:32   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
Were you using the Guided Edits module? With expert mode and layers, you can have dozens of pieces, each on a separate layer. One other notable difference is that you can re-arrange your composition (or delete/add) should you change your mind - been there, done that!


I was using guided mode. I seems that Elements 2019 only lets you do merge in guided mode (unlike my previous version (I think it was 13). Then completed in expert mode. Are you saying there is a way to do this all in expert mode? I actually don't remember if when I switched to complete in expert mode if it kept the layers. I will have to back track this. I don't use merge often. For me it is more an act of desperation. It definitely has value. I switched from Photoshop to Elements after PS7 somewhat because of cost and it fitted my needs very well. thank you muchly :)

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Jan 14, 2020 16:47:47   #
Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas
 
I like what you are doing here. I shot some hot air balloons some time ago and I too couldn't get them together. I didn't have any Post Production skills at the time so all I had was one ballon in each shot.
I blew up you picture and did see a few areas that could use attention especially if you decide to make a larger print. I wish I could help you with the process but I only work in Photoshop CC using masks and layers.
If I have the opportunity to shoot balloons again I will remember what you did here and try something similar.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

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Jan 14, 2020 16:48:19   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
frankie c wrote:
... Are you saying there is a way to do this all in expert mode?
Oh my goodness, yes

Let's define our terms, though: I don't say "merge." For me it is "creating a composite." In expert mode, do a selection from one photo (such as a single balloon), give the copy command, then switch to your sky (background) and do the paste command.

Your selection is now on its own layer and can be re-sized or moved with the tool for that purpose.

If you repeat the steps with another balloon, when you do paste command, you have another layer with just balloon #2 on it.

If you wanted to stop now, you save as a PSD file. When you re-open to continue work, all your layers are still visible. You can flatten the layers and save as jpg, but as long as you have the storage space, also keeping a psd is a good plan.

I currently manage UHH's post processing forum. If you'd like to create a topic there and provide a few elements for demo, there are several folks (myself included) who would be happy to help you become more comfortable and familiar. Here we are:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-116-1.html

.

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Jan 14, 2020 17:09:56   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
Oh my goodness, yes

Let's define our terms, though: I don't say "merge." For me it is "creating a composite." In expert mode, do a selection from one photo (such as a single balloon), give the copy command, then switch to your sky (background) and do the paste command.

Your selection is now on its own layer and can be re-sized or moved with the tool for that purpose.

If you repeat the steps with another balloon, when you do paste command, you have another layer with just balloon #2 on it.

If you wanted to stop now, you save as a PSD file. When you re-open to continue work, all your layers are still visible. You can flatten the layers and save as jpg, but as long as you have the storage space, also keeping a psd is a good plan.

I currently manage UHH's post processing forum. If you'd like to create a topic there and provide a few elements for demo, there are several folks (myself included) who would be happy to help you become more comfortable and familiar. Here we are:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-116-1.html

.
Oh my goodness, yes img src="https://static.uglyh... (show quote)


omg :) I know how to do that... My enthusiasm to play with the new tools I forgot I could just do it the old way. A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. I will definitely check out your post process forum. I prolly gonna need some help with focus stacking soon. LOL I am so glad you are here and let a little light in. Bless You :)

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Jan 14, 2020 17:15:52   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
Jim-Pops wrote:
I like what you are doing here. I shot some hot air balloons some time ago and I too couldn't get them together. I didn't have any Post Production skills at the time so all I had was one ballon in each shot.
I blew up you picture and did see a few areas that could use attention especially if you decide to make a larger print. I wish I could help you with the process but I only work in Photoshop CC using masks and layers.
If I have the opportunity to shoot balloons again I will remember what you did here and try something similar.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I like what you are doing here. I shot some hot ai... (show quote)


Your welcome. thanks for looking. I have only done this before to enhance my fireworks pictures. Oh and I did do some with moon shots and blood moon to create a less boring presentation. I forgot bout those :(
thank you, good luck and happy shooting :)

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Jan 14, 2020 17:18:42   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
frankie c wrote:
omg :) I know how to do that...

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Jan 14, 2020 17:31:08   #
frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ
 
frankie c wrote:
Shots from Lake Havasu City Balloon Fest 2020. It was a windy weekend, so balloons did not get up much. So catching some shots was a bit of a challenge. I decided to try some photo merge. Done with Photoshop Elements 2019.. Captures were with My EM10 mark iii Using the 14-150 and the 40-150 lenses.


fixed version. hope I got it all :)


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