Focus Stacking in Photoshop
Jun 19, 2016 17:13:29 #
I thought I'd need a special programme to focus stack but a quick look on the net showed I could use Ps.
This is a first attempt using a pal's 100mm macro lens (which he's been struggling with since buying, so easy to get too used to zooms!).
Quite pleased with the result - there are a couple of fuzzy areas but I realise now, I could have sorted that with the clipping masks provided (probably).
Do you have experience with focus stacking, and should I have done something different?
There are sixteen shots in this one.
This is a first attempt using a pal's 100mm macro lens (which he's been struggling with since buying, so easy to get too used to zooms!).
Quite pleased with the result - there are a couple of fuzzy areas but I realise now, I could have sorted that with the clipping masks provided (probably).
Do you have experience with focus stacking, and should I have done something different?
There are sixteen shots in this one.
Jun 19, 2016 18:00:49 #
No experience; just wanted to say I love your little grouping of pups 
Cool collection!
Cool collection!Jun 19, 2016 18:38:03 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
No experience; just wanted to say I love your little grouping of pups Cool collection!
Cool collection!Ah, they belong to the other Linda!
Jun 19, 2016 18:44:57 #
Jun 19, 2016 23:06:36 #
magnetoman wrote:
I thought I'd need a special programme to focus st... (show quote)
The only experience I have with the technique is with other (dedicated)program that I got off the net. I think it was free. I tried it once or twice; but I'm not yet really into macro photography so I stopped using the program. I did not know that you could do this in photo shop. Might renew my interest. Nice result.
Jun 20, 2016 02:43:52 #
ebrunner wrote:
The only experience I have with the technique is with other (dedicated)program that I got off the net. I think it was free. I tried it once or twice; but I'm not yet really into macro photography so I stopped using the program. I did not know that you could do this in photo shop. Might renew my interest. Nice result.
Whatever you need to know about Ps, I recommend checking out Aaron Nace's Phlearn site first. He has done so many free videos, and presents them in a straightforward and lighthearted way that's bound to encourage you to have a go. He usually adds a few out-takes at the end for a bit of amusement, and you get the feeling he really enjoys what he's doing. You can also find him on YouTube.
Jun 20, 2016 06:00:11 #
magnetoman wrote:
I thought I'd need a special programme to focus st... (show quote)
Looks pretty good to me... My close-up/macro stacks are all processed in PS too. It does a pretty decent job, and why buy specialized software when we already have a good tool to hand. I always figured I might try some of the others later, but don't do *that* much stacking. Actually, it's been quite a while - I may have trouble remembering how I did it!
Jun 20, 2016 07:31:31 #
Your group looks good. I have done many focus stacking projects and sometimes a bit disappointed in blur focus in areas. Don't usually see them till I get a 14" print. In your picture here I see blur area in the Cocker's left rear leg. I bet if you look at the series of shots you took you will find one that has the area much sharper in one of them. My suggestion is to add the picture with a layer then open just the area you need using a mask. I think you will be pleased with the results.
Jun 20, 2016 07:54:49 #
Bloke wrote:
Looks pretty good to me... My close-up/macro stacks are all processed in PS too. It does a pretty decent job, and why buy specialized software when we already have a good tool to hand. I always figured I might try some of the others later, but don't do *that* much stacking. Actually, it's been quite a while - I may have trouble remembering how I did it!
Agree with you bloke, unless of course somebody tells us of a programme that's definitely better than Ps.
I did the exercise twice, using exactly the same method, and Ps came up with two slightly different end results, both of which could have done with a tweak or two.
I also have trouble remembering all the tricks, unless it's something you do regularly us olduns are bound to forget! My solution is to keep a notebook dedicated to pp work and I print across the top of the page what I'm up to.
Jun 20, 2016 08:14:49 #
Jim-Pops wrote:
Your group looks good. I have done many focus stacking projects and sometimes a bit disappointed in blur focus in areas. Don't usually see them till I get a 14" print. In your picture here I see blur area in the Cocker's left rear leg. I bet if you look at the series of shots you took you will find one that has the area much sharper in one of them. My suggestion is to add the picture with a layer then open just the area you need using a mask. I think you will be pleased with the results.
Thanks for the suggestion Jim, it's certainly what Ps enables as you get a mask on each layer when it's done it's tricks - finding which one to adjust is not easy but your suggestion might be the best way. As I mentioned to Bloke, it's interesting that Ps came up with a different result second time around (and in fact, I preferred the first).
Jun 20, 2016 10:55:14 #
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