Just a few days ago I tried handheld focus stacking (or actually focus stacking in general) for the first time.
The first picture is a stack of 8 pictures. I realized afterwards, that some frames were missing. But I feel, stacking from top down is harder than any offset angle.
The second one is a stack of 80 pictures, which took way too long to process (thanks to my potato...).
Any feedback or suggestions on the results?
Also I'm not perfectly sure about the workflow:
1. Loading images into Lightroom and process the first one as desired
2. Apply post processing to all images required for the stack
3. Export as JPEG.
4. Load as Stack into Photoshop
5. Auto-Blend them together
6. Merge Layers and export as PNG
7. Import into Lightroom to make final adjustments.
Any tipps and tricks for the workflow?
I have looked at focus stacking and thought hand held was risky due to not guaranteeing the same shot. I tried with a tripod but chose a breezy day and faced the same issue. I concluded focus stacking is fine on a static subject but more problematic if the shooter or subject move.
They are outstanding pictures.
Long topic for a comment, but, as for the workflow, you do not need to export to JPG (ideally should not either) from LR. Simply select all the images and right-click on any and select open as layers in PS. Once the images are loaded, select align followed by blend (stack) in PS and save that once done.
If you export to JPG, you lose IQ and that can impact the stacking as well. If you have to export, use any lossless format like TIF.