Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
ChAPteR 14
Merging Photos
Many interesting creative possibilities
open up in Photoshop when you
merge multiple photos together into single forms of output. For example,
you can create images with greater dynamic range than is possible with
single exposures, merge multiple adjacent overlapping photos into a seam-
less panorama, and remove moving objects from a sequence of stills taken
from the same vantage point. In this chapter, you'll learn how to composite
images with several handy tools.
Making high dynamic range imagery
Working with panoramas
processing images in stacks
Making high dynamic Range Imagery
Dynamic range
refers to the intensity difference between the brightest whites
and darkest blacks in a photo. Our eyes can perceive a much larger dynamic
range than any single camera exposure. High dynamic range (HDR) images
are popular these days, and Photoshop has two ways to create the HDR look.
The first is to create a true HDR image from multiple exposures in a semi-
automated process called Merge To HDR Pro, and the second is essentially
a trick called HDR Toning that gives a single image the super-detailed HDR
look (but without actually having an increased dynamic range). We will
explore them both.
Using Merge to hdR Pro
By bracketing multiple exposures at different shutter speeds, you can capture
detail in the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. You can use Photoshop
to merge these multiple exposures into a single HDR picture. Although it
is possible to bracket by adjusting the lens aperture, this should be avoided
because doing so changes the depth of field (the area that remains in focus).
Many higher-end cameras have bracketing modes in which the camera takes
multiple pictures every time you press the shutter release.
