Layers and layering.

[retro]

I have some pictures that I have taken with exposure compensation on my 20D. That means that I end up with 3 photos, over exposed, underexposed and as exposed. Is there a tutorial on how to mix the three into one picture. I have also wondered how to do this to lay a subject taken at say 1/250, over a long exposure (25sec) background....with the shots taken one after another on a tripod to avoid any movement in the fixed parts of the photo to create this (two seperate photo) effect afterwards. Thanks for your time!

Robert

[cricket]

I like to combine layers to adjust exposures.

One way is to combine a layer duplicate with the original and change the top layer mode to screen, to lighten, and you can change the layer opacity for less brightness. Also, you can use Multiply to darken a bright image.

The key, for me, is to not always do this globally, but using layer masks; pick and choose dark areas to lighten, and light areas to darken.

One huge advantage to this method is that it is non-destructive to the file, where levels and some other methods are.

I think if you want to use parts of all 3 bracketed images, layer masks are the way to go. You may not even need to change the layer modes!

Do play, and post your results!

I hope this helps!

[retro]

That was very helpful. I've got a full schedule tonight, but I am going to try messing with PS tomorrow and will post some results as soon as they are worthy.

PS. Cricket, if you ever need someone to watch your dreamlist of equipment I'd be happy to volunteer!

Robert

[DaveG]

I have some pictures that I have taken with exposure compensation on my 20D. That means that I end up with 3 photos, over exposed, underexposed and as exposed. Is there a tutorial on how to mix the three into one picture. I have also wondered how to do this to lay a subject taken at say 1/250, over a long exposure (25sec) background....with the shots taken one after another on a tripod to avoid any movement in the fixed parts of the photo to create this (two seperate photo) effect afterwards. Thanks for your time!

Robert

There's a new way of combining shots like this with PS CS2 and a free program from Dr, Brown.http://photoshopnews.com/2005/05/02/dr-brown-new-scripts/

What he is suggesting is using the new Smart Objects. That image in each Layer is just a representation of the image, not the real thing, so you can go back into Camera RAW and re-adjust the image over and over again. If you go to that site above watch the movie on Dr. Brown's Place-a-matic, and all will be explained.

The other and very new CS PS2 use of Smart Objects is to use merge to High Dynamic Range and there's a very good tutorial at http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/hdr.shtml

After all the new-toy excitement of PS CS2's Bridge and Vanishing Point recedes I wonder if these Smart Objects will become regarded as the real revolution in this edition of Photoshop.

[retro]

There's a new way of combining shots like this with PS CS2 and a free program from Dr, Brown.http://photoshopnews.com/2005/05/02/dr-brown-new-scripts/

What he is suggesting is using the new Smart Objects. That image in each Layer is just a representation of the image, not the real thing, so you can go back into Camera RAW and re-adjust the image over and over again. If you go to that site above watch the movie on Dr. Brown's Place-a-matic, and all will be explained.

The other and very new CS PS2 use of Smart Objects is to use merge to High Dynamic Range and there's a very good tutorial at http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/hdr.shtml

After all the new-toy excitement of PS CS2's Bridge and Vanishing Point recedes I wonder if these Smart Objects will become regarded as the real revolution in this edition of Photoshop.

Wow. Thanks for the great links. Very helpful!

[Jesper]

If you don't have CS2, look at this one:
Understanding Digital Blending (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/digital-blending.shtml)

[chtgrubbs]

Here's another method of blending, available in video or PDF form:
http://www.thelightsright.com/DigitalDarkroom/Tutorials.htm