How do you deal with moving objects or subjects in image stacking?

3 Adjust the exposure time and interval

Another factor that affects motion in image stacking is the exposure time and the interval between shots. The longer the exposure time, the more likely you are to capture motion blur from moving objects or subjects. The longer the interval, the more likely you are to miss some movements or changes in the scene. Therefore, you need to find a balance between these two variables, depending on the type and speed of motion involved. For example, if you are stacking images of stars, you may want to use a shorter exposure time and a shorter interval to avoid star trails. If you are stacking images of waterfalls, you may want to use a longer exposure time and a longer interval to create a smooth and silky effect.

4 Select the best images

Not all images in your stack may be suitable for blending. Some images may have more motion blur, more noise, or more changes in the scene than others. Therefore, you need to review your images carefully and select the best ones for image stacking. You can use software tools, such as Lightroom or Bridge, to compare and rate your images, and to apply basic adjustments, such as white balance, exposure, or contrast, before stacking. You can also use filters, such as sharpening or noise reduction, to enhance your images and reduce the differences between them.

5 Edit the masks and layers

Once you have selected and imported your images into your image stacking software, you need to edit the masks and layers to remove or reduce the motion effects. Masks are tools that allow you to hide or reveal parts of an image or a layer. Layers are stacked images that can be blended with different modes and opacities. You can use masks and layers to isolate and remove moving objects or subjects, such as people, cars, or clouds, from your stack. You can also use masks and layers to blend different parts of different images, such as the foreground, the background, or the sky, to create a composite image that has the best details and colors from each image.

6 Experiment with different methods

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with motion in image stacking. Different methods may work better for different situations and preferences. Therefore, you need to experiment with different methods and see what results you get. You can try different software programs, different stacking modes, different blending options, different mask shapes, and different layer combinations. You can also try different techniques, such as panning, zooming, or focus shifting, to create intentional motion effects in your stack. The key is to have fun and be creative with your image stacking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?