How I Focus Stack MANUALLY for Incredibly SHARP Landscape Photos

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In this week’s episode, we discuss how I focus stack manually for incredibly sharp landscape photos. In my video last month all about Auto Focus Stacking I received many questions in regards to Manual Focus Stacking and what you should in the event that things are moving throughout your scene. This is a very common situation especially in landscape photography where it’s not unusual to have things like clouds, leaves, or water moving throughout your composition. In situations such as this Photoshop often has issues accurately determining which areas of an image to use and which areas that shouldn’t be used.
In this video, I review how I manual focus stack my landscape photos when Photoshop requires a bit of extra assistance. If you’re not familiar with what focus stacking is, it’s the process of taking a series of images that are each focused at different areas of your composition. Then during your post processing workflow you blend the images together only using the areas of greatest focus thus creating a final photo that's perfectly sharp throughout the entire image. Now I understand that blending photos can be a bit intimidating, but once you try this technique out a couple times I think you'll be surprised just how easy this actually is.
So the next time you encounter a composition that requires focus stacking and also has things moving throughout your scene, I hope the information in this video helps you feel more comfortable attempting to manual focus stack your landscape photo.
If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.
Thanks for watching everyone!
Auto Focus Stacking Video:
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Which do you prefer? Manual or Auto Focus Stacking

[@markgoeman8139]

I typically do an automatic focus stack then look at the results. If I'm not happy, then go to manual mode! Thanks Mark - your work is outstanding!

[@Eli-lb1lc]

Typically auto because I find it normally works, but then I do touch ups on the masks if I spot any errors.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@markgoeman8139 Much appreciated Mark - thank you! That’s typically what I do as well.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@Eli-lb1lc Yep, that’s what I do as well!

[@davidaldridge3669]

@@Eli-lb1lc Me too...

[@shanesmithphotography]

Mark you ARE the man when it comes to teaching. One thing I've always liked about your videos is that you never say "This is THE way to do it" You always say "This is MY way I do it" You also guide & explain EVERY step perfectly in how we can learn your techniques in creating better images from our photos. As ALWAYS I pressed the thumbs up before watching and was NOT disappointed 👌🏻 Thank you for your time and effort you put into your videos 😃

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Shane Smith Photography Thanks so much to you Shane! This comment means a lot - much appreciated🙏

[@bobsmurf1601]

I've watched so many videos on editing manual photo stacked images but fair play to Mark this is the best of them,this one is a keeper so SAVE it people if you need to learn how to do this.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks o much Bob - music to my ears!

[@fatonib17]

by far the best explanation of manual fs thanks

[@dannycarter9994]

No fluff. Straight to the point. Love it!

[@josephl8998]

Of all the content creators I watch, your videos are always the ones I get the most value out of. No fluff and well put together. Thanks for the content!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Joseph Lee This is amazing to hear Joseph! I really appreciate you talking the time to let me know!

[@michaelmckeag960]

I’ve been using focus stacking for macro for some time, processing dozens of focus steps in Zerene Stacker, but focus stacking for landscapes involves far fewer focus steps and a different approach. Binge watching tutorials on the subject and practicing, your video stands out for covering little details glossed over by others, such as brush settings, hot key shortcuts, etc. I’ve added these details to my crib notes. Big picture, I group the layers, then duplicate the group, then apply auto blend to the duplicate. If auto blend fails, then delete the duplicate, make a new duplicate and apply the manual method. A backup of the original aligned layer set is always readily available if a do over is necessary.

[@dylanevans2469]

I am just starting out with luminosity masks and stacking and it's obvious that initially there is a lot to take in. I have to say though, having watched a number of videos already, that this one is by far the best both in terms of explanation and illustration. Too many of these videos make the mistake of 'assumed knowledge' on part of the viewer and fail to break down the steps slowly and with sufficient clarity. Keep up the good work.

[@jimbembinster]

Thanks Mark stay well.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Jim! You do the same.

[@margaritan6622]

WOW Mark, you're approaching the 100.000 subscribers pretty quickly! Keep up with your great work!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Margarita N It’s so very exciting - Can’t believe it’s even reality!

[@Ginnyvick]

Thank you for the focus stacking videos. Love how you teach.

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Just watched your original video on auto focus stacking. Tried to send a message, but somehow, got bumped to another video (not yours), so I’m replying here. Very helpful information. I just did my first focus stack. One challenge I encountered is that, when exporting the files to Ps, they did not automatically convert to layers! (Yes, I chose the option for converting to layers.) So I had to manually convert them to layers. Then everything worked like a charm! Thank you for your videos, they are such a help. (Also appreciated the shout outs to Oregon! My home state!)

[@vproven]

Clear, concise and to the point. Well done.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Vincent!

[@johanhefer3512]

Great! Light bulb moment for me. You make it look so easy. Thanks Mark

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Johan!

[@nomind2911]

Thank you so much for the content you provide to your viewers.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

deft Glad to do it!

[@homesickphotographycomau4107]

good job bud.. your channel is turning in to some prime time content

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Harry A Much appreciated Harry - thank ya!

[@jamesvoiss7122]

I really appreciate the way you explain this process. Thank you.

[@DonLafontaine62]

Subbed. Enjoy the way you take us through step by step. No rushing. Great job!

[@michealpociecha8351]

As always thanks for a great video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video Michael!

[@inakilauzirika5076]

Hey Mark, this video mandatorily needs a big thumbs Up! 👏👏👏

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much - really appreciate that!

[@fix4eyes]

Again.... Great video. Thank for all your help. Love your work. 👌👍👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Carlos!

[@addsy6396]

This was so well explained. You didn’t gloss over anything. Which is the big problem with so many tutorials. They usually skip over the intermediate steps and you’re left confused. Great video. Will be saving this and referring back to it time and again

[@wk278]

Another awesome tutorial Mark. Thank you sir!

[@andywang2444]

Thanks for the thorough and detailed instructions!

[@oddsparrow8522]

This was the best youtube video I have seen around this area of photo editing

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Odd Sparrow This is great to hear - thank you!

[@melromcastro2119]

Wow! Very clear Tutorial!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear it - thank you!

[@pm1Chh]

Your videos are full of useful informations for me. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya friend!

[@davidgriffiths8845]

You have an absolutely flawless, precise and articulate style of presentation. For me this is a benchmark of how a tutorial should be done. Greatly appreciated - thank you.

[@StephenMilner]

Hey, what an incredible video. Keep up the superb work! I look forward to your next video.

[@Bradrackas]

A relative newcomer to you channel. Thanks Mark for simply explaining all these topics that can seem so daunting but with a little know how are less so. In these times of social distancing, binge watching your content is a great way to pass the time and gain that knowledge.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Andy Bradbeer Many thanks Andy! It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the channel! Be well!

[@MLC48]

Hi Mark. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your clarity of instruction! Thanks. I usually do a manual focus, just like you taught me in another video of yours. Take care.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Really appreciate this Mary - thanks so much!

[@mohammadurgur953]

This is the first tutorial i watched from you. But after watching tons of other tutorials one knows when someone does it perfect. God sound. No messing around. Showing what to click and when. And straight to the point. Well worth saving. Now im going to look at some of your other tutorials. Well done..

[@johnager9446]

Great tutorial Mark, thank you for all your help

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

Great easy to follow video Mark.

[@dickclark5237]

MARK: Nice presentation. Just getting into focus blending/stacking. Your video presentation will help me to learn this technique. Thanks, Dick Clark

[@RafaelLopes-jy9tt]

tank you, Mark! I'm in Brazil and learning a lot with your videos.

[@KngsPwn4]

Really clear instructions…bravo!!!!

[@chiragukani765]

Thanks for this Video. I used to Auto focus only. But I will hands on Manual focus too.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it and thanks for watching this week’s video!

[@eefvelthorst4127]

Compliments. Great video/vlog. Clear and calm explanation. 👍👍👍

[@rocketmanab]

Great video Mark...thanks for this!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@Argolich]

Very clear and succinct tutorial. Much appreciated. :-D

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Tom Wagner Thank ya Tom!

[@billpritchard2779]

Now I have something new to work on! Really like the video.

[@Gustl51]

...very well explained!! Thanks so much...greetings!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Andreas!

[@rlfisher]

Watched this again for a refresher on manual focus-stacking. Great stuff!

[@russellhagy]

I see myself watching this at least 10 times working along with it. Thanks so much for this video. Very well done.

[@morgan74999]

Awesome teaching techniques as always 👍 thank you and stay safe

[@Bigweave74]

I gotta do that edit sync more often. Often I’ll come back from a big shoot and start editing individually and I can never get them quite the same despite being shot in the same conditions. I learn something new from you every day.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Jared Weaver Thanks Jared! Glad to hear it!!

[@rgarlinyc]

Great stuff, very well explained. Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

R Garlin Much appreciated - thank you!

[@williamcharlesworth4617]

Mark, Again you have created a video that I will be watching over and over, and ...... You're the best. Thanks for being so thorough. P.S. My choice on focus depends if my subject is small or large. More apt to go auto if it's landscape, but will use different focus points. Flowers I go strictly with Manuel focus. Hope that helps. Bill.

[@garypowellphoto2137]

Mark, Great instructional video. I am just now adding landscape photography to my portfolio (have been doing wildlife photos). This will greatly help me. Thank you.

[@dougnelson423]

Thanks Mark, excellent tutorial as usual.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Doug!

[@warrengh5647]

Excellent thank you Mark, have struggled a little with this technique but now feel a bit more confident.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear the video was helpful Warren!

[@edwardsherwood3854]

Brilliant for the likes of me, just learning about how to use photoshop to get the best from my images. Such a strait forward, easy to understand approach. A breath of fresh air!

[@pattyhertogh9294]

Thank you very much Mark, this video was very informative and helpful!! 😊

[@jessemartinez2606]

I do enjoy you videos Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Jesse!

[@robertharrison4291]

Another great video, many thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Robert!

[@fakatebi]

thank you Mark for your great video, great content for learning with good quality video. keep it up.

[@Paul-jq5jh]

Excellent as always. Much appreciated

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@jacklowther5981]

Just completed this lesson. Worked great. Thank you. for this. Learn much more from Manual Focus Stacking

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear it was helpful Jack!

[@veronica0406]

Great tutorial, thank you! I prefer this method.

[@Hector95100]

Hi. I’m new to your channel. I don’t leave comments too often, but I’d like to just say the quality of your KZbin videos is stellar: excellent talking pace, information is concise, and overall just content is presented efficiently and effectively. Love it. I’m learning so much from you. I also gave you a follow on insta! Love your editing style because this is the style I been trying to mimic !

[@michelabdelkarim2524]

If I dont follow any other channel, I would still be content. You are my go-to instructor for landscape photography. Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Really appreciate it Michel - thank ya friend!

[@lawrencetan1454]

Thanks Mark

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for watching Lawrence!

[@ricardomagath3640]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!

[@klaus_s]

Hi Mark, it´s always good to see your structured videos. So I will follow your example to do some test shots. Have fun and stay save. 😎🇩🇪

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya much - you stay safe as well!

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

Great vlog as usual. Well explained.

[@AlexanderTheFirstMate]

Love the way you explain things! very easy to understand please make more ps tutorials :)

[@MThebean]

Great teaching this week's video, thank you ! It is going to improve my photography for sure because I was always taking pictures at max aperture the lens has to get the sharpest image possible but I was always disappointed in post when you realize the pictures are not sharp. I will definitely put this in practice for sure. Thanks again.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

MThebean Happy to do it & glad to hear it was helpful👍👍

[@neild108]

Thanks for the very clear, step-by-step explanation. So often in these how-to videos, the presenter will race over details that might be trivial to the experienced, but which could leave the beginner totally stuck. That has happened to me a few times. But this was great. Successfully applied just now, and happy with the results!

[@bradrobertsonimagery9964]

Mark I’m so glad I found your channel. Your vids would have to be the most relaxed and easy to follow I’ve found. Thank you so much, my editing has become so much easier and faster. Love your work mate.

[@suxxesphoto6419]

Very helpful Mark. You have a skill for getting complex subjects across as simple as possible. I would love to see your take on the other form of blending, that of Luminosity masks. Thanks

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks very much for that!

[@ilesmic]

Mark - Great Job very easy to follow - Thank you

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Michael!

[@Rene-cm6go]

The best tutorial.. Thanks 👍

[@lmaddox]

Mark...I really enjoy your videos. They are concise and to the point along with being easy to understand when you're learning Photoshop. I particularly appreciate your focus stacking videos. Keep up the excellent work.

[@adamhewitt8763]

Great video, easy to understand thank you!

[@niftytwo]

Hi Mark. I’m still learning this process but I’ve been pretty slack with my commitment. No excuses. I just have to get off my backside. Thank you very much for everything yo do for blokes like me. Neville J. Stay safe in today’s serious situation worldwide.

[@pisuicas21]

Thanks for this video!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it!

[@DaveWphoto]

Thanks for the thorough explanation Mark, this technique saved an image of mine that PS could not auto stack properly.

[@kolkmeiester]

Thank you for this video! I was able to do the same in PS Elements.

[@brunopatrel8850]

Great and very clear -thanks a lot

[@sanjvxo]

Such a cool video. Thank you for sharing.

[@cauger61]

Excellent tutorial on post processing!!

[@cauger61]

Would love to have some tutorial videos on "Focusing in Live view Mode"!!😊👍

[@rasesh4u]

Great content and a wonderful explanation. Thank you, Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Rasesh!

[@ianw73iw]

Thank you for this, simply put and I may even attempt it now. Cheers.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ian Walker Great to hear Ian - if you have any questions just let me know!

[@jababnamgay6366]

Nice tutorial. Thanks sir

[@yourmspread]

Nice shirt. I knew it was only matter of time before my hometown would show up in one of your videos.

[@Bringisen]

Great video! Thank you Very much 🙏

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

THanks so much!

[@JohnMichnowicz]

VERY well done. Thanks.....

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

John Michnowicz Much appreciated John!

[@lindahenderson2113]

Thank you, Mark for a very thorough focus stacking video. My photo buddies and I have monthly photography “tasks” that we work on and Focus Stacking was for March. We are behind in our goals, so your vlogs came at a good time. I enjoy your step-by-step teaching style and you make it look so easy. Thanks again and we look forward to the next one!

[@alexisbantilan9716]

Thank you thank you so much for this!

[@Snowcatnz2]

Great clear explanation. Probably the clearest one I've seen in a while. Great stuff!!!

[@alexk4023]

Amazing video! thanks

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you think so! Thanks Alex!

[@michaelhull1813]

You're always concise.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Michael!

[@LuckyDutch2011]

Excellent educational video!!

[@ArmandoLuiz]

Very good tutorial 👌🏾

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Armando👍

[@2002ec]

This is awesome Mark! Thank you for doing this video. I saw the automatic focus stacking video from you earlier and went out to take some photos at the beach. I used an ND filter to make the water look silky and tried using the automated version of the method through Photoshop to focus stack. I was not able to achieve a good image due to some areas of the image being strangely in focus and out of focus at the same time. Now I know what was wrong and how to fix it using the manual method! I was about to delete a bunch of photos, but I think you saved them for me. I was about to say to myself, "well, maybe I just can't understand how to focus stack..." but this video helped a lot! Thank you!!

[@brendonriha4332]

Amazing tutorial and video. Thank you for explaining it in so much detail.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Brendon!

[@wjgraham63]

1:32 Thank you for explaining the technique with shifting the focus point. I was wondering how that was achieved and you explained it. Thank you!! Makes sense now.

[@jacobweaver3716]

Your tutorials are very thorough, so much detail on each and every step. Great to learn from 👍🏻

[@paulgoodey3478]

Thanks for the clear and helpful tutorial.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it Paul!