I wish the camera stack the pictures and produce the result directly in camera. With the powerful processors of nowadays I believe it could be a valid function. But to take 20 or more pictures , fill the memory card and then spend other time to compose the results in a separate software, it is not for me.
I own a GFX camera and I owned a 50 S ii and everyone said to me all you need to focus stack with a medium format camera. What a load of rubbish you do not need to focus stack very often at all. In fact I've taken 450 photos so far with my new camera and I had not had to focus stack once anywhere between F11 to F11 using the hyper focal method, Will give you excellent sharpness Wright throughout the image and just a tiny bit of fall off at the back but honestly that's how the human eye sees it anyway. We have to stop obsessing over having everything Pin sharp in images because the human eye does not see a scene like that. You cannot see those mountains that are 20 km away. Pin sharp with your eyes when you stand there anyway that's what binoculars are for. There are the odd occasion we focus stacking might be useful for safe flowers or macro Photography. Yep I can understand that but for general landscape Photography I don't think you need to focus stack very often at all.
Thanks for am interesting video. I used to use hyperfocal distance as it meant I didn't have to worry about focussing (used it for train photography). This was with film cameras, from a trusty Zenith B, to an Olympus 10. But they don't seem to put the relevant markings on zooms now, or even on my 108mm macro prime (currently a D750)
A good explanation of focus stacking. I normally don’t use this technique for my landscapes, but I’ll have to give it a try. What I’d like is the ability for a camera to automatically set a lens to the hyper focal focus for any given focus point. This way, all you need to do is set the aperture, select a focus point and you’re good to go. It should be a relatively easy function to include in software.
Thanks so much for the support, I'm glad you liked it. I used the viltrox 13mm f1.4 for the Astro shots. f2 iso 3200 13 seconds. I think the Aurora ones were iso1600
I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
As I don’t subscribe to the expensive Photoshop or Lightroom, I just focus one third of the way in the shot as you say and nearly everything is in focus. Why do we want everything absolutely in tack sharp focus anyway? I think a slight ‘softness’ of a layer in a photo actually creates a sense of ‘depth’ in the picture, which you also covered. But there is still this obsession on UA-cam about getting everything perfectly sharp, and I don’t understand it. Is it covert propaganda to get us to buy expensive cameras and lenses? I hope not, as photography today is not cheap, in spite of pixels being free the equipment has rocketed in price! I always buy used, not because I am a cheapskate, but why throw money away when you can get everything you really need used?
Depends on the photos utility. Is it for family memories or for art? Full focus images are great for family photos as they are meant to be shared and looked around at each single photo. Photography as art though often is a very creative process and sometimes very time predictive and time restrictive in instances when a shot may be missed, like predatory/prey, weather, or even sports. Im always of the belief that everything has a utility no matter how small.
Interesting, I usually take three shots and check later. I know, that’s not at all clever. I’ll definitely try your method. Can I now ask the obvious question? What do you think of the Auto Blend function in Photoshop?
Thanks Timothy, I've never got on that well with the auto blend feature, I've found the masks to be all over the place, it's then more difficult to fine tune. That might be just me though and i guess it will depend on the scene 👍👍
Really nice video mate! Looked like a lovely beach too! Learning about hyperfocal distance was a game changer for me because I'm not a fan of focussing stacking either. Mainly because i'm a Lightroom editor who barely uses Photoshop and I don't enjoy that post-processing workflow 😅
Hi Len, Yes, I always do it manually, I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
@@ian_worth Actually I use Affinity Photo, which has its own stacking mechanism. I'm not familiar with the specifics of the Adobe version, they maybe alike or different.
Great film and location Ian👍 I think the method you use and described for your focus stacking is very easy and very well described, it’s actually the same as what I do. I’d also agree we don’t always want total sharpness back to front as selective focus is a great way of focussing the viewers eye to the important parts of the scene, it also helps to add depth! Great to see you obviously still enjoying Wales and getting out regularly with the cameras👏😀👍
Hi Ian, great video !! I do not understand how you focus on each point on your lcd tapping just one time on each location. Every videos that i am looking show double tap or other methods ( zooming ) that seems more complicated to do. Can you explain the setting and how you do it so easily :-) ? thx
I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
Marvellous scenery Ian for your explanation of focus stacking which is great. Loved the overhead drone footage and the different perspective it gives, nice contrast of shapes, form, contrast and colour. I tried my cameras in built focus stacking and although it gets there it’s reliant on you getting the first shot closest to the camera and your explanation is way better especially using the 9mm and the markers.
Well I have thrown myself into Fujifilm. Bought X-T5 and 16mm and took some RAW images on a hike on Saturday. Printed one and very impressed. So now sold my Nikon equip. Focus stacking (and hyperfocal distance) and pano stitching are m 3 of my favourite styles but Photoshop part unsure until now. This vid is just what I needed. Thank you
Super useful video again Ian, many thanks, I must say you have a very good way of explaining some potentially complex concepts, in a very clear way making it easy for me to follow, thank you :-)
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I wish the camera stack the pictures and produce the result directly in camera. With the powerful processors of nowadays I believe it could be a valid function. But to take 20 or more pictures , fill the memory card and then spend other time to compose the results in a separate software, it is not for me.
I agree, it would be a welcome feature
Yes, I wish Fuji would have DOF scale on their primes! I mean, come on!!
Absolutely
I would love to see a depth of field scale on every lens 👍👍
I own a GFX camera and I owned a 50 S ii and everyone said to me all you need to focus stack with a medium format camera. What a load of rubbish you do not need to focus stack very often at all. In fact I've taken 450 photos so far with my new camera and I had not had to focus stack once anywhere between F11 to F11 using the hyper focal method, Will give you excellent sharpness Wright throughout the image and just a tiny bit of fall off at the back but honestly that's how the human eye sees it anyway. We have to stop obsessing over having everything Pin sharp in images because the human eye does not see a scene like that. You cannot see those mountains that are 20 km away. Pin sharp with your eyes when you stand there anyway that's what binoculars are for. There are the odd occasion we focus stacking might be useful for safe flowers or macro Photography. Yep I can understand that but for general landscape Photography I don't think you need to focus stack very often at all.
Thanks for am interesting video. I used to use hyperfocal distance as it meant I didn't have to worry about focussing (used it for train photography). This was with film cameras, from a trusty Zenith B, to an Olympus 10. But they don't seem to put the relevant markings on zooms now, or even on my 108mm macro prime (currently a D750)
Thanks buddy, i wish they would put DOF scales on every lens. I guess it costs more 👍👍
These days you’re lucky if you get a focus scale! It seems to be a mirror-less thing: neither my Canon RF 24-105 nor my Fuji apsc 18-135 have one.
A good explanation of focus stacking. I normally don’t use this technique for my landscapes, but I’ll have to give it a try. What I’d like is the ability for a camera to automatically set a lens to the hyper focal focus for any given focus point. This way, all you need to do is set the aperture, select a focus point and you’re good to go. It should be a relatively easy function to include in software.
I never thought about that, but it would be such an awesome feature. Great idea 👍
Hello I recieved my Zine, absolutely great captures, especially love 'lost in fog' thank you! What lens did you use for the milky way capture?
Thanks so much for the support, I'm glad you liked it. I used the viltrox 13mm f1.4 for the Astro shots. f2 iso 3200 13 seconds. I think the Aurora ones were iso1600
So helpful, thank you. Please explain why after doing the alignment in PS you don’t just use the auto blend next to merge the two images? Thank you.
I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
Excellent video on focus stacking for landscape photography Ian, thanks. Do you ever use Heliconfocus for your focus stacking instead of PS?
I've never tried it, but wouldn't mind giving it a try 👍
As I don’t subscribe to the expensive Photoshop or Lightroom, I just focus one third of the way in the shot as you say and nearly everything is in focus. Why do we want everything absolutely in tack sharp focus anyway? I think a slight ‘softness’ of a layer in a photo actually creates a sense of ‘depth’ in the picture, which you also covered. But there is still this obsession on UA-cam about getting everything perfectly sharp, and I don’t understand it. Is it covert propaganda to get us to buy expensive cameras and lenses? I hope not, as photography today is not cheap, in spite of pixels being free the equipment has rocketed in price! I always buy used, not because I am a cheapskate, but why throw money away when you can get everything you really need used?
Depends on the photos utility. Is it for family memories or for art? Full focus images are great for family photos as they are meant to be shared and looked around at each single photo. Photography as art though often is a very creative process and sometimes very time predictive and time restrictive in instances when a shot may be missed, like predatory/prey, weather, or even sports. Im always of the belief that everything has a utility no matter how small.
Interesting, I usually take three shots and check later. I know, that’s not at all clever. I’ll definitely try your method.
Can I now ask the obvious question? What do you think of the Auto Blend function in Photoshop?
Thanks Timothy, I've never got on that well with the auto blend feature, I've found the masks to be all over the place, it's then more difficult to fine tune. That might be just me though and i guess it will depend on the scene 👍👍
Thanks Ian for some very useful advice. I assume using APSC or MFT will give a bit extra DOF as well?
Really nice video mate! Looked like a lovely beach too! Learning about hyperfocal distance was a game changer for me because I'm not a fan of focussing stacking either. Mainly because i'm a Lightroom editor who barely uses Photoshop and I don't enjoy that post-processing workflow 😅
Thanks Chris, Yeah its definitely a great technique 👍👍
Really good episode. I learned a lot, particularly about the editing process in LR and PS. Many thanks Ian.
Glad it was helpful! 👍👍
One of the best channels on YT for photography in general, but particularly the photography I like to do. Great stuff.
Wow, thanks! 👍😊
good
good
good
Nice clear explanation. When you do stack is it always done manually or do you use Photoshop's built-in focus stacking?
Hi Len,
Yes, I always do it manually, I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
@@ian_worth Actually I use Affinity Photo, which has its own stacking mechanism. I'm not familiar with the specifics of the Adobe version, they maybe alike or different.
Great film and location Ian👍 I think the method you use and described for your focus stacking is very easy and very well described, it’s actually the same as what I do. I’d also agree we don’t always want total sharpness back to front as selective focus is a great way of focussing the viewers eye to the important parts of the scene, it also helps to add depth! Great to see you obviously still enjoying Wales and getting out regularly with the cameras👏😀👍
Glad you enjoyed it, yes still loving Wales 😁👍👍
Hi Ian, great video !! I do not understand how you focus on each point on your lcd tapping just one time on each location. Every videos that i am looking show double tap or other methods ( zooming ) that seems more complicated to do. Can you explain the setting and how you do it so easily :-) ? thx
Ian, I am not sure any one mentioned before but, any particular reason why you did not use the blend function in photoshop? Thank you.
I've had very mixed results with the auto blend feature. I've found the masks are often all over the place and difficult to correct. I think its easier to do it manually, but maybe that's just me. 👍
@@ian_worth thank you
A very interesting video. I will watch again later.
Thank you very much 😊🙏👍
Zine arrived. Nicely done and enjoyable coffee table item 👍
Thank you so much, I'm glad it arrived safely😊🙏🙏
Marvellous scenery Ian for your explanation of focus stacking which is great. Loved the overhead drone footage and the different perspective it gives, nice contrast of shapes, form, contrast and colour. I tried my cameras in built focus stacking and although it gets there it’s reliant on you getting the first shot closest to the camera and your explanation is way better especially using the 9mm and the markers.
Well I have thrown myself into Fujifilm. Bought X-T5 and 16mm and took some RAW images on a hike on Saturday. Printed one and very impressed. So now sold my Nikon equip. Focus stacking (and hyperfocal distance) and pano stitching are m 3 of my favourite styles but Photoshop part unsure until now. This vid is just what I needed. Thank you
Hope you enjoy your new camera James 👍
Super useful video again Ian, many thanks, I must say you have a very good way of explaining some potentially complex concepts, in a very clear way making it easy for me to follow, thank you :-)
Glad it was helpful! 👍👍
Great video Ian. Love our channel! Why don't you auto blend after auto align?
Thank you, I've never got on that well with the Auto blend feature, it would be interesting to know how others find it. Comment below 👍👍