Assignment - Macro merge

[Nick Palmieri]

I used CS4 to merge 6 images into one for this rose. The original images were made with a Canon EOS 40D, tripod mounted, 100mm macro lens, ISO 100, f/8, .8s. I manually focused on each of the pedals and shot 6 images. I then used the "load into PS layers" feature from Bridge to import the layers into PS. I then selected all the layers >Auto-Align >Auto Blend, cropped, levels, re-sized and sharpened. This was my first attempt at merging multiple layers. If you look closely (and I am sure some will) there a a few soft spots which could have been eliminated by shooting a few more images and getting a few more focusing points.

[Dave Mills]

Hey Nick, I think the technique worked really well in this case.I like your composition,color and how you minimalised the backround. The back third does appear a bit soft as you noted but overall its a pleasing image.

[Fabs Forns]

Yes, I think it's like the center of the flower that got a bit soft, but as Dave mentions, very pleasing image overall.
Thanks for explaining your technique.

[denise ippolito]

Nick, I agree w/ others but the colors and the composition are really nice!! TFS your technique!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Nick, the color rendition is good, agree with the others on the soft spot, would recommend on cropping a little from the bottom portion of your frame...:cool:

[carole wiley]

Now that GUS mentioned it, I have to agree that a bit off the bottom makes this much stronger. It is very interesting overall.

[Alfred Forns]

Great overall feel and love the technique !!! btw interesting perspective Normally you don't see this angle chosen and I like it a lot !!!

[Hazel Grant]

Everything has been said already. I just add a "keep on going".....great start. Now you know wht to work on.

[Bob Miller]

Love seeing a rose this way! And thanks for the Technique! Is there a limit to the number of focus points?

[Nick Palmieri]

You are limited by the RAM and processor speed of your computer. I initially tried this on a older/slower desktop and I need to use JPEGS and max 3 images, anything more would crash the system. This one was made on a much faster computer with lots of RAM using RAW files and worked pretty quick with 6 images. I used up to 8 RAW files on a few other images thus far.