The FASTEST WAY to FOCUS STACK!

Focus Stacking is a technique that's been popular with landscape photographers for years, but there isn't just one way to create a focus stacked image in Photoshop. There's actually multiple different ways to accomplish this post processing wizardry. In this Lightroom and Photoshop tutorial, I'll discuss the way that I create my focus stacked images, I think you'll be surprised how simple, fast, and effective this technique can be.
If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and subscribing. Also, let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.
Cheers!
-Mark D.
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[@FranktheDachshund]

I agree with you about jumping right into the content. If I hear another "hey KZbin what's up",...

[@chrismann3933]

I always thumbs down the moment I hear a "whaaats up guys", along with the ubiquitous closing remark of "What do YOU think? Let me know in the comments below"

[@AntPDC]

@@chrismann3933 Screaming "What's goin' on KZbin!" is another. Unoriginal and tired.

[@HighmeLandscapes]

You forgot with a pffft in front of it ;)

[@tallaganda83]

Yeah its pretty cringeworthy isn't it.

[@ericme3317]

Without further ado lets get started.

[@belindaschindler1703]

you're right about the intro...I always fast forward to the actual tutorial.

[@ualrelearningmedia]

Agree 1000%

[@g0mhc]

I agree too.

[@honeysucklecat]

but how will people know they should click like and subscribe? I just won't remember to do it if they don't remind me, right at the beginning, just like everyone does. People are walking trash cans of cliches.

[@danneukirch4486]

But you didn't skip this time, otherwise you wouldn't have written this comment ;)

[@ViktorEnns]

Less fluff in how to videos is best

[@robertbascelli6433]

The swoosh sound at the beginning was intro enough for me. Great tutorial.

[@lamontgilliland9664]

Mark, thank you for taking the time to provide a clear, instructive tutorial on how to focus stack. Your calm voice and presentation is also much welcomed. :)

[@GregDungan]

Don't listen to them, Mark. One of the things I like most about your videos is that you don't waste a bunch of time and get right to the content. Thanks for all you do!

[@PFB-yo6wi]

Mark - your tuition series is excellent. Get's straight to the point, and it's very easy to follow. Love this.

[@Graygeezer]

Thanks for not wasting time and bandwidth on a pointless intro. I really appreciate you spending the time productively.

[@tjnak]

Thank You Very helpful. I appreciate you just jumping in.

[@dennishegdahl8616]

Ah, once again I've learned something new. I learned something 4 or 5 years ago about focus stacking...forgot it and watched your video again... The joys of being in my 70ties...g . Thanks again.

[@glenseeney]

Thank you, didn’t know Photoshop could do that. Was thinking, oh boy tome to do the masking. Went WOW when you showed that PhotoShop did that for us. Thank you

[@r.e.griffin9377]

Mark, I just wanted to thank you for this video. Even though it's 3 years old it is still helping people. I did my first focus stacking photo this evening and you made it possible. many thanks. And yes I did make notes for future reference!

[@kristarman57]

Thank you so much - simple, easy to follow, and great example - just what I was looking for!

[@russellabrahams7649]

Brilliant what a simple method!!!!

[@seandefreitas1874]

Have heard about focus stacking but haven't seen how it's done. This video was so easy to understand. Thanks so much for sharing this technique.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Sean De Freitas Thanks for watching Sean’

[@jamesburke9853]

Very simple explanation. Gonna try this with small object product photographs in light tent.

[@erniedixon3272]

Awesome! I’m super excited and can’t wait to put this to use! I do a lot of large format landscapes and have always struggled getting everything perfectly in focus. Thank you for the video!

[@markferrell55]

Great explanation you make it sound easy, one thing I must say is your the first person I've seen that keeps the look of the water pretty normal, I thought I was the only one that likes the looks of the running water and not making it into a cloud looking sene.

[@michealpociecha8351]

So glad I found you on Facebook. You are a great teacher. Can’t wait to see more of your videos. Keep them coming.

[@gdb2db]

Wanted to learn how to do this for years. Always leaving it on the back burner, believing it would be over my head. Nice video, easy to digest. Thank you.

[@binzbradley3120]

New to photography and all the Lightroom and Photoshop editing. I have spent 3 hours just learning this and I have absolutely enjoyed it. Thanks so much.

[@Xetenor]

Great tutorial and straight to the point. After I acquired a nice Zeiss Milvus 25mm 1.4 lens I realized that these zeiss beauties are great for focus stacking instead of just using a small aperture for landscape shots since their focus is so precise. I will have to start doing focus stacking and get the hang of it because it really makes a huge difference to get sharp pictures in the entire frame, especially the corners. I think the challenge for me is that I mainly do landscape shots with sunsets and sunrises and timing on that is so short. I would be happy to get a frame with the foreground sharp to blend it into the other frame where the sun is starting to rise where the sun creates barely a sunstar. When I took a sunrise shot few days ago I blended in a different picture into one that had lens flare which is so hard to avoid in most lenses.

[@Kumachanchan]

Hi Mark, Just found your site and you. Amazing!! I am a serious amateur and you're personality is genuine, the videos exceptionally well done and articulate and look forward to watching more to learn from you! Thanks!!

[@krantea]

Thank you for the short, precise and straight to the point video.

[@iainmccallum5535]

Well you made this seem easy! I'm looking forward to giving it a go soon.

[@katjasesel]

This is the best video on focys stacking. I am a beginner and learning and I got it for the first time. I had problems with focusing and I watched your previous video and landed here on this one. Good job Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Katja Sešel This is great to hear - glad you enjoyed it👍

[@tysaylor8469]

I know what I'm doing this weekend! Great video, very informative, well delivered and to the point!

[@Glenfin]

Oh my, gosh!! What a wonderful tutorial! Thank you so much.

[@trouwfotomakerij]

I agree on your thoughts on intros. The worst videos are those where someone will be on camera talking to us for 20 seconds about what will be in the video, and then cutting to some animated intro that nobody really asked for. :-) Thank KZbin for the J,K and L-key assignments!

[@IanMiddletonPhotographyTravel]

Thanks very much for this. I've been doing it the hard way all this time, just selectively blending through sections. Funny how when you are always doing something one way you lose track of all the advances in Photoshop.

[@FotoHysteria]

Definitely trying this on a nature shoot I am doing this week. THX!!

[@malcolmstoker2277]

Really helpful and clear explanation of how focus stacking is done. It would be great if you could make a video showing the process of capturing the three images. Thanks for great tutorials. MS

[@theresemchugh170]

Exactly. What is the method for changing the focus spot?

[@anujasharma9677]

Great video Mark. Thanks for sharing this process with us

[@ggsxr1000]

Thank you ,the best ,simple and efficient way to get an excellent in perfect in focus image.

[@TylerRostedt]

Amazing. Focus stacking has always seemed very daunting to me. But this broke it down perfect. Also always thought I needed to do it with 20-30+ images. Never considered it with just 3. Excited to give it a try! Thanks for the great video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Tyler Rostedt Awesome to hear man - glad the video was helpful Tyler!

[@smooth6718]

I have just gotten started in astrophotography. I learned somewhere that it is best to stack several images to reduce noise. But of course, I had no idea how to "stack"... except maybe in HDR, which is totally different, of course. So, I went to KZbin, put in "stacking for astrophotography" and after watching about six tutorials; I was more confused than I was before I started. I continued to scroll down for more help, and lo and behold, there was my most fav-o-rite teacher with a tutorial on stacking a landscape. I figured that landscapes and astro had to be closed to the same, so I started your video. You were rocking along showing how you took three different images with different focus points, then you said, "Now, we will stack and I will show you just how simple it is." Ha! Simple. I was still reeling from the other "simple" tutorials. But as you proceeded to explain the procedure, I followed along completely - 100% - just like I was learning my A, B, Cs. What a great instructor! Of course, I took notes and stopped the video at the end of every step to list that procedure before I forgot it. The long and short of it is that I immediately downloaded three images and applied your procedure. (I never use Photoshop, and I was really concerned.) But I met with success the very first time I tried. Many, many thanks, Mark, for being so clear and orderly, without extraneous content like so many others interject. This is Thursday, and I can't wait for another session next Wednesday. I subscribed long ago and watch and take notes faithfully.

[@gerbenlubbers3403]

I am catching up your videos Mark! This one is amazing. It is making my photos so much better, and its so easy to do. Thanks Mark!!

[@thelaird1]

Thank you. I always thought this had to be done manually. I’ll give this a go

[@bodyreconclaireblankenbyl5332]

Appreciate your short (not too) sharp turorial. Information recieved without giving up a morning to listen!

[@MichaelGuy]

Best video on focus stacking ! One question remains for me. I want to focus stack the composition and once that is achieved return to light room to "paint" for example I may put a lighter exposure to highlight a branch etc.... always nice to light paint last.

[@mikehunt5626]

Hi Mark, So glad this popped up for me to watch, I have had a 2 shot rainforest shoot that would not blend well every time I tried. Your version worked 99% perfect. I ended up with a little "ghosting" along the mushrooms on the stump which I managed to sort out with the clone tool Thanks mate the shot looks great now after many attempts almost made me give up trying.

[@mitchellrobbins5073]

Really wish I was aware of this technique when I was in Jamaica, but I'll be ready next time. Thanks for the tip!

[@anthonyshearin4603]

Thanks for a great video Mark! It's clear, concise and informative. I appreciate that there was no long introduction, pitching of products, talking about other topics not related to the video subject, etc. Just subscribed and will be looking at other videos you've posted.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Anthony Shearin Much appreciated Anthony - thank you!

[@Teeno171]

great vid just learnt something very interesting thank you

[@NARC4K]

Thanks Ken looking forward to trying this 👍

[@sandyeger7859]

That was the easiest explained way to focus stack. Now I think I'll try it

[@lynwillis9887]

Yes I always fast forward to the tutorial and do avoid those with lengthy introductions, love your tutorials.

[@Woodenarrows]

I've found Focus stacking a very useful procedure. Macro lenses provide an extremely shallow DOF. Focus stacking is essential with macro lenses if you want enough DOF for your entire subject to be in focus. I almost gave up on decent macro images until I discovered focus stacking.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Woodenarrows I totally agree! Focus Stacking really changed my approach in how I photograph a scene.

[@migranthawker2952]

The fact it is a macro lens has nothing to do with the DOF! DOF is a product of magnification and aperture size. The greater the magnification, the less DOF, the larger the aperture (the smaller the f number), the less DOF - simples!

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Straight and to the point! Great stuff!! Helped simplify this for me, thanks.

[@thomchrissyhourtwohearts6810]

Hey Mark! Great video! I found your video stacking the train tracks a few weeks ago, and went back to find it again and this came up. Bonus!! You gave your viewers 2 for 1..... focus stacking and batch editing. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

thom & chrissy HourTwoHearts Haha! That’s right 2 for 1 - I like it👍👍

[@iandavis1355]

Agree with you. This said, introducing yourself is good and also stating the general subject doesn't hurt. Similar to standing at a podium if you know what i mean. But to the content . . . I'm going to head out now and try this. Thanks.

[@logang865]

This is awesome! I’m new to photography, and after finding your channel I figured I would go on a hike this New Years on the other side of the smokies to try some landscape photography. However, I am still learning post processing techniques and this is really useful to know. Great channel Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Logan Gilley That’s great to hear Logan! Happy to hear the channel has been helpful for you👍

[@kitwilliams2159]

I am totally bored sometimes with the preamble that precedes some photographers youtube tutorials - so I think yours is just perfect Mark and thanks for such a great tutorial haha that I have actually watched because you don't ramble on for 10 mins first!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Kit Williams Thanks so much! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@wgp6540]

OUTSTANDING!

[@peterwydmuch1893]

this is the second tutorial of yours I have watched. You are a great teacher, easy on the ears, east to pick up and learn, Thanks. I have subscribed and rang the bell

[@andyallard5990]

I have never really done any photo stacking. Going to have to give it a go as always great to Torio thanks for your time.

[@LikeAGentlemanPlease]

Thank you 🙏 for getting to the point. I hope ya channel grow!

[@martychmelik1457]

I love all you do man. I really hope you will be successful. I have learned a lot from your photography mistakes too....didn’t even realize I was making them

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Marty!

[@lakebummer]

Nice example and instruction. I’m I the only one that sees the leapfrogging toads in the left rocks? I can’t unsee it!

[@mauricegauvin6217]

Thank you so much for sharing this great technique. Focus stacking in Photoshop has always been so difficult for me, but your way is so much easier.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Maurice Gauvin Thanks Maurice! Glad it was helpful.

[@rohimi_noor]

thanks for the tips..i use brush when create stack but this way more faster👍🏻👍🏻

[@cvtees16videos]

Thanks for sharing this very informative...

[@raewebb6365]

Great. Can’t wait to try it. I’m going to search your feed for composites now

[@ObligatoryPun]

Love your way of explaining things and how straightforward your videos are.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

FenderSunset Thanks so much!

[@amberhall2671]

First time trying stacking and it worked! Thanks for walking through the steps.

[@allthesideroads8724]

Great video on focus stacking. Once I realized you were using Lightroom Classic and not Lightroom CC it was very easy to follow along step by step. I learned something new today and I thank you. I look forward to seeing your other videos.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

All The Side Roads Thanks so much! Glad to hear the video was helpful👍

[@kevins8575]

Thanks! I've been shying away from stacking because I thought post processing would be too hard.

[@mireillex7249]

I love the way you explained things:) thank you so much for this video👍😃

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

Thanks, I used this technique and thanks to you the final result was very nice indeed.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Wallace Shackleton That’s awesome to hear! Thanks Wallace!

[@leslielanderkin8301]

I have watched several focus stacking videos and this is the best. Thank you; I was successful after weeks of trying different approaches. Leslie

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Leslie Landerkin Awesome!! So glad to hear is Leslie!

[@johnforshee1416]

Thank you. I was manually masking in PS before I saw your tutorial. This works mush better.

[@varximus]

A new day, another one to learn something new. Thanks Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

varximus Glad to do it!

[@LuckyDutch2011]

Mark, not only is this an excellent tutorial from an educational point of view, it is also very well explained for those that are not so familiar with all the ins and outs of photoshop even though we may have been using it for years.. I think I may have mentioned this earlier somewhere in a comment to one of your videos, I have been using Photoshop from the moment it was introduced for my scientific work, but over the last few months, photographer like you have opened up a complete new dimension of this beautiful and trusted software for me (and Lightroom is a complete revelation to me). Sixty+ and excited !!

[@Pedrohramirez]

Thannnnk you, this does simplifies things for me.

[@lindaholtphotography]

Thank you Mark, your method or rather way of explaining how to stack is the most simplest I have seen, you just made my day.... Oh yeah, love your other videos too... LOL.

[@imcurious1009]

Great vid and you're right about the intro!

[@YoutubingJason]

Didn’t even know I needed to know this! Cool technique - subbed 😎

[@michaelfate3249]

Thanks for this simple and straightforward explanation on focus stacking.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Michael Fate Thanks for watching it Michael!

[@matthughes65]

Thanks Mark, you've finally convinced me to install photoshop after all this time being scared of it being too complicated!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

FishLip Yeah once you start playing around with it you quickly realize it’s not as complicated as you originally thought.

[@stevelink21]

Great tutorial, Mark! I use focus stacking with my product photography, using Affinity Photo (on an iMac) and then photoshop for final edits. Never tried it on a subject with moving elements like your scene, but you proved it does work well! (Was wondering how the software would handle the moving water, since that part of the scene is obviously different for each image.)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TALLLCHIEF]

Whoa there, Mark... Steve TQP has made a very valid query, which you've either neglected to address or simply ignored; i.e., "(Was wondering how the software would handle the moving water, since that part of the scene is obviously different for each image.)"; I was wondering the same!

[@BracaPhoto]

@@TALLLCHIEF i don't think "explaining how the software works" is the scope of this video... BUT it's a 1/5" shutter speed so "NONE" of the water is in focus... Maybe that's how the software figures it out... IDK

[@KB9K]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing

[@franmol01]

simple and to the point tutorial. thanks for this... subbed

[@ddunnum]

Excellent tutorial Mark! I really appreciate it. Just bought the Z 6 and one of the drivers for me was to be able to do focus stacking. I love landscape photos. This small example was very helpful. I like your whole approach to explaining the process. Saving this one since I have lost my memory. Again Thank You for sharing this.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Daniel! Glad you enjoyed the video and congrats on the new purchase!

[@Smarpet]

Love focus stacking..

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

David Israel Same! Insanely useful technique👍

[@gotchewie420]

I came across your video. I already know how to focus stack but I thought I would watch it to see if I could learn anything more about it. I didn't learn anything new. However, I must say, I wish I would've learned focus stacking from your video. Very easy to follow, very easy to understand, very informative, and right to the point. 👋👋👋

[@robsonoliveira8867]

Very useful!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@edmondderaedt4186]

Love the tee shirt! and thanks for the tutorial, headed to southern Utah next week and I am excited to try this out

[@SuperHotnoob]

Hello Mark! I just chanced upon your video because I wanted to learn focus stacking so that I could that macro photos of watches! This was the most simple, yet, informative video I've come across so far! You really went step by step so that dummies like me wouldn't mess up haha! Thanks so much! Much love from Singapore!

[@kellyloganphotography]

AMAZING! Thank you so much. This is incredibly helpful for jewelry product images.

[@EVILGAB22]

Thanks!!! Incredibly simple will deifinitely use it!

[@christymorris8863]

Love your videos learning so much... So glad I came across your channel. thank you

[@RA57727]

Mark, thank you for this video. I’m reminded of a quote by Einstein, “If you can not explain it simply - you do not understand it well enough.” You sir explained this simple enough for me to understand - thanks.

[@belindaschindler1703]

this was great...heard of photo stacking but it sounded complicated. You explained it perfectly. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Belinda Schindler Glad to hear it was helpful Belinda!

[@pacificnorthwester]

Very informative, thank you. As a side note, when Lightroom went to subscription, that was the final straw for me. A friend introduced me to OnOne Photo Raw. Great program, second to none. Haven't used LR since. When the OnOne Photo Raw 2019 version comes out next month, one of the new features will be Focus Stacking. Can't wait.

[@curtlewis3446]

Hello Mark. I just wanted to share with you my experience with following the instructions of this video. I followed your tutorial word for word, and it just wasn't working as you described. I went back and watched the video repeatedly and it wasn't until the last time that I discovered the problem. When I went to auto blend the layers, it wasn't creating the master image (merged). During that last viewing, I noticed that I didn't have the "Content Aware fill Transparent Areas" box checked. Once I checked that box, the process worked just as you described. I can't wait to try this technique. Thanks again for your great tutorials.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Curt Lewis Thanks so much for the feedback Curt - glad it ended up working for you!

[@johnjackson9601]

Hi Mark. Thank you very much for the video on focus stacking. I used your technique and it worked.very well. Thank you again!

[@khervie13]

Thank you so much for this simplified technique. I really understand well unlike other videos here in KZbin. Thanks again Mark 🌹😘

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

hervie imus Glad to do it - happy to hear it was helpful!

[@bradlarsen1665]

Just found your channel, I really like your style. The video's well done, not too long, very informative, and I'm always learning something even if I thought I already new everything about the topic.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Brad Larsen This is great to hear Brad - much appreciated!

[@nathanvenzara]

First video I've watched about focus stacking. Very helpful thank you! And the sync tip too!

[@FrankoFM2]

Just discovered your channel,brilliant ,very helpful thanks! 👍🇬🇧

[@daveo544]

Awesome video, thanks very much for putting it together!! 🙏 I'm completely new to modern photography and this opens up awesome windows for what I want to do. Explained so well and easy to understand. I've taken notes as I've only been using Lightroom thus far, Photoshop is the next level for me 👍👌😁