Combining Layers in Elements

[GeoffWessex]

When making bracketed exposures to cover broad Dynamic Ranges, I often combine the exposures as layers - e.g. the sky from one and the foreground from another. I manage it in my own way, with layer masks followed by some dodge and burn, but I thought I'd seen a tutorial on here once and wanted to introduce somebody else to the technique (as well as refresh my memory). I'm not even sure what the technique might be called... exposure blend, combining layers, or even 'manual HDR'.

The trouble with actually looking for one on this site, as I expect you've noticed, is that the "index" of Techniques has been compiled automatically (I would think) by use of tags..... and it's in a right old mess!

[Drew Smith]

Hi Geoff

I find the best resource is youtube. Just type in what you are looking for prefixed by 'photoshop' and it usually brings up a plethora of what you need.

[GeoffWessex]

Thanks Drew,

I still couldn't find what I needed so I wrote a PDF to explain it step by step, with screenshots. I've since found a video about using layer masks which I can use as a supplementary item. Seems good enough - it's for other members of my camera club so perhaps I shouldn't give them all my secrets!

Cheers, Geoff

[Drew Smith]

Very altruistic Geoff.

Would you consider sending me a copy? I'm always up for seeing if there is something new to learn. Maybe I could give you some feedback on it too.