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photo stacking
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Jan 20, 2021 17:47:35   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Like Gene, I use Ps for stacking. Unlike Gene, I use Ps exclusively as I find the results quite superb.
--Bob
SpikeW wrote:
I am interested in focus stacking mostly for landscapes and flowers etc.
I know I can go to Lightroom and photoshop as I have used Lightroom before and photoshop can do the stacking and much more. Then there is Helicon focus as another option. I have luminar 4 on my computer now so I have an editing system. Now I would like to have opinions as the best way to go for someone who is not really a computer literate person and I still have a film mentality so I don't do large volume shooting projects.I thank you all beforehand.
I am interested in focus stacking mostly for land... (show quote)

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Jan 21, 2021 14:29:18   #
Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA
 
Strodav wrote:
I am happy with the workflow of importing all the images into Lightroom, with the whole group do any initial color / exposure editing, sharpening, ... , select them all then edit in PS. There are a bunch of Youtube tutorials about how to do it step by step.

For landscapes / seascapes / cityscapes, I usually take 3 shots, focus close, focus mid, focus far then combine. For flowers and most bugs, usually about 30. The caterpillar below was 30.



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Jan 21, 2021 14:29:59   #
Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA
 
Cany143 wrote:
I do a lot of focus stacking, the majority of which is ostensibly 'landscape' sorts of images, but also relatively close-up (but not truly macro) images as well. Many of my images are shot hand-held --recognizing at the same time that tripod mounted shots will be easier to deal with in post, but for me, tripod mounted shots are not always practical-- so I've developed a shooting 'technique' that allows me to make from 3 to 5 exposures (about all that's usually needed for landscape stuff) that include my choice of either manually re-focused or A/F 'spot' re-focused exposures with little appreciable camera movement between shots. Back home, my workflow begins by importing the raw exposures into Lr, potentially making some slight adjustments to the first of a stack, applying those adjustments to the remainder of the exposures, then each are sent as layers to Ps where they're stacked, aligned, and blended. Its not uncommon for me to variously modify, clone, or eliminate portions of individual layers prior to blending, and its similarly not uncommon for me to need to go in and do some 'repair' work in areas that did not 'blend' perfectly. After that, the image is 'returned' to Lr where other adjustments will likely be made. Actually, it sounds a lot more complicated than it is in practice, and it probably took me longer to write this than the 'repairs' would take to actually do.

I downloaded and used evaluation versions of two of the other well known stacking softwares, but found neither to be significantly better than the softwares I already have and am more than comfortable in using (the current subscription versions of Lr and Ps), so I saw no advantage in spending money for something I really didn't need.

That's me, though, and its not you. I am relatively well versed in computer use, so I suspect your goals more depend on what you're willing or able to learn. However far you hope or intend to go, though, DO NOT expect to find a 'one-click' solution to perfect focus stacking.
I do a lot of focus stacking, the majority of whic... (show quote)


Some stacks are macro in scale, too!

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