How to Focus Stack in Photoshop // Tutorial

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  • @johndoddato2662
    @johndoddato2662 3 роки тому +6

    Nick,
    You are gifted teacher who can present information in a clear and concise way for people to learn easily. I miss your tutorials and hope all is well. John

  • @jimwlouavl
    @jimwlouavl 3 роки тому +1

    This is by far the best, most comprehensive, and simplest tutorial of the countless focus stacking videos out there. Bless you.

  • @soapboxr
    @soapboxr 15 днів тому

    This should be the model for all tutorials. Thank you, Nick!

    • @NickPage
      @NickPage  14 днів тому +1

      You are very welcome. I am glad you found the tutorial helpful!

  • @ericvaughan11
    @ericvaughan11 3 роки тому +5

    Great tutorial Nick, thanks. For anyone that is a Canon R5 or R6 owner use the Focus stacking tool, works amazing. It shoots the images so quickly you can focus stack and hand hold at same time. Doesn't seem to matter what settings you use either, camera just knows how many to take and where to focus for each image. Never seen it work so well on any camera until now.

    • @SuperPaul4200
      @SuperPaul4200 10 місяців тому

      Yes, Canon cameras focus stack very well. Too bad the Canon cameras don't do the final process in camera!

  • @_FiDeLCAsTrO_
    @_FiDeLCAsTrO_ 2 роки тому +1

    Bro, english is not my first language and you speak so easy to understand. I loved this tutorial, you ROCK!

  • @JoshBrett-cx1tg
    @JoshBrett-cx1tg 10 місяців тому

    As a young, emerging photographer I always wanted to learn how to focus stack my images, but was always overwhelmed with the thought of it being to complex.. today I eventually ventured into it and found your video. What a gem!
    Clear, concise, helpful … thank you so much! That one small thing has made such a change to my image making already ! 🙌
    I’ve subbed 📸 thank again!!

  • @robertstonephoto
    @robertstonephoto 3 роки тому +17

    When a stack shows obvious focus breathing after the Auto-Align step, and you have Content Aware Fill checked, PS will be filling in the edges from a different, and likely out-of-focus, frame. It pays to closely inspect the edges of the final stack for sharpness, and crop as needed. In many cases, if you select the one frame showing the most breathing (with the widest empty border), and the visibility of the other frames in the stack off, the Image, Trim menu will eliminate this edge problem and give you the exact crop.

    • @lancebryson9013
      @lancebryson9013 3 роки тому +1

      I always encounter blurry edges around the photo after focus stacking with PS. Do you simply just crop it out or are you explaining a method to eliminate it instead? (Also, if I were to just crop a little on each side will this affect m 35mm (full frame) aspect ratio when it comes to printing?)

    • @robertstonephoto
      @robertstonephoto 3 роки тому +1

      @@lancebryson9013 In PS, I usually have only the bottom layer with visibility turned on (the eye icon on the layer). This will cause a white area around the image to show if focus breathing happens. (But for some lenses, focus breathing is reversed, so just the top layer made visible.) The TRIM command affects the whole stack so removes the edge blur. (And by-the-way, the Helicon Focus software does this automatically.) If you just want to use the crop tool to remove the edge blur, and also maintain the correct aspect ration, simply set the crop tool preset according to your image format.

    • @corrinas.4327
      @corrinas.4327 2 роки тому

      66feet a

  • @shrisamsung
    @shrisamsung День тому

    Thanks a lot Nick! You simplified the the process "Focus Stacking"!!

  • @randymelton6096
    @randymelton6096 Рік тому +1

    Hi Nick, as always, very concise and to the point tutorial. I typically try not to be one of those people that tries to teach others in the comments, however, in this case I think it would have been helpful to add a short segment on how to manually focus stack images if Photoshop doesn't do a "perfect" job. I'd say probably 95% of the time Photoshop nails it and the image comes out perfect. However, that 5% of the time it does weird stuff to the image and it doesn't look right so you have to go in and manually focus stack the images.

  • @SuperPaul4200
    @SuperPaul4200 10 місяців тому

    Hi Nick: I just discovered your teaching videos on photo stacking. Thanks for making it clear and understandable for us Photoshop newbies. I have listened to hundreds of UA-cam videos and your's is one of the best.

  • @mikepavelich9572
    @mikepavelich9572 3 роки тому +1

    First time i tried to focus stack was today...got lost watching other videos and yours nailed it! I appreciate the help! Great photos by the way!

  • @EDChero
    @EDChero 6 місяців тому

    PERFECT video for anyone just wanting to bust this out and make it happen. The juice sprays right at 4:13 if anyone just want to dive right in. Thanks Nick!

  • @chrisconner1811
    @chrisconner1811 5 місяців тому +1

    Amazing lesson!! thank you - by far one of the best Photoshop videos

    • @mikegphoto
      @mikegphoto 5 місяців тому

      Yes, still using in 2024!

  • @PaulTimlett
    @PaulTimlett 3 роки тому

    Been focus stacking using Photoshop for years so assumed I had it nailed. Then you threw in the tip about duplicating the layers as a back-up. Boom! I never thought of that. Thank you Nick. A valuable lesson.

  • @michaelmckeag960
    @michaelmckeag960 2 роки тому

    I was introduced to focus stacking through macro photography, using Zerene Stacker, a necessity when stacking dozens to hundreds of subs (or it’s counterpart Helicon). However I’ve only lately started applying focus stacking to landscapes when necessary, and your tutorial stands out from those I’ve viewed for all the reasons cited by those who have commented. I should have started here, and I know better:-).

  • @montanaylago
    @montanaylago 3 роки тому +8

    Ben Horne has become the “reference” for everyone and everything!!! Ha, loved it!!!

  • @alexmorriss
    @alexmorriss 3 роки тому +7

    Fantastic video! I’ve always found this confusing and could never really get it right. Your step by step directions and tip to make copies prior to running the process in Photoshop was a huge help. Thank you for teaching us how it’s done!

  • @rickpearson5139
    @rickpearson5139 Рік тому

    As a past Darktable user, and new user to the most recent Adobe suite, thank you for the very informative video. I have been a subscriber for some time now but have never heard of your golf course superintendent background. My father was one of the Treasurers of the National Golf Course Superintendent's Association a long time ago, and in the business for more than 4 decades. He got me started in photography at a very early age, and to see the commonalities is really cool. Thank you for your insight and wisdom...you have made me a better photographer by your efforts!

  • @SueFerreira75
    @SueFerreira75 3 роки тому

    You know you are experienced when you say "Make a back up, because......" - thank you!
    Agree - the Great Courses are wonderful.

  • @derekosborn
    @derekosborn 3 роки тому +9

    Good tip about copying images into a group. Too often I get a blob or smear when I auto blend.

  • @josephinespence1267
    @josephinespence1267 3 роки тому +4

    Great tutorial. I like they idea of putting the images in a separate file if the blend goes wrong, unfortunately it went okay. I would love to see a video/tutorial on how you would correct it with your copied folder if it did go wrong.

  • @Tagomac
    @Tagomac 2 роки тому

    This tutorial is superb, now I'm focus stacking like a pro. Thanks Nick.

  • @kapurar
    @kapurar 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you! A great tutorial and one of the best and most comprehensive I have seen on the subject.

  • @joes_props
    @joes_props 10 місяців тому

    I just wanted to say a quick thank you. This video helped me so much and I've finally managed to compose my first focus stacked image. I am so stoked right now! Thanks again!

  • @livedeliciously
    @livedeliciously 3 роки тому

    Thank you Nick! I think this knowledge will make the biggest difference in my photos.

  • @serduvelo
    @serduvelo 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the followable tutorial. I'm just learning PS, but have wondered how to perfect sharpness in my images. Thanks so much!

  • @chrismann64
    @chrismann64 Рік тому

    What a fine video that breaks down each stone i this complicated task.

  • @c141charlie
    @c141charlie 3 роки тому

    This was no exaggeration. This is literally the first photoshop video you should watch!

  • @onyourmarkphoto
    @onyourmarkphoto 2 роки тому +1

    This was a HUGE help Nick. I love your teaching style. Thank you for all you do.

  • @juliehillin1875
    @juliehillin1875 Рік тому

    Excellent tutorial. Thank you. I was trying to photo stack my images in Lightroom rather than Photoshop and couldn't work out why they weren't merging. However, success in Photoshop after following your tutorial. PS : I am a fan if the Great Courses.

  • @MrReachN00b
    @MrReachN00b Рік тому

    Such a great video, and such a powerful process for creating amazing images! Thank you!

  • @roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855

    That's a bloody awesome video, presented with great articulation. Many thanks!

  • @CarlSperling
    @CarlSperling Рік тому

    Great video. Never considered photo stacking before, looking forward to trying it out.

  • @OAK_MTN
    @OAK_MTN 2 роки тому

    You really made it easy to understand, well done and thank you for the tuturial Nick!

  • @HoustonMarsh
    @HoustonMarsh 3 роки тому +2

    I was going through your Essential Photoshop practice files where we go through focus stacking and then this video showed up. Both are very well done. Thanks!

  • @alanatwood7995
    @alanatwood7995 3 роки тому

    Nick, this JUST came up a coupke weeks ago. I was shooting blue ice formations at the Mackinac Bridge, and realized having the bridge in the background would look better in a focud stack, but....I had absolutely no idea hoe to do it. Luckily, I realized that I could try doing it if I shot the needed frames, so now, as effing sime as this is (how humiliating fot me!( Im going to go back to my desk, fire those up, stack em, and see how it comes out. Im still trying desperately to learn some of these tricks but its very hard sometimes. Thank you!!

  • @ArrolAdventures
    @ArrolAdventures 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Nick - the fog has lifted for this Grandma! I will now give this a go as previously I was in a state of muddle but after watching this I think I can do it!

  • @JohnEboyee
    @JohnEboyee 2 роки тому +2

    Your videos have been invaluable for my reintroduction into landscape photography and editing. Picked up a wacom (where's it been all my life!?) and started applying more advanced luminosity masks adjustments and dodging/burning techniques. Now I'm taking focus stacking to the field. My confidence post-shoot has been roaring lately and the time in the digital darkroom is so enjoyable. Keep up the great work!

  • @lakejindsay
    @lakejindsay 3 роки тому +1

    Was so stoked about this because it's so straightforward and well explained and you hinted at what to do if the auto blend doesn't work and you have to manually fix it. But then you never went there. :(
    Another video hopefully? All the other ones I've seen here aren't that great. At all.

  • @robertl.4675
    @robertl.4675 11 місяців тому

    Great information and so well-explained. Thanks for sharing!

  • @brianclark8336
    @brianclark8336 3 роки тому

    Excellent tutorial Nick, very impressed with all your videos. Many thanks.

  • @FOSMT1hauntINMT
    @FOSMT1hauntINMT 3 роки тому

    Thanks Nick! This is unlike I've ever seen before and such a simple way to focus stack. I can't wait till the day that all of this will just happen right in camera. im sure its coming sooner then later.

  • @lemiroirsansfin
    @lemiroirsansfin 5 місяців тому

    Absolutely stellar explanation. Comprehensive although easy to the ear.

  • @DavidMushroomspore
    @DavidMushroomspore 2 роки тому

    Great content man, you broke it down really simple and once I get off work tonight I shall try it out.

  • @ironrooster79
    @ironrooster79 3 роки тому

    I like you Nick! you are a straight shooter. You just can’t get it right SOOC, and to make this firm NO ONE CAN. Sorry to some folks that they think they did.

  • @russellschundler6559
    @russellschundler6559 3 роки тому +1

    I always learn something new ... thank you. Today, I learned about using the folders in Photoshop. I love using Nikon’s touch screen shutter release for landscape photo stacking and their “focus shift shooting” mode for automated shooting when doing macro photography. The toolkit is always improving!

  • @TheGuitarsadist
    @TheGuitarsadist 3 роки тому

    Thank you Nick, I ran into Ben out at Death Valley last weekend with him doing one of his shots with his 8X10 and seeing and being a fan of his and yours, I decided for this trip to set up more of my shots for processing with Focus stacking, this video came at teh perfect time and plan to later today start the process of focus stackin in order to get my shot from Dante and Badwater so much better. Thank you and Ben is one hell of a nice guy and true master on his Large Format. Thanks again

  • @johnpunnett1426
    @johnpunnett1426 3 роки тому

    Got to say Nick you explain things so well - really easy to follow - defo saved this vlog to my favs for future reference...

  • @stevearita3267
    @stevearita3267 3 роки тому +1

    Great video, very informative and appreciate hearing about the Great Courses. Thank you for doing these videos, they are so helpful and I learn so much.

  • @johnprisk
    @johnprisk 3 роки тому

    You answered a key question for me in regards to why a certain number of images go into any given focus stack. Many thanks for taking the time to put this info together. Top shelf as always 🤘

  • @QUARTERBAT
    @QUARTERBAT Рік тому

    Well explained, well presented. Great video. Just have to go take a few photos .

  • @nickshepherd8377
    @nickshepherd8377 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Nick for this very clear explanation. As you say, “why wouldn’t you do it!”. 👍

  • @ClareCC0902
    @ClareCC0902 Рік тому

    Wow, I'm glad this video came up in my suggested videos (although I've been subscribed for a while). Focus stacking is so easy - I never did it because I did not know how to but after this why wouldn't I do it. Thanks Nick!

  • @M31glow
    @M31glow 3 роки тому

    Best video that I have seen about focus stacking! This is must-see post.

    • @NickPage
      @NickPage  3 роки тому

      I appreciate that thank you

  • @DebOfAvondale
    @DebOfAvondale 2 роки тому

    Fantastic video!! I have watched a few new trying to learn how to do this and yours was by far the easiest to follow. I've subscribed and Im off to watch more from you. Thank you!

  • @sb1493
    @sb1493 3 роки тому

    An excellent tip for focusing on landscape pictures. I use Lightroom for 95% of my editing and hardly use Photoshop because of the layer feature which I find to be too tedious. I occasionally use Photoshop Elements for fine-tuning cloning and such. This method makes it relatively easy to do this and get great results in Photoshop without the steep learning curve. Very useful tip.

  • @LeonardAguilar3686
    @LeonardAguilar3686 3 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing, showing, and explaining this simple and easy process!!

  • @alanatwood7995
    @alanatwood7995 3 роки тому

    Update: I tried this process. Wow. Unbelievable how easy it is and how much more that image pops. Now, to be fair, I didnt get nearly enough frames. The ice in the middle of the frame was soft, but shazayum I am going to be focus stacking a lot I think. This is definitely a huge help to me. Thank you!!!

    • @NickPage
      @NickPage  3 роки тому +1

      yeah this is one of those things that, then next time you shoot you will be thinking about and knowing what you need in post processing will totally change how you shoot.. and what you shoot

    • @alanatwood7995
      @alanatwood7995 3 роки тому

      @@NickPage I have been off work for a year, and trying desperately to pick up little tricks like this here and there to help my photography. That aHA moment was awesome just realizing how simply this is and how I will be able to do this effectively. Thats why I cannot say thanks enough. Unfortunately my D850 is being repaired so I will be trying this again once it returns. Thanks again!!

  • @tomjustice4740
    @tomjustice4740 Рік тому

    Wow! Amazing video and instruction. My first try was very good! TY

  • @brucekraft744
    @brucekraft744 3 роки тому

    Wow! I followed along with you to make my first focus stack. Knocked my socks off! Thanks!

  • @wendynewing8834
    @wendynewing8834 3 роки тому

    Thanks for an absolutely brilliant guide to Focus Stacking. Wonderful stuff.

  • @notlisteninganymore
    @notlisteninganymore 3 роки тому

    Nick- great video. In order to keep file size down I will make a “snapshot” in the history so that I do not need to double my working file size. If the stack doesn’t work I can go back to that reference point.

  • @dhardy9296
    @dhardy9296 3 роки тому

    Thank you.. focus stacking replicates the way we see nature!

  • @stelfer69
    @stelfer69 3 роки тому

    As usual Nick your videos are easy to follow with great tips. Good job.

  • @dulutheastteam1357
    @dulutheastteam1357 3 роки тому

    Got this notification right as I was looking up how to focus stack. Thanks Nick!

  • @poguie
    @poguie 3 роки тому

    You are a very good communication Nick... many thanks for that. I'm going to have to retrace every landscape shot I've ever done now!! Might have to get a new camera for the occasion!!

  • @Highdepthfilms
    @Highdepthfilms 3 роки тому +3

    Great Video Nick. I use focus stacking for a lot of my photos. every once in a while I run into issues where they just aren't blending right. Could you do a video and demonstrate how you go about fixing issues you may run into? considering moving to Helicon focus, but before I do may I suggest a further video on better manipulation of the issues post photo stacking in Photoshop? Thanks for all of your great work Nick. Keep it up.

  • @MelissaHirtle-kb3qk
    @MelissaHirtle-kb3qk 7 місяців тому

    Thank you this was so helpful! Now I'm not so scared to try it!

  • @JosephTMyers
    @JosephTMyers 3 роки тому

    thanks so much Nick for publishing this on Focus Stacking! It is such an needed remedy for so many contrasting frames, albeit all frames!

  • @byWasim
    @byWasim 3 роки тому

    So thank you for this and for all you do Nick. Been digging your videos and process for years. Especially your style of a lot of atmospheric audio and 'setting the scene' for the beginning of videos, I often forget that you haven't even said a word for minutes at a time. Engaging stuff. Anyway, I seem to have decent success with stacking when there aren't too many complicated/busy layers, but sometimes it just doesn't seem to go right. I was recently shooting some tree trunks popping out of manzanita bushes in Bend, Oregon and at the edges of the first layer (foreground) where it meets the second layer (mid), there is an obvious 4 or 5 pixel border where it used the out of focus mid layer, from my foreground image, instead. It also didn't fill in some of the spaces between the manzanita leaves with the focused mid-layer, so there's blur between those leaves as well. Is that simply because I didn't have enough images to stack? I had 3 images (foreground, mid, background). I was using a Sony 24-70, about 18" or so from the front of my foreground. I'm not experienced enough to mess with the layer masks to try to fix it, but figured in case you needed an idea for another quarantine-studio-video, maybe you had some ideas on how to fine tune those types of edits if it's even at all possible. I'm happy to send you the files if that helps. (P.S. The Great Courses Plus is a goldmine!!! I shoot a lot of my jobs on my own, so I'm a podcast/audiobook sponge also, so thank you for that!!)

  • @bertrandgerbeaux3504
    @bertrandgerbeaux3504 3 роки тому

    Thank you Nick for sharing. I'd like that Lightroom being able to do that like we can do it for combining different pictures with a different exposure and get a HDR result.

  • @malbegal27
    @malbegal27 3 роки тому

    You make this very easy to digest... thank you for another awesome video!

  • @ricksattelysattely16
    @ricksattelysattely16 2 роки тому

    The best stacking info online-thanks Nick

  • @bertreket6666
    @bertreket6666 3 роки тому

    Very informative video, Nick! You are easy to follow and it makes sense!

  • @howardkoch289
    @howardkoch289 3 роки тому

    Nick its great to see you back in the education saddle. Enjoyed this tutorial its simple, attainable, repeatable, and effective. Your winter camp vlog was timely as I had just returned home from my winter camp. Purpose was to camp, ski, and take photos. Winter had a different objective as the temperature dropped into the -30C area and the winds picked up into the 50-70 kph range. Had a blast keeping the fire going in my tent, but didn't take many photos. Your camping Vlog and now focus stacking renewed my ideas to head back to Abraham Lake and make more images. Thanks Nick.
    Howard Koch

  • @marshwiggle
    @marshwiggle 2 роки тому

    Excelent tutorial. I shall certainly watch more.

  • @jamesss1953
    @jamesss1953 Рік тому

    I am completely new to your channel - Yesterday I completed a hike during which I tripoded 3 focusly different images, but I had not blended for some time and forgot - thank you for sharing - I have just subscribed and liked.

  • @jeffdurbin2061
    @jeffdurbin2061 3 роки тому +2

    I've focus stacked several images in PS without problems, but here lately things have started going bad. Out of focus areas next to sharp areas and weird artifacts. Don't know if this from the new camera and lens combo or subject. Still trying to get a handle on the shallower depth of field on a full frame. Snow covered rocks in a moving stream. It would be a great help if you could have shown an example of one that didn't go so well. Anyway thanks for all of the videos and tutorials.

  • @tenacious-d
    @tenacious-d 3 роки тому

    This is super helpful, Nick. Thanks so much for doing this. Seen a few other videos on it but yours is the simplest yet most detailed. Thank you.

  • @darrinyo-mamakimble7002
    @darrinyo-mamakimble7002 3 роки тому

    Sweet segue and relatable explanation of your sponsorship. Those e-books are great for road trips!

  • @hanapen7681
    @hanapen7681 Рік тому

    Thank you very much for the video.. With this information I will definitely try it.

  • @nealdrury6584
    @nealdrury6584 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the great easy to understand explanation

  • @ianhamer4294
    @ianhamer4294 3 роки тому

    Great video again Nick. East to understand and well explained. Top man.

  • @planet7027
    @planet7027 3 роки тому

    Hey man. Thanks again for the advice on my photo that I shared on your fb page.
    I totally knew where I had went wrong but I needed to here it from someone who’s work I admire and respect artistically.

  • @kendallkyle585
    @kendallkyle585 3 роки тому

    Love this video. What a great tutorial. Thanks Nick!

  • @geotaco
    @geotaco 3 роки тому

    Thanks Nick. Love your photos. I'm wondering if you could do a video on manually focus stacking as when the auto technique will just not work. I apologize if you have done this. Thank you.

  • @emilebaudot904
    @emilebaudot904 3 роки тому

    Great snappy tutorial again Nick..👍🏻 Great delivery! And to top it, I’m a history (early British) nerd too..Result!

  • @courtenaysly3280
    @courtenaysly3280 3 роки тому

    History Nerd=Awesomeness. Loved the folder for copy idea. I'll road test your instructions. Loved the Alabama Hills image. Journeyed the 44 miles there recently and dang there were so many people out there! Such a buzz kill. We did find solitude on Tuttle Creek Road, thankfully. Lack of people is one of the best parts of the East Side.

  • @davidgilmore2565
    @davidgilmore2565 3 роки тому

    Short, concise and incredibly useful. Thanks Nick!

  • @colinstalker
    @colinstalker 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for sharing Nick.
    Perfect simple explanation! Focus stacking here I come.

  • @phdman2014
    @phdman2014 3 роки тому

    Outstanding pace and detail! Thank you. Now, I need a good complete course on Photoshop.

  • @Nautil78
    @Nautil78 Рік тому

    Thank you sir, you convinced me to use stacking for landscapes.

  • @gje2122a
    @gje2122a 3 роки тому

    Thank you, Nick. You've made the photo stacking process so easy. I really appreciate it.

  • @JeffWeymier
    @JeffWeymier 3 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing this Nick. It will really help me going forward.

  • @J5388T
    @J5388T 3 роки тому

    Very useful and easy to follow video Nick, thanks!

  • @gigiemysfotos189
    @gigiemysfotos189 3 роки тому

    Focus stacking made easy. Thanks Nick

  • @danielschmaderer
    @danielschmaderer 3 роки тому

    Great video as usual. This will help when I get back into photography with my new Canon R5 (that I’ll be getting very soon)

  • @rogeryoung3587
    @rogeryoung3587 3 роки тому

    Couple of things: 1) You could create an Action for the 'Auto-Align, duplicate layer group, Auto-Blend' sequence. 2) No mention of selecting the best f-number for sharpness (usually a couple of stops down from maximum aperture), because f/16 will introduce some softness from diffraction, even with a full-frame sensor.

    • @NickPage
      @NickPage  3 роки тому +1

      That is true, I have talked about it before but f16 is a decent balance (if you’re using a decent lens) between depth of field and sharpness. You could create an action of course, but this video is not about creating actions it was about teaching a technique

  • @gerarddonovan8678
    @gerarddonovan8678 3 роки тому

    Great video Nick, I see you are a member of the fab 4
    Keep up the good work

  • @1603shadow
    @1603shadow 3 роки тому

    Great video I never realized focus stacking was so easy.