Stacking photos

[popcorn]

Hi Everyone,

If I process Raw images in ACR Raw, before exporting to the editor with the intention or stacking the images, should I;

    Process each image in ACR to get the best possible image including sharpness before exporting to the Editor?

    Process each image except using the Highlights, shadows, white and black sliders ? 

    Not process any of the images at all and export them to the Editor "as is" ?

Is there a different ACR editing process for images to be exposure stacked or focus stacked.?

Thanks

[Peterj]

The goal of stacking might dictate ACR processing. Caveat - I generally use On1 Photo Raw for processing.

If the purpose of stacking is:

    noise reduction probably best not to apply mods in ACR

    focus stacking probably best to get the best image in ACR

    exposure stacking process each image except using the Highlights, shadows, white and black sliders

[pontiac1940]

Nov 20, 2022 15:27:09 GMT Peterj said:

focus stacking probably best to get the best image in ACR

Agreed.
popcorn ... in this case, i.e. focus stacking and assuming light was constant for each image, they should all be process the exactly same. That is, any adjustments should be the same for all images to be stacked. 

Clive 

[popcorn]

Thanks Clive & Pete,

What I expected, but so nice to get confirmation from those who know!
The forum works again, almost like having a professional sitting next to me in my study.

[photomono]

While I use ACR with Photoshop, I do not use it with PSE. However a good rule when you plan on focus stacking is to have your camera in Manual mode so there are no inadvertent changes to the camera settings. This will give you the best possible results, regardless of your focus stacking software.

[pontiac1940]

Dec 6, 2022 17:45:43 GMT photomono said:

have your camera in Manual mode

Sage advice. Whenever photos will be stacked or stitched in a panorama, they should be photographed in M mode. Good advice. 

I erred the other day. I often hike with my camera set to the aperture and speed I want for my long lens. (I want that control.) But auto ISO can be handy for variable lighting: birds in sun or birds in shady bush. Well, I took two sets of scenic photos for stitching into panos. One of the stitched photos show the exposure variation between two adjacent photos. Thankfully the best set was okay. 

Clive