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Archive 2013 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Michael Marsh
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Here is a little barn around the corner from me. Tried to get all in focus with Zerene Stacker.

Mike

Aug 25, 2013 at 07:20 PM

stanparker
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Looks good. How many shots at what setting?

Aug 26, 2013 at 08:28 AM

Michael Marsh
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

This was only three shot, I had taken more more the stack, but in this case I only picked three. I think I had some issues with the wind that made choosing more a problem with the flowers blowing around and all. The shots were taken at f/8 and 1/200.

Aug 26, 2013 at 08:41 AM

ben egbert
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

My problem with stacking in windy conditions is that I tend to get multiple sharp features like tree branches or flowers superimposed on the final image. This image is too small to see such artifacts, but I wonder about some of your tree features at full size?

Aug 26, 2013 at 09:19 AM

Michael Marsh
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

The trees look good at full res, but there were issues with the grass. I think I had some of the problems you mention, and had to soften up the grass since it looked way too harsh after I stacked it. But it even looked harsher when I picked more than 3 images

Aug 26, 2013 at 09:50 AM

Justin Grimm
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

I’m not sure if you are looking for advice on stacking, or comments on the final result, but here are some general stacking tips.

When focus stacking with a composition like this, your biggest issues will show up around the flower edges. With the huge amount of distance between the flowers and trees, you will end up with big blurry silhouettes surrounding the closest subjects. This is simply caused by the out of focus flower bokeh spilling out into your in focus trees. I would try and avoid such large changes in distance when composing your shot, but if you cant avoid it you will need to clone in a lot of stuff around each hard foreground edge. This is even more pronounced in macro photography, so even the small distance between an insect's leg in front of it's body can be a HUGE pain to clean up. A smaller aperture will help reduce the amount of blurry edging, but may slow your shutter speed which can cause other problems. Fun fun fun

Ive never used Zerene, but the over sharpening may be caused by your output settings. You should be able to find a tutorial with some good general settings though.

Keep practicing, it’ll get easy pretty quick!

Aug 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM

Michael Marsh
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Justin Grimm wrote:
I’m not sure if you are looking for advice on stacking, or comments on the final result, but here are some general stacking tips.

When focus stacking with a composition like this, your biggest issues will show up around the flower edges. With the huge amount of distance between the flowers and trees, you will end up with big blurry silhouettes surrounding the closest subjects. This is simply caused by the out of focus flower bokeh spilling out into your in focus trees. I would try and avoid such large changes in distance when composing your shot, but if you...Show more →

Hi Justin,

Yes, and yes, I was certainly look for some input on stacking and comments on the final results. Thank you for your help. This shot was more an experiment than anything else. I am starting to get back into photography after a break and will hopefully be posting more images

As far as critiquing my stuff. I have always very much appreciated helpful input, even if the input was very harsh. I have a think skin and my feelings cannot be hurt. I would rather have one person tell me what is wrong with the shot then 10 folks tell me it is nice.

Mike

Aug 26, 2013 at 10:48 AM

ckcarr
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

I'm always hesitant to comment when the title refers to a piece of equipment or software, rather than the final image itself. Usually that implies that the poster is more concerned or focused on that gadgetry, rather than the crafting of a nice landscape and final result, which is what this forum is about. There are other forums here probably more appropriate to what you are searching for. Photo Critique, or Post Processing and Printing come to mind.

That said, as far as the image, I don't feel the focus stacking adds anything appreciable that shooting a single shot at f/13 or even f/16 to f/22 would have. It does look like a location that has potential, however the light is not exceptional, more a mid day photograph, with nothing happening in the sky. I suggest going back at dawn or dusk, whichever gives the best lighting and redo it.

Aug 26, 2013 at 11:02 AM

Matt Tilghman
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

As Craig said, it sure looks all in focus, but I can't be sure that f/16 or so wouldn't have accomplished the same thing... unless I guess the flowers were blowing around really fast.

Aug 26, 2013 at 11:14 AM

dswiger
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

I agree here that an f16 shot with hyper-focal focusing would have accomplished the same thing or nearly.
Since this has mixed gear/image content I will chime in.

Focus stacking has it's limitations. Wind is the obvious, so is seascape scenes with wave action.
The big surprise for me was what Justin mentioned when you have a large near/far distance in the scene and the bokeh effects.
I had a similar scene with close-in flowers & distant cliffs
The end result with a ton of editing was an un-intentional "Orton" effect.

I'll post a link so as not to steal the thread
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dswcamera/7367862134/

The Photoshop stacking tool was lacking in editing tools, which are needed.
Just like HDR tools/apps, there is no push-button-go for a masterpiece

Helicon Focus seems pretty good for editing tools.

I know that mags like Outdoor Photographer hype the idea that you don't need a T/S lens or a view camera for these focusing effects.
They are about half true.
Even tilt/movements have limitations with the plane of focus.

Dan

Aug 26, 2013 at 11:38 AM

Michael Marsh
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Thanks guys, i appreciate all your help

Mike

Aug 26, 2013 at 11:50 AM

dswiger
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

Michael,
In all the gear/tools talk, forgot to comment on the image!
Like others have mentioned, this venue has lots of potential.
I like the colors, the positioning of elements, but agree it would be better in early/late light.
I also like that you tried to get the max DOF with the tools you had.
Others take the scene, leaving either distracting OOF near or far objects without consideration.
If you can, revisit this spot and work it. Visualize how you want to look

Dan

Aug 26, 2013 at 12:03 PM

DonH
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Zerene Stacker first Attempt

With Zerene you might want to use DMAP. I found the alternative, PMax, to be way too contrasty for me.

If you have problems with the "big blurry silhouettes surrounding the closest subjects" that Justin mentioned try using its editing features - they are pretty effective.

Aug 26, 2013 at 12:06 PM


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