Dave Black Photography

“Aspen Collage”... #Nikon #Z9, ISO1600, 1/1250 at f11, #NIKKOR 28-400mm, 20 separate images combined In-Camera using Nikon’s OVERLAY and modes Lighten, Darken, and Motion Blend...Topaz DeNoise AI and Sharpen AI.

I suppose it’s safe to say: “I’ve gone too far this time” ...or have I?

This finished picture is achieved by combining 20 separate images In-Camera using Nikon’s OVERLAY> Lighten, Darken, and Motion Blend options. The Nikon Z9, and many Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, have the In-Camera Image OVERLAY feature, which, enables the photographer to combine existing NEF/RAW files.

*OVERLAY and additional OVERLAY MODES are found in the RETOUCH MENU*

BASIC PROCESS...
Choose Image 1 and Image 2 (must be large RAW/NEF files taken with the camera). Adjust the gain (opacity/density) for each image...preview the result, and save as a new file. The original files remain untouched.

OVERLAY: Lighten...The camera compares the selected images and merges only the brightest pixels into a brand-new file.

OVERLAY: Darken... The camera compares the selected images and merges only the darkest pixel into a brand-new file.

MOTION BLEND is an in-camera retouch feature introduced in Firmware 2.0 for the Nikon Z9 that combines a sequence of continuous-shooting frames into a single, composite JPEG image...Original Purpose is for a Sequence Burst of images to become 1 final image...Works best using a Tripod.

BUT...I have been using it to combine up-to 20 separate images (works best by combining 5 OVERLAY images at a time...then combine the 4 OVERLAYED composites) into 1 “Glorious” 20 image collage.

*Enjoy the OVERLAY process.