How to create long exposures in bright conditions, without an ND Filter, using Photoshop stacking

[@mikelister4590]

Stunning editing to take another wise less than ideal weather image. And make it POP to what you had hoped for originally.

[@jamiermathlin]

thanks Mike 😀

[@simonshoots-scores9762]

Have just discovered your Channel. You have amazing skill and teaching ability, explaining why you’re doing what you do. Thank for sharing. Very inspirational.

[@jamiermathlin]

many thanks 😀

[@erik1836]

You gotta love a guy who uses "whilst"! Lol Part of the fun of your videos - aside from the mind boggling knowledge and understanding you so very kindly impart and take the time to painstakingly share - is listening to your effortless narrative style, speech patterns and tonality. A "Perfect Storm" of sorts, one might posit, as a delineation and term of characterization thereof!

[@jamiermathlin]

Hi Erik, Your description of my videos as a "Perfect Storm of sorts" related to my knowledge and delivery is incredibly flattering. It is my goal to combine insightful content with engaging storytelling, and it's heartening to know that this effort resonates with you. I appreciate your support and am grateful that you find both the information and the presentation valuable. Thank you for being a part of my journey and for your wonderfully encouraging feedback!

[@erik1836]

@@jamiermathlin Long ago, lost in the misty mists of times gone by; someone, whose name alas - albeit, is long forgotten now - but yet, still, even now, on this occasion bodes worthy of reference my quoting him (or her) said, apropos that: "One good turn deserves another." Not, to put too fine a point on it! As Charles Dickens did coin for us to use on occasional occasions in his novel, Bleak House - along with also therein "Take the measure of a man - person". Not necessarily word perfect quotes of either quote - be forewarned.

[@jamiermathlin]

@@erik1836 Thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent comment! The wisdom in "One good turn deserves another" is timeless and a reminder of the importance of kindness and reciprocity. And yes, Charles Dickens' insights from Bleak House offer rich reflections on human character and relationships. Your reference to these quotes adds depth to the discussion here on the channel. If you have any more thoughts or favorite quotes, feel free to share them! Your contributions are always welcome.

[@erik1836]

@@jamiermathlin I have several areas of high level expertise I have developed skills in and one, Photoshop and such, that I will never master as it's not really necessary to my purposes but with which I am at the point of being "good enough for government work"! The areas I am more than good at are writing, selling and mentoring young men - all of which actually dovetail in a way they is condusive to easily moving between one to the others. Each requiring strong creative verbal and writing skills, the understanding of people - especially young men in their 20s and 30s and the ability to transfer quantities of experience with life, historical and societal insights that will help them avoid the pitfalls we all went through usually without a skilled mentor on our sides removing road blocks that were oh our ways. I am currently writing a novel, sell my own fine art creations and those of the two painters I represent and oversee the sales of our prints and even tee shirts I create. Your skill levels with photography and Photoshop are wonderful to behold. I do love the "Magic of Photoshop" as Unmesh Dinda of PixImperfect puts it but you are to those realms of endeavor what I, at the risk of being too pleased with myself seeming, have as respects writing, selling and mentoring my "boys". Most were not born in America but rather from Africa, Bangladesh, the Middle East and other parts of the backs of beyond. Sadly, most American yoots, I find unserious, purposeless - easy times make soft men as I am certain you well know and is likely an affliction besetting Great Britain too. In any event, we all have our fortes that result from our inherent loves of a discipline which is one of the things that is most wonderful about this world we live in. I don't have to be at your level to appreciate and learn - be it ever so humble on comparison what I produce on comparison!

[@erik1836]

​​@@jamiermathlin I have several areas of high level expertise I have developed skills in and one, Photoshop and related, that I will never master; as it's not really necessary to my purposes but, with which, I am at the point of being "good enough for government work"! The areas I am more than good at are writing, selling and mentoring young men - all of which actually dovetail in a way they is condusive to easily moving between one to the others. Each requires strong creative verbal and writing skills, deep understanding of people - with the mentoring - especially of young men in their 20s and 30s and the ability to transfer to them substantial, actionable quantities of experience re life, historical and societal insights that will help them avoid the pitfalls we all went through usually without a skilled mentor by our sides removing road blocks that were in our ways. I am currently writing a novel, sell my own fine art creations and those of the two painters I represent and oversee the sales of our giclee prints and even tee shirts I create. Your skill levels with photography and Photoshop are wonderful to behold and worlds beyond my own. Though, I do love the "Magic of Photoshop" as Unmesh Dinda of PixImperfect puts it but, you two are to those realms of endeavor what I, at the risk of being too pleased with myself seeming, have as respects writing, selling and mentoring my "boys". Most were not born in America but rather hail from Africa, Bangladesh, the Middle East and other parts of the backs of beyond. Sadly, most American yoots, sms, I find unserious, purposeless - easy times make soft men, as I am certain you well know and is likely an affliction besetting Great Britain too. In any event, we all have our fortes that result from our inherent loves of a discipline, which is one of the things that is most wonderful about this world we live in. I don't have to be at your level to appreciate and learn - be it ever so humble in comparison what I produce in comparison!

[@marlinsobbota9846]

I find your knowledge and mastery of Photoshop to be staggering. You're able to visualize your final photograph and know what features in Photoshop and Lightroom you need to utilize to get there. This is a BEAUTIFUL photograph. So pleasing to look at. The last time I was in London was 1971. Unfortunately, I'm unable to travel much now. Maybe in the future. London was so unique back then with Buckingham Palace, Scotland Yard, Russell Square, Picadilly Circus, and Carnaby Street. Unlike any other city.

[@jamiermathlin]

Hey Marlin, good to hear from you. All the places you mention are still there and jewels of the capital 😀

[@sonjon1000]

There is never a time I dont learn something new and so useful, thankyou!

[@jamiermathlin]

I am very happy to hear that you learn something new from my videos, it makes the whole process of sharing worthwhile 😀

[@odarrien]

Creating the long exposure using Mean in PS is quite straightforward looking at your process. I'll utilise this sometime soon..... Your edit though! My goodness that's impressive! Going from the initial image to that final image is spectacular!

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave me a comment, it is very much appreciated 😀

[@LauMagroTheFrenchKOInection]

Magnificent work and superb tutorial. You're simply the best teacher one can get. Easy to understand and very easy to follow. Thank you.

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you for your kind words, they are very much appreciated :-D

[@ralfp9431]

I have subscribed to your Chanel some time ago because of your amazing editing skills and your great teaching ability with a voice I could listen to all day long! I could bite myself because of a busy time I forgot about your Chanel and I wasn't notified and therefore I missed learning the wonderful things you have to teach until now. I am so amazed with your abilities and I want to learn every single thing you have to offer! Thank you so much for your kindness to share with us what you know! Greetings from Germany, Ralf

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank You Ralf, your kind words are very much appreciated, and you do not know how happy it makes me feel to know that I am helping you and other people to improve their photography 😀

[@MyStocko]

Fantastic Jamie. You have turned a good image into a fantastic image. Did'nt know about the smart object conversion. So as always , learnt something new. Many thanks.

[@jamiermathlin]

I am very happy to hear that my video was of some help 😀

[@cerealkiller4248]

I have no idea what techniques you are using, but the end result is beautiful. PP’ing my pictures has always been my Achilles heel, as a self taught photographer, teaching myself Photoshop/Lightroom has been beyond me, and I normally find some of my favourite photographers have a background in graphic design etc.

[@jamiermathlin]

Hi Cereal, take a look at some of my earlier video, I deal with the basics of Lightroom and Photoshop:- www.youtube.com/@jamiermathlin/videos scroll down to the earlier ones and look for the titles basics, including how to import and export from Lightroom and basic processing, take a look..... 😀

[@cerealkiller4248]

@jamiermathlin Thanks for the tips, I'll take a look later when the kids are in bed. Your work is beautiful. I noticed you mention Serge Ramelli in your Community page. Funny enough, when I discovered your page the other day, before I clicked on the Community page, I thought your stuff reminded me of Serges' work, both of you are producing fabulous photos. Thanks 👍 Subscribed

[@keithdraycott]

Another photoshop masterclass - Thank you Jamie

[@jamiermathlin]

You are very welcome Keith 😀

[@Den-dp5zc]

Great video showing me a technique I want to try. Thank you!

[@jamiermathlin]

best of luck !

[@mikefoxworthysr.7183]

Jamie, extremely helpful! Your teaching skills are magnificent.

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you Mike 😀

[@bsperka]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks very much!

[@jamiermathlin]

you are very welcome Bruce 😀

[@AnnKilpatrick]

Tried it out on Queenstown landscapes shot in the middle of the day on a bright blue sky day. Worked well. Also interesting to see the difference in images when I tried out different stack modes, eg maximum and minimum.

[@jamiermathlin]

so happy to hear that it worked well for you 😀

[@CaiShuRen]

Learnt a lot from this tutorial. Subscribed and Liked. Thanks, Jamie

[@jamiermathlin]

Many thanks for your comment it is much appreciated 😀

[@dennisj.6135]

Good morning Jamie, Another exquisite photo creation and explanation of your artistry of digital editing. Today’s video was very detailed in a step by step approach to this photo. Again, thank you for your continued videos and time involved to create a wonderful learning environment for us all. Sincerely, Dennis

[@jamiermathlin]

Fantastic!

[@neilgrant1927]

Thank you Jamie, excellent exercise. Quite a number of takeaways from following along using your raw files. Havent been to London since pre-Covid, and pre-photography as a hobby. Your workshop later this year, English Medieval cities, really appeals. Again thank you.

[@jamiermathlin]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, it is very much appreciated. Let me know if you are interested in joining the English Medieval Cities Workshop, I am just looking for the number of people who may be interested. If you are drop me a note from my comments page on my website jrmathlin.uk

[@Kalasbra]

Hey, i just found your channel and I just had to say WOW, i am so impressed of your skills. I love how this photo ended up. Thank you!

[@jamiermathlin]

you are very welcome, and glad to have you on board 😀

[@wellwhatthen10101]

This tutorial has giving me a new outlook on the bridge and Adobe tools . This is a work of art

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you very much, I am glad to have helped you take a new look 😀

[@Anon54387]

@@jamiermathlinWhat is the point of doing it this way instead of with an ND filter? Honestly, it seems more trouble than simply remembering to bring the ND filter. And if there is a slight color change through use of the ND filter (A) that may not necessarily be a bad look and (B) one can adjust the color back to what one wants in post processing (indeed, people often do this whether an ND filter is used or not). It's not cheating since this is artistic photography and not photojournalism.

[@jamiermathlin]

@@Anon54387 just demostarting a technique, a technique that removes traffic and boats as well as smoothing the water. If you just use an ND filter for a single long exposure you will see the traffic and boats blurred in the shot, especially the lights. This technique allows you to remove the blurred lines and images.

[@jaimee.campuzanot.2702]

Jamie, thank you so much again for your nice tutorial videos, I learn so much from them. I also want to thank you for sharing all your pictures selflessly. Best regards.

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you Jaime for your kind words, they are very much appreciated, and you are very welcome 😀

[@WaterShowsProd]

A stunning image of my favourite bridge. Really enjoyed this walk-through.

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you 🤩

[@massimogiorcelli4666]

Very very interesting masterclass, thank you for sharing your skills with us, simple amateurs like me

[@jamiermathlin]

My pleasure, and I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the video :-)

[@PeggySwords]

This is brilliant Jamie. I always learn so much from your videos! I just tried sticking some images for the first time and now I have a way to process them! Thank you!

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you Peggy, it is a great method to use :-D

[@mark1hancock]

You turned a ho hum image into a fantastic image, great work

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you Mark 😀

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Seen this image conversion done before. I think the image quality is better than an ND filter. Sadley, my denoise function stopped working on my Mac studio last week. It just produces a grey screen, but records the file as though it has done something, but no. Perhaps others have had the same. Sonoma is due to update tonight, but that will not change Lightroom CC. Keep these video's coming please Jamie. Thank you.

[@jamiermathlin]

sorry to hear about your denoise not working 😞 That sounds like Lightroom might not have permissions to write to the folder, or perhaps the drive is almost full. Denoise creates a new file, so Lightroom needs to be able to write that file to disk. The error suggests that it can't for some reason.

[@sagg2009]

Thank You Again Jamie, Great work😀

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you Brian 😀

[@NJM1948]

Excellent - superb transformation!! My go to is NEO but still enjoyed this and it can be replicated with NEO - thanks for the great vid

[@jamiermathlin]

Many Thanks, I use Neo for some elements of my work, it is very god for sky replacements and I love the mystical slider, wonderful !

[@TheCozzz]

Good vid. Use this lots but with other program. One point though, my experience and understanding is that photo noise is random. Therefore, no need to denoise, as the noise will cancel out out by way of being stacked to many other photos where noise is different in each photo.

[@jamiermathlin]

that is a very good point Criag 😀

[@aidendoyle1532]

Thanks very much, I have learned a lot. I will be in London in May so will see if I can put things into action!

[@jamiermathlin]

Thanks for the comment, and best of luck when in London !

[@whooptydj]

Great video. Helpful ideas. Thanks!

[@jamiermathlin]

You are very welcome. 😀

[@Kirangokal7]

Fantastic share and education in a very systemic manner, thank you

[@jamiermathlin]

you are very welcome 😀

[@mariamccormick7879]

You did it again!! Thank you.

[@jamiermathlin]

😀😀

[@chrishill2489]

Brilliant tutorial mate and easily understood👍👍 I’m going to give this a go next time I’m in London for sure🤓👍👏👏👏

[@jamiermathlin]

Go for it! :-)

[@martinstokes5596]

Excellent tutorial, wonderful transformation..thank you for the tips and advice

[@jamiermathlin]

You are very welcome Martin, and thank you for the comment, it is very much appreciated :-)

[@Ronin760]

Brilliant! Great instruction as well. Thank you!

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you Frank 😀

[@jasonlacey5979]

Excellent.. certainly one of the best. Thank you

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you Jason 😀

[@hayabusaTravels]

Gonna use this to remove people from touristy places I visit! Thank you!

[@jamiermathlin]

It is a very good way to remove people from the scene, however, you do need to have around 70-80% of the images to be vacant of people through all the shots you take, so as long as the people are moving you should be good 😀

[@hayabusaTravels]

@@jamiermathlin I just did a test today and took 15 - 20 photos with my phone on a tripod. And it works!! The stacking in photoshop provided me with a clean image: no people, no cars. As long as the thing you want to eliminate is moving in your frame, it will get removed! And nobody will stay still for a long time. You can just stay there and take a picture everytime something moves in front of your camera. This is a very BIG deal for me as I don't want to carry a conventional camera on my motorcycle trips... I have a Iphone 11 Pro and used the wired headphones volume controls to trigger the shutter so to not introduce movement by pressing with your finger on the display. Thank you!

[@bds7874]

Awesome work, both in terms of the image ultimately created but the way in which you teach us each step. Loved it, subscribed and thinking about a course soon. What gear did you take this pic with?

[@chrismassa5891]

Always amazing.

[@jamiermathlin]

thanks Chris

[@BruceRyman]

Good video I agree with John add some time stamps so we can jump to various points. The Mean Feature was mind blowing to learn about! Also your mastery of lightroom is very impressive with the masks and gradient filters etc. Do you have a lightroom editing video? If not you should consider making one on the top items you do to an image. I learned a lot of great tips from you lightroom edits. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@jamiermathlin]

Hey Bruce, thank you for your comment. I do not have a single specific video for Lightroom, but I have many videos (over 80 in total) that cover the different ways, Lightroom, Photoshop and Luminar can be used. Have a look back at my back catalogue: - @jamiermathlin

[@markscutt7471]

I love this final image, thank for the explanation of 'mean'. I never understood the different modes in stack modes :). Did you know the app for Sony A7 does a good stack 😜 lol

[@jamiermathlin]

yes I know 😀 lol

[@markscutt7471]

@@jamiermathlin 😂

[@marcystarnes5511]

that was amazing - learned some great tricks -

[@jamiermathlin]

I am really happy to hear this 😀

[@dr.lopuckdds2603]

Oh Well, Maestro well done, as I’ve always found

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you 😀

[@JoseLopez-pw1im]

Brilliant!

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you so much 😀

[@AnnKilpatrick]

Very good

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you 😀

[@edmundhayes7982]

Great tutorial. I don't use LR much at all; maybe I should.

[@jamiermathlin]

I used to be Photoshop only, however, I was introduced to LR by Serge Ramelli, and it made me realise that LR has some advantages over PS, and the same the other way round. If you combine the two, I think it makes for a great combo. Also LR gives the organisation element of your photo storage as well. Best regards

[@edmundhayes7982]

@@jamiermathlin Thanks, I'll give it another try and look at some of Serge's KZbin videos.

[@DavidTpitCabrera]

really nice

[@jamiermathlin]

thank you 😀

[@M31glow]

Masterful!

[@jamiermathlin]

Many thanks 😀

[@JohnBerthoty]

Really nice, but I think the reflection of the tower on the right should be shorter?

[@jamiermathlin]

Thank you John, I think you could be right 😀

[@SteveD-nb8qj]

Jamie, Did you use Aperture Mode for the 15 Photos? Also, I have learned A Lot from Watching Many of your Videos, Thanks, Steve

[@jamiermathlin]

Hi Steve, I generally use aperture mode most of the time and vary my exposure by using the third control ring on my Canon RF lens, this is my preferred method, as it means that as the lighting in the scene changes (sunset) the camera adapts and maintains my exposure settings. I am not a fan of manual mode, as you are always chasing the correct exposure 😀

[@fogtownrog]

Whilst taking the series of photos, what was the time or interval between each shot? Great video.

[@jamiermathlin]

Only 3-5 seconds, long enough for the water pattern to change and the traffic to keep moving 😀

[@gcookz86]

This is a great technique! Thanks for sharing. Is there a benefit or a reason to use this method over an ND filter? It seems to me that the ND filter method would require so much less editing.

[@jamiermathlin]

Thanks for the question, three reasons why this is a useful technique; firstly if you do not have your ND filter on you, and secondly you can end up with blurred or drawn-out lights or lines with a long exposure, and lastly you can extend the exposure time to an equivalent longer exposure time, this shot was equal to about 3 mins. If you want to see me do a 4 min exposure shot with ND filters look here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIPVl5J-ZdiXl5Y&ab_channel=JamieRMathlin

[@gcookz86]

@@jamiermathlin Thank you for the reply! The video was incredibly informative. Much appreciated.

[@jamiermathlin]

@@gcookz86 you are very welcome 😀

[@SteveD-nb8qj]

Regarding the 15 Different Photos: Did you Keep the camera in Aperture Priority Mode at F/16? Thanks... Have Learned a Lot from your Videos

[@jamiermathlin]

yes indeed I did keep the camera in aperture mode and maintain F16 😀

[@salgarni818]

Thank you

[@robbiesloan3992]

hi, i seem to be having issues when trying to save a Raw file after editing down to a JPEG in photoshop, only option i have to save as jpeg is to save a copy if i try to save it as save as it wants to say the PSD file. any idea why this is happening?

[@jamiermathlin]

you can use the export function in the file menu, select JPEG in the top selection box, and the export to chosen location, I hope that helps...

[@robbiesloan3992]

@@jamiermathlin thanks yet again Jamie

[@LeicaCat]

Subscribed

[@jamiermathlin]

welcome 😀

[@drumdrumcymbal1594]

Sorry about my OCD.................sensor dust by first tower................because you were at f22 huge spot............was cleaning my screen first.

[@jamiermathlin]

I missed that, so well spotted 😀 I was at F16, as F2 gets a little too soft, but either way, a bit of a miss from me :-)

[@jamesmcleod4729]

remove tool doesn't work using Photoshop 2024 beta

[@jamiermathlin]

which version of Beta do you have, as it worked fine on my 25.7 version ?

[@jamesmcleod4729]

@@jamiermathlin2024... I fixed it.. thx

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Way too long, most of the material is irrelevant to the stated aim. You might have done better to make several more concise videos so your audience can choose the parts necessary to improve their skills.

[@jamiermathlin]

Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback John, it is much appreciated, and I will take your points into consideration!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@jamiermathlin I hope that my comments lead to your having a better channel.

[@BikerBloke600]

What's your channel called, can't wait to see your content, it must be amazing 😂

[@djunabug]

I like it. No hurry :)

[@oalessa1]

I enjoy your videos so much. Take as much time as you like.