Last year, OnOne Software introduced a new product to bring layer processing to both Apple Aperture 3 and Adobe Lightroom called Perfect Layers. While using layers is a staple of Photoshop processing, it is not available in either Aperture or Lightroom. The latest version of Perfect Layers works also as a stand alone. Photographers using Elements, Gimp or any other non-layer editor can now have the power of layers. The best thing, OnOne Software has recently made Perfect Layers 2 a FREE download as an introduction to their Perfect Photo Suite 6 product.
With Perfect Layers in mind, I photographed some action sequences during a performance of Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios last October. I have seen my Photoshop buddies produce similar composites like these and now I can make them, too.
The red Hero car jumps from truck to truck during Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this composite created using OnOne Software’s Perfect Layers 2.
CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE.
What Perfect Layers 2 allowed me to do is select a series of photos which featured the same scene with the red Hero car in a different position and puts each photo in a separate layer. I then select the car in each layer and paint it onto the next layer. Notice the camera truck is only seen once even though it was in a different position in each of the six selected photos. I only selected it once. When I save the file, it flattens each layer together into one final image.
Stunt Man falls during a performance of Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida using OnOne Software’s Perfect Layers 2.
I did have some trouble getting this to work at first. Coming from Apple Aperture 3 which lets me change anything from anywhere, to get these composites to come out, I had to follow a set of exact steps. Once I figured that out, it was easy to create them. You know how guys are. 😉
Here’s Photoshop Guru Scott Kelby with OnOne Software’s Brian Matiash explaining more about how Perfect Layers works.
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This looks like a great program, I just wish I could take advatage of it (along with upgrading to LR4 and other new software products), but I would need a new computer and that just isn’t in the budget.
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It runs as a stand alone, too. It’s free so give it a try.
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Well done, Scott! Where ARE you shooting from in the first shot to get that reflection?
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The VIP Seating area in the stands. It is right behind the control room for the show in the center of the stage area. One of the perks from attending Pixelmania last fall.
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Love that stunt man shot! Very cool!
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Thank you…it’s a fun set of photos to put together.
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What amazing shots Scott !
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Thank you!
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That first shot is fantastic! I need a copy of that. 😉
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Okay…I’ll get one ready for you! See what you’re missing?
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That’s okay; I’ll live through you.
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This is way too cool!!!!!! GREAT use of the program!
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They do have a coolness factor to them, don’t they? Thanks, KD! You should give it a try.
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