How can I stack multiple similar images to show all visible bubbles in one composite?

Asked 5/12/2013

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I have 17 similar shots of the same scene, and I want to combine them into a single image so all of the air bubbles visible across the sequence appear together. Lowering layer opacity in Photoshop didn’t give a good result. Is there a better stacking method, tool, or software for this kind of composite?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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I would use a program use as COmbineZ; normally used for improving the depth of field of a macro shot it should be able to layer your images together well.

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CombineZ for links to the freeware software.

IF that fails, which might depends on the algorithm (it may try and align the images rather than just stacking) then the star trail action from http://www.schursastrophotography.com/software/photoshop/startrails.html it will simply open all the files in a folder and layer them for you.

On reflection, I'd try the star trail action first !

good luck.

Originally by user14167. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user14167

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. What you want is image stacking rather than simple opacity blending. Lowering opacity averages the frames, which can make the bubbles look faint or muddy.

Based on the suggestions here, a better approach is to use stacking software such as CombineZ, which is commonly used for combining multiple images and may work well for this kind of layered composite. If its alignment/stacking algorithm doesn’t suit your images, a simpler option is a Photoshop star-trail stacking action, which loads all files in a folder as layers and combines them in a way that preserves bright features from each frame.

In general, the best results come when the camera and subject framing stay fixed so the images align cleanly. If needed, align the layers first before stacking.

So: yes, this is doable, and a stacking workflow or star-trail style blend is a better fit than reducing opacity on many layers.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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