Combining scans of various exposures ?

[Guillaume Dargaud]

Is there a general method for combining scans of the same image made with
different exposure ? Some way to ignore the burnt areas on the most exposed
one, and also the black areas on the least exposed one while still
maintaining proper curves.

There are difficult images where no matter how I tweak the black and white
points and curves, I always find it better to do two scans and then combine
them in a graphic prog. The question, is how ?

 

[Surfer!]

Is there a general method for combining scans of the same image made with
different exposure ? Some way to ignore the burnt areas on the most exposed
one, and also the black areas on the least exposed one while still
maintaining proper curves.

There are difficult images where no matter how I tweak the black and white
points and curves, I always find it better to do two scans and then combine
them in a graphic prog. The question, is how ?

I suspect layers are the answer. Create an image with two layers, with
the one you want to use most of on top - possibly the sky. Then use a
mask on it to let the more detailed parts of the sky show through from
the image below. You can do this with Photoshop and also PaintShopPro,
at least you could with PSP X.

 

[Guillaume Dargaud]

Catching up on the group, I just saw the "scan twice" thread that seems to
answer the question. Will give it a shot.