Layers in PS ....how to correct a small area of SL2 image taken in "high resolution mode" with the image from the "standard" file?

[Jon Warwick]

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Hi, I've been slow to learn and use Layers in Photoshop.  My workflow has been fine for my needs to date, but now i really need to learn about Layers!

Imagine I have a shot with an SL2 that was taken in "high resolution mode" (ie, pixel shift mode) to extract all I can in terms of resolution.

Clearly, I have a smaller image (ie, without pixel shifting) that was simultaneously taken.

Now, the pixel shift version has done well and I'd like to use that file as my primary output because it is the cleaner and higher resolution version

....but there is a small area where the pixel shifting has caused a problem for leaves moving in the wind, and I want to replace just that small section with the image from the "standard" (non-pixel-shift) file.

So ....I have the 2 DNGs open in Photoshop, and I've resized the small "standard" one to now be identical in size to the "pixel shift" (higher resolution) file. 

I've read what I think would be a solution, ie, somehow auto-align the layers, add a layer mask, and then brush in just the bits of the "standard" file that I need to appear in the "high resolution" file?

But after trying, and reading more, I really find it impossible to quite get there .... so if possible in really basic terms, and step-by-step ...what do I do from here to get these Layers to work so I blend the 2 images into one perfect and unified image?

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

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[wda]

Did you use a tripod? If not, auto-align will have a more difficult, if not impossible job. If one file is very nearly the standard you desire, why not accept a little leaf movement?

[Jon Warwick]

yes, 100% on solid tripod (it's the only way to use the "high resolution mode", given it combines 8x images together in-camera into 1x jumbo file)

[wda]

Jon, here is a link which might help you: