Focus Stack Photography: Tips from a Professional

Adorama Narrated | April 10, 2026
Written by Austin James Jackson; Read by Nikki Haller

Episode Overview

This episode of Adorama Narrated explores the essential technique of focus stacking in photography, providing actionable tips from professional landscape photographer Austin James Jackson. The focus is on why and how to use focus stacking for achieving razor-sharp images from foreground to background, especially in wide-angle landscape and macro photography. The step-by-step field and post-processing workflow, as well as practical advice for both beginners and seasoned photographers, make this an indispensable guide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Use Focus Stacking? (01:03)

• Focus stacking is necessary when both near and distant subjects in a composition need to be tack-sharp, which is often impossible in a single exposure due to lens and sensor limitations.
• Real-world example: The host describes using this technique at Lake Powell to capture both a close foreground rock and a distant landscape in perfect focus.

"Some of the most intriguing wide angle compositions feature a strong foreground element positioned close to the camera... I knew that limitations in camera wouldn't allow for the scene to have front to back sharpness." (01:10)

What is Focus Stacking? (02:00)

• Focus stacking involves taking several exposures of the exact scene, adjusting only the focus point between shots.
• These images are later combined (“stacked”) during post-processing to achieve full scene sharpness.
• Some cameras offer built-in focus stacking, but manual methods work just as well.

"The focus stack helps achieve perfectly sharp focus across the whole image... a sharpness that is otherwise not achievable in a single shot." (02:20)

Field Techniques: How to Shoot a Focus Stack (03:15)

• Tripod use: Essential to avoid camera movement.
• Aperture: Start at f/8 for best sharpness and depth of field balance; avoid f/22 due to diffraction.
• Focus points: Use manual or autofocus to select focus on foreground, midground, and background. Closer foregrounds may need more exposures.
• Exposure: Adjust shutter speed and ISO to maintain proper exposure for each shot, keeping camera settings consistent.

"For most focus stacking, F8 is a great aperture to use, as this generally strikes a good balance between depth of field and image sharpness." (04:05)

Post-processing: Focus Stacking in Photoshop (05:10)

Step-by-Step Workflow

• Import Images: Open all exposures as layers in one document.
• Organization: Rename layers by focus distance to keep order clear (e.g., ‘1-closest focus’).
• Align Layers:
  • Edit > Auto-Align Layers > Projection: Auto (leave boxes unchecked)
  • Crucial for compensating any minor movement or focus breathing.

"It's crucial not to skip this step as even a slight movement can result in a poor blend." (07:12)

• Layer Masking and Blending:
  • Add a black mask to the top layer (Alt-Option + Layer Mask icon).
  • Use a soft (0% hardness), 100% opacity brush in white to reveal in-focus areas of each layer.
  • Adjust brush size as needed for precise painting.
  • Toggle the mask view with backslash () to see painted areas.

"This creates a soft, feathered brush, making it easier to paint in the in focus areas of your scene seamlessly." (08:01)

• Repeat as Needed: Continue painting and masking each layer above the base.
• Final Checks: Zoom in to ensure seamless blending; mistakes require starting over, so review carefully.
• Saving: Once satisfied, save as a TIFF or continue editing.

Practical Tips and Reminders (10:10)

• Always shoot more focus points than you think you’ll need, especially when the foreground is very close.
• Manual stacking is possible even without in-camera features.
• Focus stacking is essential not just for landscapes, but also for macro photography.

"Focus stacking is a technique you absolutely must master to conquer the limitations of the camera." (11:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On matching lens and subject choice:
  "Landscape photography and the wide angle lens go together like peanut butter and jelly." (00:21)

• On manual versus automated focus stacking:
  "While this feature can expedite the process, it certainly isn't a necessity and you can do your focus stacking manually if you don't have this feature." (02:53)

• On the importance of preparation:
  "Always aim to capture more images than you think you need. The closer you are to the foreground element, the more images you'll need to capture." (04:54)

• On conquering technical limitations:
  "Focus stacking is an outstanding technique that gives photographers control over having complete sharpness and detail throughout their images." (10:59)

Important Timestamps

• [01:03] – Why focus stacks are necessary in wide-angle and landscape photography
• [02:00] – What is a focus stack and how does it work?
• [03:15] – Setting up your camera and shot in the field
• [05:10] – Photoshop workflow: Loading, aligning, and organizing layers
• [07:12] – The crucial step of aligning layers
• [08:01] – Using masks and the Brush Tool for seamless blends
• [10:10] – Final thoughts on mastering the technique and its applications

Conclusion

This episode demystifies the focus stacking process, equipping listeners with pro-level tips for achieving images with incredible front-to-back sharpness. From fieldwork setup to Photoshop blending, Austin James Jackson gives a clear, actionable guide that makes focus stacking accessible for everyone. It's a must-listen (or must-read!) for anyone looking to push their landscape, macro, or technical photography to the next level.

For more tutorials and guides, visit Adorama’s 42 West blog. Blog links and additional resources are in the show notes.