DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

I finally got my Epson 1200U scanner working.. first time in 5 or 6 year.. Thanks to you who gave me the tip on Vuescan Software.. Just took a while for me to get off my hands and do the job. Thanks again. Now, I want to look unto the software for HDR and focus stacking photography that was mentioned.. Lost all that info... Thanks in advance.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

What pp software do you have now.

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

Faststone image viewer

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Faststone is severely limited for your applications with minimal editing capabilites. You need a program that will allow you to open the individual images in the stacked sequence in seperate layers so you can collapse into a final product.

For HDR, look at Photomatix Pro. Just don't overcook as part of the HDR process.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Free or Affordable Focus Stacking Software?
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4100854

There many free hdr an stack software an lots of tutorials online

https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-verizon&ei=nbmMWuCAHJiujwPN5onIBg&q=free+hdr+software&oq=free+hdr+software&gs_l=mobile-gws-serp.12..0i20i263k1l2j0j0i7i30k1l2.2867.14412.0.16908.18.18.0.0.0.0.447.5139.2-5j10j1.16.0....0...1c.1j4.64.mobile-gws-serp..6.12.3979...35i39k1j0i8i7i30k1j0i13k1.229.WxdfhKvlEq4

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

The focus stacking feature in Affinity Photo works well and and is very easy to use.

ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

You could also try focus stacking in Photo Shop. Its not as versatile, but it works and its not going to cost anything. I have used Helicon, but let it expire as I don't focus stack much, plus, I was paying for something I didn't use. With the limited amount I use it, Photo Shop suits me fine. Give it a try.

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

For HDR, I've been using Photomatix for years. I've gone from absolute novice to full blown clown grunge to now using it to help set light levels in highlights and shadows. It works wonders on 'fake' HDR, that is one RAW image. The are a few updates a year, all free. I did have to pay an upgrade fee when it changed a major version level a few years ago. They've come a long way. I am also a fan of the free version of NIK for high contrast effects when full HDR is not required.
For Focus Stacking, I use Helicon. There is a cost involved. There is a trial period available, without watermark when I tried it. I did comparisons against PS. As mentioned previously and correctly, PS doesn't cost more and the process isn't very versatile. Helicon Focus is fast, for me, and it has three configurable processes. I usually try all three and choose the best result. I also use Helicon Remote as a front end on a tablet when working with focus stacking. I've has this set up for four years and so far no extra $$$s for upgrades.