Time blending is one of the most powerful post-processing techniques for making sense out of complicated landscape scenes with a wide range brightness values throughout the frame. Today’s instructor Austin James Jackson explains the concept like this: “Capturing stunning wide-angle scenes can be easy when you’re willing to do a time blend,” and this is what you’ll learn how to do in the next 15 minutes.

Jackson is a notable Utah-based landscape pro who posts weekly how-to videos covering practical in-the-field techniques, gear reviews, and image-editing tutorials. Today’s 15-minute episode falls into the latter category, and Jackson’s interesting method really delivers the goods—no matter the level of your post-processing skills.

The straightforward technique involves taking multiple exposures of the same subject and blending them together to achieve a single image with spot-on exposure and perfectly balanced tones. There’s also a link in the description beneath the video for downloading Jackson’s most popular tutorial, “10 Photo Tips in 10 Minutes.”

Jackson explains why he prefers not to shoot the required three or four shots in rapid succession: “We often want to capture the light on the landscape and great clouds in the sky, but these things usually happen 10-15 minutes apart.”

A sunset scene is a great example, and Jackson’s strategic approach is to make an initial photo when the last light hits the scene. Then he leaves the camera on the tripod in the same spot and  captures a second photo 15 minutes later when the clouds are absolutely fantastic. In essence, this simple two-shot blend combines the best of both worlds.

Jackson’s demonstration image is a seaside scene, so he also strives to capture a peak moment when waves are at their most dramatic. He has some very helpful tips for getting things as good as possible in the camera, with composition tips, appropriate camera settings, and other simple techniques.

The real meat of the tutorial comes next as Jackson walks you through the post-processing procedure for creating a precise, seamless blend. His approach is unique because it begins with a quick setup in Lightroom Classic, and then concludes with time blending in Photoshop.

Jackson’s popular YouTube channel is a great source of shooting and image-editing tips and techniques for everyone who ventures into the field, so pay a visit when you have time to explore.

We also recommend watching the tutorial we featured last week with another Adobe expert who demonstrates four amazing post-processing tricks for creating spectacular nature and landscape photographs that jump off the screen.

Nailing exposure can be be difficult once the the sun drops below the horizon, and one of the biggest challenges is controlling highlights for proper tonal balance throughout a low-light scene. This quick tutorial from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel describes the necessary in-camera adjustments in barely nine minutes.

The task of controlling highlights can be particularly important when shooting on the street where streetlamps, neon signs, reflections, and brightly lit windows can easily confuse the light meter in your camera. As a result, some intervention on your part is with regard to configuring the camera appropriately is an absolute must.

Today’s instructor is a British pro who goes by the handle of Dawley Lad. The subjects of this behind-the scenes episode in Lincoln include the medieval Pottergate Arch, an iconic cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, and the 14th century Exchequer Gate—all of which are bathed in some form of artificial illumination that needs to be factored into the exposure.

Dawley explains that one of the biggest hurdles when photographing structures at night is carefully managing these man-made light sources that that are common to iconic sites visited by tourists. It’s easy to get things right by following Dawley straightforward tips—otherwise the images you make will likely include blown-out highlights with insufficient detail.

Appropriate camera settings  and metering techniques are absolutely essential, and Dawley demonstrates how to expose for the highlights while retaining detail in illuminated stonework. His method enables you to create a moody, atmospheric effect by also concentrating on shadows. Thoughtful composition is part of the strategy too.

Dawley is shooting with an Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark II mirrorless camera and a 45mm f/1.8 lens. The night is so cold and dreary that he had to force himself to grab his gear, bundle up, and hit the streets. We’re lucky that he did, because the result is a collection of great imagery and a bunch of helpful tips.How about taking advantage of everything you learn and trying some nighttime street photography over the coming weekend?

We also suggest paying a visit to the My Photo Journey YouTube channel where there are many more helpful how-videos to be found.

And on a related note, be sure to watch the earlier tutorial we featured with another accomplished pro who walks you through all the exposure basics for capturing detailed photographs of darker-than-normal outdoor subjects.