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Post by Peterj on Dec 2, 2016 22:10:09 GMT
I've been reading about image stacking to reduce noise created when using high ISO and focus stacking in macro photography. I used both On1 and PSE 15 to experiment.
The image stacking was successful and about as easy as one could ask for in either application. The concept is to use multiple exposures of the same subject preferably using a stable platform, then blending them together using layers. The randomness of the noise cancels out using these blending opacities from to to bottom 6 images: 3, 6, 12, 25, 50, 100%.
For the focus stacking I used gradients in On1 and eliminated the sections for each layer "slightly out of focus".
I used PhotoMerge group shot in PSE15 and added all the same images to the photo bin. PSE was quite a bit faster than the gradient method used in On1.
Are these 2 methods rendered a bit easier by adding Elements+ ? are there other benefits to be had?
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 2, 2016 22:27:43 GMT
For the focus stacking I used gradients in On1 and eliminated the sections for each layer "slightly out of focus". I used PhotoMerge group shot in PSE15 and added all the same images to the photo bin. PSE was quite a bit faster than the gradient method used in On1. Are these 2 methods rendered a bit easier by adding Elements+ ? are there other benefits to be had? I favor the Focus Stacking script in Elements+. IMHO, it is a notch about the other two methods you mentioned.
Focus Stacking (Check the video tutorial to see this script in action.)
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Post by Andrei Doubrovski on Dec 3, 2016 5:27:44 GMT
Peterj, The Focus Stacking in Elements+ works as follows: - you open all the source images in PSE - run "Focus Stacking" script A video tutorial: youtu.be/NgoUF1DA_T4This method uses the Photoshop-native "auto-align" and "auto-blend" features. It is not intended either for HDR merging or noise reduction. (For the noise reduction you may need "median smart object stacking mode" which is only available in full Photoshop.) |
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Post by BuckSkin on Dec 3, 2016 7:47:02 GMT
I was unaware that E+ had a focus stacking ability; I will have to investigate (I have E+ for E7; not yet got it for E12) Although it is highly praised by macro photographers and not so commonly used in landscape applications, I have been having success using CombineZP for focus stacking landscapes. I take three or four images, concentrating focus on objects at varying distances. alan-hadley.software.informer.com/The program is FREE and it is worth playing around with just to see how it makes a mirror-image border around the perimeter of the finished product (which it can be set to automatically crop away). By the way, Elements+ is a wonderful addition and I haven't even scratched the surface of all the many things it can do. |
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Post by Andrei Doubrovski on Dec 3, 2016 8:28:44 GMT
BuckSkin,
E+ "Focus Stacking" is available in PSE 8+
(I couldn't make it work in PSE 7)
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Post by Peterj on Dec 3, 2016 14:21:23 GMT
Thanks to all, based on Sepiana's reply I ordered and tried it out! The focus stacking script was certainly faster than using gradients in On1, and more hands off than Photo Merge group in PSE 15.
I have to explore all the plus options - I'm hoping there's a method to auto align layers.
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Post by Andrei Doubrovski on Dec 3, 2016 15:00:18 GMT
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 20, 2016 4:57:49 GMT
Thanks to all, based on Sepiana's reply I ordered and tried it out! The focus stacking script was certainly faster than using gradients in On1, and more hands off than Photo Merge group in PSE 15. You are most welcome! You won't regret your decision to get Elements+. It opens up so many possibilities for Elements users! |
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Post by Tpgettys on Dec 20, 2016 5:37:27 GMT
I have to explore all the plus options LOL! Good luck with that! I have been entirely bowled over by the breadth and depth of Elements+. It really does extend PSE profoundly, but the most uncommon aspect is the great support you get from its developer (as you have already witnessed in this thread). |
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Post by BuckSkin on Dec 20, 2016 7:11:56 GMT
What tpgettys said X 2
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