Martin,
I’ve just posted a composite in the main thread. Below is how I went about it.
Please be aware I am light years away from being a Photoshop expert, what follows is a process I cobbled together from bits and pieces of information I had/found. Also I am using Photoshop Elements not CS5 but the similarites should be close enough for you to follow the procedure.
- Open a good image. This will be the base onto which you drop the other images of Mercury.
- Open a second image.
- Cut and paste it into a layer above the first image.
- Change the second layer’s Blending mode to Difference. With the cursor and arrow keys move the image around until it blackens all over.
- The two images are now accurately aligned. Change the Blending mode back to Normal.
- Click the ‘eye’ on the first layer to hide it. This may not be necessary but it makes the next steps a bit clearer.
- Zoom in on the planet in the second layer. Use the Magnetic Lasso or Quick Selection tools to select round the planet.
- Invert the selection, hit delete and then CTRL-D to deselect. You now have a layer with only the planet in it.
- Unclick the eye on the first layer and flatten the layers together.
- You now should have an image with two Mercurys on it.
- Repeat from point two with the remaining images.
- Finally crop and adjust the brightness/contrast of the composite to your liking.
- Post result on BAA forum!
This is how I did it. As I say I am no expert and there are probably better, slicker ways but this way does work.
Good Luck