Merged layers for a focus stack can't be edited as a raw image anymore?
Trying to focus stack in L3 by blending two images together. My workflow is to open the first layer in the editor then add the second layer with alternate focus as a new image layer. No alignment needs to be done if these layers are taken on a tripod with the same composition but different focus points.
I add a layer mask to the new layer, fill and invert it, then brush in the areas that need to show over the original layer. This seems to work fine. However, edits to either layer are only processed on that layer and are missing from the other layer where the mask is.
I tied using the Merge or Stamped Layer function to combine the blended layers into a single new layer. This works to merge the layers and their effects, but it must be jpg effect since I no longer have the RAW Develop option available on the new merged layer.
What I need is to combine the two focus point layers together as a focus stack, then edit them together as a raw file. Any ideas on how to do this in L3?
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Thanks Angela. Unfortunately that doesn't address local adjustments that need to span both layers or images. I use luminosity and brush-in masks as well as dodging and burning a lot in my post. Also the histograms of both images may differ slightly, resulting in slightly different results from the look between layers. I really need to be able to blend the layers together for a focus stack, then make adjustments as a single raw image. If this isn't possible in L3 now it would make a great update. Manual blending of images for focus depth or other local adjustments is a pro level feature L3 should have IMO.
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Please do. I'm playing around with working on both layers now, but it's already obvious that this is not a good long term solution. We really need to be able to stack images for blending and then work on them as a whole, in raw.
Another thing I'm noticing about this process that could be updated is the "Add New Image Layer..." feature. It automatically opens a file browser for you to pick a new image from your HD, but with L3 including libraries this feels antiquated. It would make more sense if there was an option to open an image from your library or open the file browser. Thanks for your help and for passing these suggestions on!
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Also, and this does not need to be passed on (yet) but there is a lot of buggy behavior in L3 on my Mac when running two layers like this. I may just need to get used to the workflow, but I keep having to back out and come back into the stacked and blended image to refresh the look on screen after truing different things to it.
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Hi David,
I agree that an interface to find images within the library for image layers would be beneficial. It is already on our feature request list.
If you encounter issues that you can replicate, please note the steps and forward them to us at www.skylum.com/support so we can investigate the issue.
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