Why I NEVER Focus Stack my Photos...

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Focus Stacking is often used in photography to increase the in focus area of a photo. You can achieve this using software or even in camera on some models like my Lumix G9, but for most of my photography I don't like to do it, and in this video I explain why...
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[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Competition winners will be announced in a video in 2 weeks time! Meanwhile, the books start shipping tomorrow - thanks so much for the support! www.jamespopsys.com/store/2019-book

[@DJFoucher]

James Popsys Dang, I could use something like Luminar. Just don’t know if my Dinausor 2012 Mac Mini will handle it.

[@DavidTelesPortugal]

I was here to comment about the books, but no need after all. Excited to receive it

[@ericrjennings]

Pumped for a copy of the book

[@sander5086]

That's great news, almost running out of toilet paper😉

[@lindaholtphotography]

Submitted my photos.... I have Luminar and been using it along Lightroom for a few months. Soooooo.... Your book would be lovely.... (hint, hint) 😂😂

[@MichaelGerrard]

I thought you were going to say you don't use focus stacking because you don't like tripods! ;-)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

And that! :)

[@MichaelTapel]

No it’s obviously due to the hassle of making each individual sheep in focus...yea you try that 25 times!

[@hauke3644]

Yesterday I managed to take a 20-exposure-picture of a blowball, free hand 😀 It took me two attempts, some luck and a camera with a fast burst (Olympus PEN-F)

[@lylestavast7652]

I do hand held focus stacking and panos all the time in the right light. only an issue in really long exposure situations.

[@grabshotphoto7396]

2:19 So what I heard you say is that you use focus stacking so your picture of a shower cap on top of a building would look realistic. I think we define that word differently.

[@rejeannantel1185]

"Avoid Distractions", this has been my motto in photography. "What is not in a picture is as important as what's in it". Sure enough a totally focus photo can lessen the way the viewer will enter the image unless it has a composition with strong leading lines.

[@walterwiniana]

Thank you for this video! I’ve never really tried focus stacking in the field! And your video has explained it simply why we don’t need too! I will continue to just focus on the main subject and use the out of focus parts to frame the main part 👍🏼

[@josephcole3187]

Gotta say James, im impressed...the shelves are still holding up. Oh and the sky replacement and structure tools seem pretty cool.

[@jimfok4343]

Welcome to the Luminar world! I just started any type of editing in January and found L4 to be very intuitive.... plus there are tons of tutorials. Love it!! -Elaine

[@lisabradley9288]

Wow! That sky was so cool, loved it. it amazes me what you can achieve in post processing. Thanks James for another good video 🙂

[@wayneashton]

I've always wanted to try out Luminar and with lockdown, this is perfect timing, nice one James!

[@garethjones5068]

100K subs so close now James, you might not focus stack but you're stacking up those subs!!!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, cheers mate! :)

[@cotswolddroner7714]

I always look forward to your videos! And especially now since I'm kinda stuck here at the house most of the time, seeing your videos are really highlights of the week. Thanks James!

[@LukVonTrug]

I was looking for focus stacking tutorials in luminar for the last two days! good timing, mate!

[@LukVonTrug]

...aaaand now I don't wanna FS more :-D

[@oli-haukur-valtysson]

I always respect the fact that you talk about how YOU like to do things... and not telling people what’s right and what’s wrong like so many KZbin “experts” tend to do :-) Cheers 🍻

[@joelrollins2841]

I love the way you simplify your compositions. It’s one of the distinguishing characteristics of your work. I also really appreciate the way in which you simplify the photography process. Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much :)

[@tarantulacollective]

Recently found your channel...really appreciate your content. You've helped out a lot with learning how to best utilize my Lumix G9! Thank you

[@chuckmoser9662]

I focus stack macro photos because of the thin depth of field. The biggest problem I have is focus breathing and my software not being able to scale the layers well enough to avoid ghosting. This leads to long sessions of panning over the photo cloning out the ghosted outlines.

[@tjc9514]

I'm sure you know about these, but in case you don't, macro rails could be very helpful! I use one and I get much better results than when I was changing my focus from the focus ring. Even when I used the automated focus system in the PhaseOne XF body, I still couldn't get as good of results as I could using the macro rail

[@noregretsyet]

The Nikon D850 has stacking built-in and it works swimmingly.

[@matt309]

Try a parafocal lens

[@paulinap-k8409]

@@noregretsyet do you need particular lens for focus stacking? I wanted to buy Canon camera but on the website its mentioned that focus stacking works only with few lenses.

[@noregretsyet]

@@paulinap-k8409 focus stacking is a technique and not specific to a brand. The Nikon D850 just makes it easier as it is built into the software.

[@StephenCotterell]

Thank you for such a clear explanation of how you consider, compose and create your photographs

[@richardturner81]

I’m of the same opinion as you regarding focus points in landscape images. Luminar does look impressive. It’s mental how advanced digital editing is really. Excited about getting the new book too, thanks for putting it together for us 👍🏻

[@BrendanvanSon]

I used to tell people that I didn't get allergies, then I spent isolation in the UK with the Hay...

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Haha, we're in this together buddy! And I'll follow you around the world every may from now on...

[@deepotter6774]

Fantastic reminder to be mindful of focusing your viewer’s attention. Brilliant explanation. Thank you!

[@GeneWaddle]

I"m feeling too lazy to really write anything so. . . 🐑

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Everyone's allowed a day off :)

[@antipodesman]

Until recently I have followed your view on simplicity in photography but I have recently discovered Gavin Hardcastle's videos featuring his landscapes on Vancouver Island (where I also live) and other locations. His philosophy is to avoid boring negative spaces and in my opinion he makes it work specatularly. He has inspired me to try some focus stacking and panoramas. In summary both philosophies can produce excellent photos. Focus stacking and panoramas involve extra post production work though.

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

I like your line of reasoning. The "everything in focus" trap is an easy one to fall into as a landscape photographer. Your examples are a nice reminder that sometimes out of focus elements enhance an image. Plus no need for a tripod.

[@dgibbsfl]

I enjoyed this one. All of your various thoughts were good food for thought.

[@lisarobertson7011]

Thank you James, I really enjoy watching your videos and love how you keep it real! BTW - highly recommend Claritin for your hay fever - I’m having same issues here in Toronto. Not sure I’m up for learning another photo editing program but will take a look!

[@paynescaping8957]

This is some good advice, I had never really given it much thought until now. Thanks for the insight

[@DJFoucher]

Awesome 😎. Super hyped to catch your video as soon as you published. Love your tips

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks mate :)

[@DJFoucher]

James Popsys My pleasure. Enjoyed the video. I’ll try to hopefully catch you live.

[@martinhommel9967]

Thanks for the video. I love your train of thought re focus stacking, best used in particular situations. I already have Luminar and really like it for quick adjustments

[@smartyarts]

Dear James, your opinion on focus stacking has some good points! Next time I take a photo, I will incorporate the idea of when and when not to focus stack in order to tell a story in my composition! All the best!

[@lcador9]

I thought I was in for an oppositional moment when first viewing the video title but I must acknowledge you got it perfectly right in camera without any need for post processing. Simply, isolate and eliminate!

[@geoffscott5066]

Thanks for this video James. Looking at other KZbinrs videos they seems obsessed with focus stacking landscape scenes. I agree with you not stacking leads to something more atmospheric, less distracting, easy to view. Cheers

[@EminenceFrontX5]

Great vlog sir. Thank you.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers mate :)

[@tTLM823]

Excellent insights! Thank you.

[@robindrangmeister3887]

In my opinion replacing the sky in a photograph removes the right to call it a photograph. It's "only" a composite. Why should you travel to distant places and countries when you could simply download some stock images, put them together and call that a photograph?

[@crispin8888]

Absolutely. No satisfaction and no challenge.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

My take is that people enjoy music regardless of whether it was made by a live band or a computer. Nice stuff is nice, regardless of where it came from, in my opinion :)

[@LudwigDesmet]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto maybe so, the viewer of the image will not bother how it was made, but imho it takes away the pleasure for the photographer of 'creating' that great photograph. Why bother going outdoors if you can 'fix' an image on the computer, and mark my words: soon will come the days that all popular 'landscape themes' will also be in a software library, so you only have to combine a nice landscape with an even nicer sky, and the software will match the light conditions in the landscape according to the sky chosen. I rather prefer being out there, making images, enjoying my time and with any luck, make an image I am pleased with from time to time ... but of course, I would also like Luminar or any other brand to sponsor my channel ;-)

[@overnightdelivery]

Yeah because if you can replace the background, you might as well photoshop everything. If it's made clear it's edited than that's fine. But when you get people entering photo contests claiming it's legit when they just replaced the background. Then nobody will be inspired to compose a great shot naturally.

[@raystrickland8665]

Isn’t that like telling Rembrandt he can’t paint a moody sky (which is his style) because it’s a bright sunny day? Masterpieces have been painted (OFTEN) because the artists haven’t had to wait for a “Photographically” perfect day s/he envisions for a specific composition s/he wishes to depict. The finished image the Photographer-Artist is exactly the same concept. Image in Camera + Image clean-up/Image changing (from cropping to further altering) as the P-A envisions is EXACTLY same thing … but in a few minutes, not a few months or years. isn’t it?

[@MikaelJansson84]

Just recently found your channel and I've already ordered both of your books. Really like the content, the style of the videos, and it's given me new ways to look at photography. Keep up the good work, and cheers from Sweden!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks Mikael, great to hear! Books will be on their way this week :)

[@yveshetu8026]

I find your explanation and demonstration very good.

[@kevins8575]

A great example of using experience instead of rigid rules. Good job.

[@donaldgould1293]

Thanks James, we forget what we did before digital. I often think images I have seen taken with UW lens and photostacked are too clinically perfect as well as not knowing the point of interest. As you say added benefit of larger aperture, faster shutter = no tripod. I am encouraged to work more on getting this effect. This has really been useful.

[@antonio.marasco]

Hi James, hope you are doing well in this very special time we are going through. I really like your editing style! I sometimes also use Luminar 4 for my edits and I wanted to ask you, if you could share your settings / presets that you use/ created in luminar 4? Would be awesome! Thanks in advance and have a great day (stay healthy)

[@912582]

Perfect. I thought I was a bit weird not liking focus stacking :) Photo depth and focus on the object is great!

[@CristanBoerg]

Pritty much nailed it! Not using this technic makes you think of what exactly is the thing you want to show.

[@wilmerkrusen7501]

Great insights!

[@cityzenkane108]

I totally agree. Even in my macro photography I love shallow depth of field. Shallow depth of field creates mystery.

[@BookwormSkates]

I really loved this explanation because it also explained why I like (some) focused stacked images and dislike others.

[@smc340uni6]

excellent counter agrument to the fetsh of stacking.....well said sir!!

[@lylestavast7652]

Thanks for bringing up the sharpest f-stop point on a lens and shooting at that and focus stacking for best overall sharpness. Few people take the time to really sort out their lenses to find that f-stop or 2 where it performs best. Shooting there will bring up image sharpness quite a bit overall even if stacking isn't the process. I never shoot one of my lenses at f16, 22 or 32 - it's always at f8 or f-14 - nowhere else - things just drop off noticeably. I learned this doing focus stacking about 7 years ago... good video and thoughts.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Hi Mr Popsys it's me. I want to ask is Lumina really that good I have just bought Raya Pro. I hear it's the dogs so could be worth an investment if it makes processing easier dont like to spend to long on images. I do love your style unique matey

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I've never used Raya unfortunately so I couldn't compare, but I've been super impressed. Maybe give the free trial a try :)

[@sjm.photos]

great video as always. yep focus stacking has its place. i have used it many times for product photography and extreme macro photography but other than that never really use it normally

[@andrear9500]

Stuart James Photography agree, I use it in macro sometimes

[@michaellaurent7371]

Thinking fast and slow, so good man!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I do focus stack when warranted but I totally get why one wouldn't. Sometimes when I shoot macros of flowers, I stack the bloom but leave the background de-focused. Not into sky replacement, largely because I've seen so many bad uses of it I'm just turned off. I might try this though just for spits and giggles and a chance at free stuff.

[@pexeu1966]

Another great video James , I love your composites (looking at one hanging on my wall right now) any chance of you producing a ‘lockdown’ special edition composite (I’m down the back of my couch looking for cash just in case) 👍

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

If this goes on for much longer then quite possibly! :)

[@justinvanmarle6039]

I’ve lost count of the number of landscape images that I shoot at f/1.4 or f/1.8. Allows me to shoot handheld and isolates the subject matter of the photo. I couldn’t agree more and the day I focus stack will be a dark day indeed. 😉👍🏼

[@shimmeringreflection]

Great point around 5:00 about the brain of the viewer not wanting to figure out what you're trying to say in your photos. The brain of the person viewing your photos relies on you to clearly express what you're trying to communicate, giving it a shortcut if you can, so it gets the message sooner. Basically, we should be able to tell straight away whether a photo is good or not -- if we have to sit there thinking about what the hell it is you're trying to say with a photo then it's probably not a very good one

[@peternickols2687]

Good info there James, I know how you feel with hay fever it just gets in the way. Luminar looks great but are you using it as a plugin for lightroom/photoshop or a stand alone program. 👍

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Peter! I'm using it as a plug in mostly! :)

[@thothheartmaat2833]

What camera did you use to take the picture of the church on the island that's on the LG TV slideshow? I was guessing Sony a7r2

[@grahambush3226]

Just subscribed to your channel a few days ago and I am loving it. I have been watching your channel for a few months now and decided I needed to subscribe after watching this video. The reason being is that I find myself agreeing with your style and approach to shooting more than other KZbin photogs. And I completely agree with much of what you say in this video. I've been shooting for many years and I am now retired and can now dedicate more of my time to this passion. So one point I would like to make regarding this video is your comment about making sure that when you choose to have something out focus make sure it is truly out of focus and not just a soft focus. Unfortunately, the state of being "out of focus" is a matter of degrees. In an image with great depth using an out of focus technique there will surely be content that is fully out of focus graduating to a soft focus, then to sharpness. This is especially true for landscapes. Any 2D representation of reality should mimic what the human eye and brain can achieve. This is my argument against focus stacking. Of course as an art form photography should not necessarily represent reality but should interpret it according to the artist's vision. My own vision requires something much closer to reality than a focused stacked image.

[@arohila]

Fun and informative. Thanks

[@todaysworldjw]

Another informative video! I don't usually do this, but you have inspired me to be competetive, and I would love a copy of your book :-) So here goes.....! (Sound of me grabbing my camera and thinking of an idea for a sky enhancing shot)

[@dmacfilm]

As a wedding photographer, I find using bokeh to highlight the subject incredibly useful! It's the same principle - telling the viewer where to look.

[@chrisperceval193]

Talking of DoF, I remember years ago reading about a bloke who took a lens out of a TV camera (about 4mm or something) and built it into a lens body for a 35mm camera - focus from about 1cm to infinity!

[@I_Am_Bone]

Done and done! With some practice, I could see some benefit, but this could be a little addictive. Especially with so much time at home.

[@silversulu]

Flips on YT, randomly picks this vid. Focus stacking...yadaya...ok ok....*throws up most influential pulitzer prize winning book I've ever read* WHOA! *follows up with one of the most iconic film scenes from favorite filmmaker*. WHOAx2. Pays rapt attention for rest of video :).

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, thanks! :)

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

So focus on the focus... Thanks!

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

Use the right tool for the job. Use your own skies so it is your own art. Well done!

[@ShalevAbuhatzeira]

Another great vid, thanks james, just took the challenge on instagram! good luck for all of the rest! :]

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome! :)

[@JCJR0411]

I finally found a reasonable elucidation about this issue. Thank you, James. 👏🙏 #simplicity

[@ayanmondal22]

Which telephoto lens you used for your all landscape photography

[@joepalmer75]

I never have done focus stacking mainly because of the reasons you stated. Thanks for video.

I love sky replacement so much!! Luminar simply kicks ass imo. I am not that much of a Fan of using Skies of other Photographers but i simply shoot pictures of the sky with may camera or drone when i have the feeling that this kind of sky is awesome. And when i travel or i do a shoot the actual sky does not matter as much. That makes everything so much faster, and better.

[@davidgilmore2565]

Great video James. I've been an Adobe user for years however finding recently that Lightroom and Photoshop are not as stable as I'd like and feel it's time to look elsewhere. Will also give ON1 a go. Appreciate your discussion on focus stacking as well. Much appreciated. Cheers

[@KevinNordstrom]

Great content friend. I learn alot from your channel. I also don't photostack. I also rarely if ever use Photoshop. Mainly I use Lightroom. I'm all new to youtube and landscape Photography and you are one of my favorite KZbinrs. Now that I think about it ...I also make some of my photography look like paintings which isn't the norm either. It's fun to find your own style.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks mate! :)

[@tjsinva]

We knew you'd have a good reason. Rock on!

[@tonykennedy2344]

Thank you KZbin notification bell to herald the arrival of a new JP Video which I am equal parts proud and embarrassed to say a highlight of my week 👍

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, cheers mate! I don't think too many folk have much excitement going on at the moment :)

[@sidekickbob7227]

Nice vblog, James. -Isn't it so that by using micro 3/4, allowing you to use a wider lens, also helps you to achieve a greater depth of field? A 28mm lens on a FF camera equals the field of view of a 14mm on the 3/4?

[@GeneWaddle]

Also, I like the points you made about focus. 👍

[@iKeto_gal]

No focus stacking, no full frame, no tripod.... I love you! 💕😘

[@KrazMyth]

jesus you are so close to 100K keep going man

[@janewillis2421]

Thank you...i feel every time i watch a youtube on photography you have to focus stack, i cant anyway as i dont have a laptop, so this was a great reminder thats an individual decision, not a rule...cheers

[@vegardpedersen]

I agree James. It's good to guide the person thru the image and look at what you want, but at the same time I use focus-stacking sometimes. I did that on a clock (as you gave as example). I think it's good for product shots etc. where you need to see the whole thing, but artistic, I think have some blur and direct the audience thru the image is good. I will try to remember to do that in my next photo. Make the forground blurry like on 7:32. it looks great! :-) When you are talking about Luminar, I like to make my pictures completely in-camera and I edit the colors, sharpnes, contrast etc. but I don't like to manipulate the image. Sky replacement looks really cool, but Idon't want to show a "fake" version of my images if I was on let's say a trip to the mountain. If the sky did not look like how I saw it, I think it's a bit weird to replace the sky. But for other things and if the client want another sky, I totaly respect that and if you are making art and the sky can help support that, but generally I don't manipulate my images. How about you James? But it's incredible how you can change a sky that simply.

[@samdensleyphotography]

I totally agree with your non-focus stacking ideology. Simplicity is key. Though it does have its moments, though rare they may be.

[@davidellinsworth22]

Great video. My normal approach would be if there is a composition that requires focus stacking to get everything in focus at midrange apertures.... take the necessary images anyway. That way you have the choice after the fact to focus stack or just pull the relevant "bokeh frame" out from the group of images. I always like to give myself choices afterwards because otherwise there would come a point where I make the wrong decision and regret it

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too a lot of the time, cheers David :)

[@NickBarang]

I feel for you. I used to get the worst hayfever in the UK and... I've been away for nearly 20 years now and haven't had a summer of pain since I left. It appears I am only allergic to pollen in England. :-) Always enjoy your videos, looking forward to your take on Luminar 4. I am in two minds about buying it myself.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

Recently watched a video by vox, if i remember correctly. They explained how the intensity of pollen is the result of the reforestation of only male trees in the past centuries due to missunderstood controll over biology. That might be the reason this is a local phenomenon for you too. Have a nice weekend.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Ahh, I'm radiating jealousy, and snot! :)

[@jlees9824]

Can I use the Beta version of the next Luminar, where you can replace both the sky and the non-sky portions? I've got a nice picture of my shed, but with a bit of processing I think I'll call it Half Dome Yosemite:)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@kpluk84]

I agree with you. I ike focusstacking sometimes if the foreground is really close. However If it's further away it's also nice to see some blurry parts if done right.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

Absolutely spot on. Having things in extreme foreground as sharp as something 4 kilometres or more away isn't natural. When you are stood in the landscape looking at a scene, if you are looking at a distant mountain, your eyes blur the rock in front of you - so focus stacking is not a natural thing experienced in real life. Having said that it can sometimes make an image more pleasing having sharpness throughout, but I think it is overplayed by many photographers.

[@paulasimson4939]

Boy, this was a real lesson in composition, keeping things simple and concentrating on what story you are trying to tell. Nicely done.

[@geo33t]

Focus stacking is for macro, and I'm happy my Canon R6 has this feature - it produces fantastic results.

[@ceaabe]

So, when I'm using Luuuuuuminar sky replacement tool I can upload a sample and win... Luuuuuuminar? Was that the point? 🤔

[@ShurasLz]

You can use the 7-day trial and win a full license.

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

Or his book if you already own the program

[@DutchDiederik]

Cool video, man.

[@maxdevereux2180]

Got excited to try Luminar. But it keeps crashing before I can do anything. On MacBook Pro. Any ideas?

[@migalito1955]

I have the same aesthetics as you in that I like to blur what I don't want to be the primary interest. I mostly paint, but even there I'll blur the background by running a wet cloth across the background in a watercolour image and it makes what is not the subject less busy thus leading the eye to the real intended composition. Good luck with your contest, don't actually need the software, book or to win again, at least for another week or so.

[@MSmith-Photography]

I've got an old computer that can barely run Lightroom. I tried Luminar 3 (the older version) and it kept crashing. *sigh* I need a new computer.

[@nicodimus2222]

Totally agree. I usually don't want everything to be in focus, just the subject.

[@TheMangoAssassin]

So I'm pretty much in the same playing field as you in this video. Whenever I've found myself 'needing' to focus stack there's one thing in particular that stands out to me when doing so and that's the fact that I'm not enjoying it one bit, I take photographs for pleasure not pain.

[@framue]

Thx for answering a question preemptively I was contemplating asking you in a future comment 👍

[@TheAndyMaan]

Thanks for the video James, to be honest the main reason I dont focus stack is because I'm too lazy to learn how to do it properly 🤷‍♂️ Looking forward to your book arriving soon 👍

[@Harlequin565]

Re: Hay Fever. After finding that none of the OTC stuff worked I got a prescription for Telfast from the doc and haven't looked back (as long as I remember to take it!). If you're suffering and the standard stuff isn't helping, consider a chat with your doc to see if they can give you something stronger. Oh - and your beard has grey in it. Paint? ;-)

[@bgray-youtube]

Gave it try there this evening and it's very good and not slowing the machine like lightroom does. Goodbye Adobe, Hello Luminar. Cheers for the Offer Code, they took it on top of offers they already had too, so happy days. Have a good one. Kind regards, BG

[@johnmcard3116]

Any particular reason this wonderful program is simply refusing to work for me? About to try and install on a different hard drive, but for some reason I installed it where I install every other thing on my PC, twice, yet I get a "database failed" error on startup. Fairly peeved since I already gave my precious email away to this company lol

[@markusviol200]

Luminar is great, sadly you couldn't upgrade from 3 to 4 which was quite a joke as the version 3 was only out for a year. Nethertheless, i'm still happy with my "old" version, because i never change the skies or use the AI a lot.