PHX on a Wednesday
On Tuesday I set out to get some awesome pictures and experiment with setting up some compositions. Then the rain happened. Wednesday I was able to take my time and practiced focusing at different lengths in hopes of making a completely in-focus composition. Below is my first attempt I am abandoning.
Relearned somethings I knew, like don't touch the camera if possible. The tripod was tight, but not tight enough to be pushing buttons with my clumsy shaky hands. Auto-focus was an issue the day before...why be lazy with the testing on Wednesday? Also the sunset is cool just about everyday here. Something I take for granted.
After working on several layers I realized the camera was shifting along with issues from out of focus points adding extra dimension to objects. The highlighted areas are where the misalignment is occurring. I might go back for a re-shoot using a smaller aperture then work on balancing light on one or two pictures in a composition.
Update I discovered HDR processing!
HDR Photo merge output from Lightroom Classic CC. I used the same exposure settings with different areas focused. The result wasn't what I was looking for in the very first image. Notice the pillar closest on left is blurry in some areas.
First exposure with the left pillar in focus.
Focus set on cityscape of Phoenix, Arizona. Speed and aperture set for background.
Resulting HDR image from merging the contrasting exposures.
I reviewed other photos and realized I still did not achieve the clarity in distant objects I was hoping for. So rather than roll over into a ball and whimper, decided to have fun with some of the better shots.
I can't trust auto-focus, my eyesight, or my lenses. Maybe if I got an iPad, but the delay in fine tuning manually over Bluetooth makes it tough.
More fun in Photoshop.