Most effective way to blend 30 pictures into 1?

[stezzz]

Hey there! Yesterday I wanted to test my new camera a little and sat in front of my window taking pictures of birds. I wanted to create a "collage" and I did this. All the birds are in their original position, it's just that I took the pictures over a 1 hour and 1/2 period and the light changed a bit. I think that some birds blend into the picture better than others. Also, I was shooting through a "double glass" window. I tried with the window wide open but the birds were not coming. I also tried by standing on the terrace but they could see me and they wouldn't come close. I do not have a tele lens so.... that was my solution. Any suggestions/comments/critiques that may help me towards making this picture better would be greatly appreciated. Apart from the collage technique do you have other suggestions regarding exposure/colors/composition/etc. In the near future I would really like to start getting a grip on my technique. Thanks!

 

[The_Traveler]

I don't know how you actually did it, I assume you kept a single image as a base then overlaid others and masked away the parts you didn't want.

Some thing that might 'improve' the future pictures is framing so that the window edge doesn't show and a remote release so you can get the camera closer.

Perhaps use a slightly shorter focal length, a higher iso (your camera will tolerate it) and a smaller aperture for greater depth of field.

 

[stezzz]

Hi, I actually cut out every single bird using the pen tool, I felt that using the masking trick wouldn't give me the same level of control (especially in the case of overlapping birds). On the other hand I'm no expert using photoshop so maybe I'm not thinking smart about masking....

I actually left the window frame out of focus in my composition because I thought it was cosy considering the fact that I was shooting through a window..... maybe not so much? I have to meditate on that one

About the rest you said, well I'll just give it a try next time and see the difference!

Cheers.

 

[Nervine]

I like this however I prefer it cropped so you don't have the OOF window or hay on the right.


I need to try something like this.