Need help on Focus Stack

Seeking help on processing this image. I am a bit new to PS and more advanced techniques. I am ok with simple things on single images like adjusting white balance, lifting shadows, adjusting highlights etc. This is my first attempt at focus stacking and using layers.

This image was shot with 4 different focus points.

I imported all images in to photshop, auto aligned, then autostacked. I have not flattened the image (which I need to figure how to do as well). The biggest issue right now is the sky, specifically the clouds.

I am not sure how to deal with layers and brushing a single layer, IE the sky for example.


I would like to use one of the images sky so I don't have the ghosting in the clouds. Can someone help point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance!

FYI, the attached image does not look anywhere near as sharp as it does in PS.

You will need to add layer masks to two of the layers so that you can hide the sky from those layers. I would pick the layer that has the focus at the longest distance to be the one showing the sky. Looking at the image I would think that if you make a new mask and paste the original in it should then allow you to get a reasonable separation of ground from sky using the threshold tool. I would also look at what you get from each of the R, G, and B channels in terms of contrast between sky and ground, as well as from using the full RGB option.

I would also first look at the masks that your focus stacking software has created, since eventually you will need to combine the sky mask you create with the rest of the masks created for the focus stacking software. Given that you are focus stacking I would think that you would not need to be super accurate with bringing the edges of the mask to meet the edges between the sky and the ground.
Alan

BigAl007 wrote in post #18619857
Given that you are focus stacking I would think that you would not need to be super accurate with bringing the edges of the mask to meet the edges between the sky and the ground.
Alan

Right. Your shot focused on the trees should be good enough for the clouds and infinity (especially as the horizon is a little hazy anyway), in which case just use that layer for the clouds and remove the other layers. Use a white brush on the mask and paint the sky. I would not think you would need to be precise for this image.