The basics

234 ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
MAKING BETTER PANORAMAS
Rather than accept blown highlights or clogged shadows, the clever panorama photographer
can combine several exposures of the same scene to extend the range of brightnesses depicted in
the image. The process involves shooting three (or two for less brightness difference) images of
the one scene using different exposures. Each exposure is designed to capture either highlight,
mid tone or shadow details. The difference in exposure should be great enough to encompass
the contrast in the scene. These exposures can be captured automatically using the exposure
bracketing technology that can now be found in most medium to high range digital cameras.
Combining the three images: With the three separate image documents open in Elements, hold
down the Shift key and drag the background layers of two of the images onto the canvas of the
third. Holding down the Shift key will make sure that the new layers are kept in register with
the existing background.
With the Layers palette open,
rename and rearrange the
layers so that they are ordered
top to bottom – underexposed,
normal and overexposed.
Capturing all the detail >> With your camera fi xed to a tripod, shoot
three separate images adjusting the exposure settings to: (a) two stops
over indicated exposure, (b) indicated exposure and (c) two stops under
the settings indicated by your camera.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
Changing the overexposed
layer: To blend the
overexposed image, fi rstly
turn off the topmost layer
(underexposed), then change
the normal layer’s blending
mode to Screen. Now select the
overexposed layer and choose
the Levels function from the
Enhance> Adjust Brightness/
Contrast menu. Drag the
white Output slider towards
the middle of the control,
watching the results preview
on screen. When the shadow
details are visible and you are
satisfi ed with the effect, click
OK.
Changing the underexposed layer: To blend the underexposed image, select its layer and change the
blend mode to Multiply. With the layer still selected choose the Levels function and drag the shadow
Output slider towards the center of the dialog. When the highlight and shadow details are visible and
you are satisfi ed with the effect click OK. Save a layered version of this image as the original and a
fl attened (no layers) copy which can be imported into Photomerge as a source image for your stitch.