bracketing advice

[bernhund]

Me again! So, if I were to shoot RAW only, I could still bracket and mix 2 or 3 exposures together to get the best result? I would then have the opportunity to revisit them at a later date to achieve perhaps a different effect from the same image?

[Simpo Two]

bernhund said:

Me again! So, if I were to shoot RAW only, I could still bracket and mix 2 or 3 exposures together to get the best result? I would then have the opportunity to revisit them at a later date to achieve perhaps a different effect from the same image?

Yes you can. You could process each RAW to JPG 'as is' - or at least not changing exposure - and blend as you wish, eg as Andy does it. The difference in this context is that you may be able to get all the tweaks you need from a single RAW image, simply because RAWs can be pushed further. Of course if the contrast is extreme then you'll still need multiple shots to start with.

In all cases you keep the original RAW, and make JPG (or TIFF) versions FROM it. So you can go back and play with the original as much as you like at any time.

If you're not confident with RAW, then stay with JPGs for now and experiment until (or if) you need the extra grunt.

[bernhund]

When bracketing, say for 3 exposures, is there a generally agreed on difference in stops either side that works in most situations?

[Simpo Two]

bernhund said:

When bracketing, say for 3 exposures, is there a generally agreed on difference in stops either side that works in most situations?

It depends on how extreme the contrast is. Probably the best way forward is to experiment and see what works for you, and then you'll also develop a workflow that suits you and gives you results you like.

Also define whether your reason for bracketing is (1) to get one shot that is correctly exposed, or (2) subsequent blending/HDR, ie to accommodate high contrast.

[bernhund]

Sounds as though I might benefit from some PS/Lightroom tuition! Thanks for all your advice.