I guess I am the only one that it bothers. Thanks for trying. I am going to research going into NIK from PSE. Maybe I can do it all in one pass. I believe each action creates a new layer in PSE. Maybe I'll only get one file.

You are probably correct. My poor old addled mind simply does not handle decisions well anymore. Couple that with a healthy case of paranoia about throwing out the incorrect file, well you know.

Or not. lol

If I use LR when done I have 4 large tiff files. Each one builds on the last.

I have to go back and delete 3 of them. Just trying to avoid that process.

I'll figure something out. Thanks.

I guess I must not be explaining my question clearly. Sorry.

I can start NIK from LR just fine. It is just that after each operation NIK sends back a NEW file. So if I use three of the modules here is what I end up with in the LR Directory.

1> Original LR tiff file
2> After 1st operation - New tiff file with "edit" appended
3> After 2nd operation - New tiff file with "edit" appended
4> After 3rd operation - New tiff file with "edit" appended

The final result is "Original File Name - Edit - Edit - Edit" and now I have four very large files which requires me to delete.

I was wondering if this clutter could be reduced. Maybe it would work better using PSE and having each adjustment become a layer which is not what LR does.

I hope I have explained myself more clearly. Thanks for your help.

Unfortunately I am limited to LR and PSE. I do not think PSE has smart objects/filters. Even so it might work better using PSE as the host. I'll have to look at that.

I recently d/l the NIK Software and have been trying it out. I realize that NIK only works with tiff files so when I move out of LR or PSE to a NIK module the host program creates and sends a tiff format file.

When I have completed my editing a new revised tiff file is returned to the host software.

So when I use another module I select the tiff file that was returned to the host program so that I can apply the new changes on top of the last ones.

But when NIK returns the newly revised revision it does not return the first file but creates a second file. As a result, if I use three different modules on one file I end up with the original tiff plus three revised tiffs. Each one builds on the last.

Is there a way to just get NIK to return the original revised file so that I do not end up with so darn many huge tiff files? It is a real PITA to have to go into LR are delete the interim files.

That's fantastic. I hope I'm still going at 88 and what a bonus to be able to enjoy photography too. Not only that but many our age failed to grasp the computer and the electronic age.

Good for you. Thanks for posting.

I believe that some do but mine does not. Probably would have kept me out of this predicament. lol

I am pretty sure that I tilted the tripod to place my center focus point on the truck logo using BBF and AI Focus. Then I resettled the tripod to center the image. I would have released the BBF before I moved the tripod back into position.

I am not sure if this would have caused the camera to refocus at that point.

I really appreciate all of the responses but it is beginning to get too much for me to sort out. Hell to get old. lol

Several things have been mentioned that I will try next time.

No need to get testy. I am not blaming anything on the equipment. I have offered it as a possibility along with my own personal frailties and short comings. The purpose pf my post is to consider all options. Unfortunately, I cannot go back and reshoot so I am trying to visit all possible solutions for the next time. They have another station with four more engines. lol

True enough. Just the same, as mentioned on an earlier response, I wanted exactly the same image with each engine. I was probably too picky about it but that was my thought.

My guess is that this is part of the problem. I would also guess that a 50mm prime at almost any cost point will focus more sharply that the kit zoom.

OK. I use BBF and AI Servo.

Trying to understand exactly what you are saying.

I did pre focus with the center focus point and then readjust the scene to suit me.

With BBF and AI Servo I thought that the focus point would remain on the logo on the door where I aimed it. Is this wrong?

Thanks for your help. I thought my old 35mm Pentax was complicated bet these new DSLRs have so darn many choices. Good when your young, fast and agile. Not so much when you are a senior citizen with failing eyesight and slower thought processes. LOL

When speaking of a "hood" I meant a hood that covers the viewing screen at the back of the camera which is often overwhelmed by bright sunlight making it nearly useless. I believe you may be thinking about a lens hood which I had.

Hyperfocal may be the solution but unfortunately my lens is an el cheapo kit lens zoom which does not have range information on the focusing ring.

Thanks for your input. There is a lot of good info here.

I think I posted this earlier. Canon T3i, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.

Settings: 30mm, f/11, 1/160/sec.