Help needed please

[Brian]

 I've been having a play in Photo Shop and tried stacking about 12 images and blending into one. I know this is not everyone's cup of tea, but I think the result is not too bad. All except for the bit where the bottom bud meets the stalk. It looks like the programme has got confused. I've tried all sorts of things to get the image that is in focus at that point, to replace the bit that isn't, but nothing seems to work. Does anyone out there have the answer, or suggestions.

[Black Pearl]

Download a trial version of Helicon Focus as that will do it automatically. If it doesn't then all the layers are active and whole (unlike PS) so you can easily tweak it.

Or

Try reloading one more image/layer which has the sharp area you need and use the bit of it to fill in.

[colinb]

You using a laptop or PC Brian? 12 images is quite a lot ? Is the programme just stalling?

[Brian]

Try reloading one more image/layer which has the sharp area you need and use the bit of it to fill in.

I did try this BP to no avail. I always ended up with that same spot out of focus. However, I do believe I've beaten it. See below.

 

You using a laptop or PC Brian? 12 images is quite a lot ? Is the programme just stalling?

I don't think so Colin. It's a PC with an i7 processor and 16 gig of RAM so it should be able to cope. The whole stack only takes about 15 seconds or so to merge. 

 

I was reading the web page of one bloke who stacks 80-100 images ok. with very nice results. 

 

However I couldn't let it rest there, so I re-visited the project this morning with much better results.

As this was only an experiment in stacking, I originally used a very wide aperture with a shallow depth of field, so I could get more shots in to the stack. What I think has happened is that while some parts of the image were nicely in focus, others were horrendously out of focus resulting in that flaring out effect that you get when the focus is so bad.  So that in the picture, the out of focus part at the front appeared bigger than it really was. Resulting in the image re-sizing and aligning getting confused. That's my theory. This morning I used an excessively small aperture, with much better result.

Thank you both for your interest.

[ChrisLumix]

I did try this BP to no avail. I always ended up with that same spot out of focus. However, I do believe I've beaten it. See below.

 

I don't think so Colin. It's a PC with an i7 processor and 16 gig of RAM so it should be able to cope. The whole stack only takes about 15 seconds or so to merge. 

 

I was reading the web page of one bloke who stacks 80-100 images ok. with very nice results. 

 

However I couldn't let it rest there, so I re-visited the project this morning with much better results.

As this was only an experiment in stacking, I originally used a very wide aperture with a shallow depth of field, so I could get more shots in to the stack. What I think has happened is that while some parts of the image were nicely in focus, others were horrendously out of focus resulting in that flaring out effect that you get when the focus is so bad.  So that in the picture, the out of focus part at the front appeared bigger than it really was. Resulting in the image re-sizing and aligning getting confused. That's my theory. This morning I used an excessively small aperture, with much better result.

Thank you both for your interest.

 

I like both shots, but of the two I prefer the first one. Except, as you point out, the bit that's wildly OOF. I'm not sure you understood what BP meant though? All you need to do is overlay one of your shots in Photoshop - the shot with that bit in focus - over the version you've posted. Then you could just use a soft eraser brush to remove everything except the edge of the bud where it meets the stem, and a small portion around it where there is currently blur. 

[FUJI]

Hi, Brian,

I have held back from advising you because my knowledge and use of stacking is rather limited, but, I did learn what I know from a known expert on a specialist forum.

My observations are...

1: you havent chosen the best subject as a stacking excersise.

2: the shot is quite dark.

3: the focus points arent well defined, so the software you used has struggled to cope with all those frames.

If I were you, I would put this example to one side, then start again with a more suitabke subject........I suggest, a small box, brooch or ornament, or, if you prefer a single flower head.

Dont use as many frames whilst learning to stack, that way you wont need to wait an age for the software to do its stuff.....I suggest between three and six to start with.

Use the software ....Alignment Mode....prior to stacking......use a tripod at first......then practice hand-held stscking, which is quite a challenge but rewarding.

When you get a stack right it is wonderful.....getting it wrong is very frustrating.

Cant wait to see more results.

FUJI

[Brian]

 Then you could just use a soft eraser brush to remove everything except the edge of the bud where it meets the stem, and a small portion around it where there is currently blur. 

Thanks Chris. Yes, I see what you and BP mean now. 

As a newbie, I don't always cotton on so quickly. I'll give it a try.

That was also my first foray with my new 100mm Macro lens and am delighted with the way it's picked out the fuzz of the stems and buds.

Hi, Brian,

I have held back from advising you because my knowledge and use of stacking is rather limited,

 

Thanks Fuji. I'll try all the points you suggest in your reply and your comments are most welcome. You may not be an expert (your words not mine) but your opinion is as valid as anyone else's and most importantly it shows you care.

[Black Pearl]

I regularly throw 100+ RAW files at my stacking software and its never faltered...I wouldn't say it was terribly happy but it just gets on with the job.

 

Sometimes when you have an issue like this its just easier to shoot the sequence again and run the new files.

 

Keep at it though, I'm interested in seeing the results and we all learn.

[Brian]

I regularly throw 100+ RAW files at my stacking software and its never faltered...I wouldn't say it was terribly happy but it just gets on with the job.

 

Sometimes when you have an issue like this its just easier to shoot the sequence again and run the new files.

 

Keep at it though, I'm interested in seeing the results and we all learn.

Thanks BP

I shoot in RAW with a smaller JPG as well. In my stack I used the JPGs. I'll try it with the RAW files and see if it makes any difference.