The basics

Step 1 >> Open the images with
different exposures. Tile the
documents so that all pictures can be
seen (Window > Images > Tile).
Step 4 >> Hide the top layer by
clicking the Eye icon. Change the
normal layer’s mode to Screen. With
the overexposed layer selected,
choose the Levels function. Drag the
white point Output slider towards
the center of the dialog.
ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Step 2 >> Drag two of the pictures
onto the third with the Move tool
whilst holding down the Shift key.
Step 5 >> Change the mode of the
underexposed layer to Multiply.
Select the Levels feature and move
the black point Output slider towards
the center of the dialog.
This technique can be applied non-destructively to the layered
image by using Levels adjustment layers to change the tonal
values of the under- and overexposed layers.
To ensure that the levels adjustment is only applied to a single
layer start by inserting the adjustment layer above the layer to
be changed.
Next make the tonal alterations and then group the
adjustment layer with the changed layer using the Editor:
Layer > Group with Previous command.
Step 3 >> Arrange the layers so that
from top to bottom they are
positioned underexposed, normal
and overexposed. Name the layers.
Step 6 >> To fi ne-tune the process,
apply a Levels adjustment layer
(Layer > New Adjustment Layer >
Levels) to the stack, being sure not to
clip newly created highlight and
shadows detail.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
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MAKING BETTER PANORAMAS