dream glow

[Frank Fremerey]

First stacks I feel as presentable for critique, technical or otherwise. Next shooting session I already know more dos & donts...

[Eb]

Frank, as you know, stacking artifacts aplenty in these samples.  Keep trying, and remember that mastery of the art of retouching (within the stacking software and sometimes post) is absolutely critical to a successful stack.  Also, I can offer comment on gear in the field.  It is best to keep it simple and organized so that you can work very fast during lulls in the inevitable breezes.  Often many attempts need to be made to get a good sequence.  Often a wayward movement can be eliminated by painting in elements from one of the originals, etc.  But you may not be able to ascertain that until you get home!  So, take as many sequences as will give you confidence that you have a good one.  It also looks like you have some out of focus "voids" for which there is no cure but to re-shoot, taking more focus slices of your subject and/or a smaller aperture.  You will get the feel for this!

[Frank Fremerey]

Thank you, Eb. I am really at the beginning of my path. Lucky to have Michael Erlewine and you as guides.

I will ask you for assistance as needed. Thank you.

[Eb]

Frank, I've been stacking a long time and really enjoy it, 'though by no means an expert.  Stacking is for the few and the most will not care for it.  My conclusion comes after leading 3 workshops on the subject, several with my photography club and one at a regional photography seminar.  It was always gratifying to see photographers become excited and speak enthusiastically after the presentations.  Yet, to this day, in my photo club which has 100 or more members, nobody, except myself, does any stacking.  It is definitely not a technique for the faint of heart!  (Should I say "lazy" of heart?)