Exposure and focus blending for the same image

Hi Everyone,

I am still struggling with this a bit so would appreciate any comments/advice.

I know how to blend for focus using the multiple exposures for having everything in focus using Photoshop.

I use mainly TK luminosity masks for blending multiple exposures to control the light.

However I still do not really understand how to combine these together - If I have a complicated scene with the mountains in the background which are led by the sun and I need to have these in focus together with controlling the exposure.

So I am not sure what should be the right technique for the field and then the digital workflow to best achieve this.

Many thanks.
With kind regards,
Pavel Cakl

When I use multiple exposures to optimize both dynamic range and DOF, I usually bracket for exposure at my closest focal point, then bracket for exposure again at the next focal point and on and on. This can go fairly quickly if you use auto. exposure bracketing. For me, three different focal points usually does the trick using wide angle lenses with a landscape. This is exactly the technique I used here using just two exposures.
Then, for example, I'll combine the 2 stop underexposed images with different focal points using the AutoAlign/AutoBlend combo. (as you do) in PS. Next, I'll work with the 1 stop underexposed images.
I'll continue with this method using all exposures. In the end, I'll have 2-5 (or more) images with different exposures that are sharp from fore to aft and ready to be blended using Luminosity masks. It sounds more complicated than it really is, and I look forward to seeing other members' ways of doing this here in hope of finding a more efficient method.

Very interesting question. I want to know what others do too!

I do it the way John does it. Give it a try, Pavel. It's easier to do than to write down.

That image is a real stunner, John. And the back story makes it even better.