Action Blending foreground with night sky using astro tracker Pentax K1

Zachx08 · 12-05-2017, 08:01 AM

Hi,

I would like to know the best procedure for blending night-scape images properly with the Pentax K1. Iv'e heard some talk of in-camera masking to blend the 2 shots together. Would someone mind sharing some details on this process?

Thanks,
-Zach

CarlJF · 12-06-2017, 10:25 AM - **1 Like**

It can't be done in camera. You have to do it in an external photo editor supportiong layers. One layer is for the astrotracer shot and the other one for the foreground. Usually, the foreground layer is on top and a transparency mask is used to blend the sky. Each layers is processed indepedantly to get the best of each shots.

mikeSF · 12-06-2017, 01:41 PM

It's best to start with easier terrestrial subjects, such as straight horizons and minimal filtering obstacles like trees.
Get plenty of practice using selection tools and creating/ refining masks. After awhile it will be easy to tackle even tough masking challenges. Good luck.

12-05-2017, 08:01 AM	#1
Zachx08 New Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 1	Blending foreground with night sky using astro tracker Pentax K1 Hi, I would like to know the best procedure for blending night-scape images properly with the Pentax K1. Iv'e heard some talk of in-camera masking to blend the 2 shots together. Would someone mind sharing some details on this process? Thanks, -Zach

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12-06-2017, 10:25 AM - 1 Like	#2
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	It can't be done in camera. You have to do it in an external photo editor supportiong layers. One layer is for the astrotracer shot and the other one for the foreground. Usually, the foreground layer is on top and a transparency mask is used to blend the sky. Each layers is processed indepedantly to get the best of each shots.

12-06-2017, 01:41 PM	#3
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	It's best to start with easier terrestrial subjects, such as straight horizons and minimal filtering obstacles like trees. Get plenty of practice using selection tools and creating/ refining masks. After awhile it will be easy to tackle even tough masking challenges. Good luck.