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Participating Frequently
October 15, 2024
Answered

Lightroom Classic - HDR Merge not Working

  • October 15, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 1501 views

I am trying to merge 4 HDR photos at a time in a series of 16 so that I can then merge to Panoramic.  The photos were taken with bracketing on automatically in my Canon camera.  They are the same focal length and f-stop.  I get an error message "Unable to merge photos.  Please cancel and review your selection. " I have tried it with auto-align unchecked and auto settings unchecked but nothing is working.

 

Any ideas of what is happening and how I can resolve the issue?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer GoldingD

Apparently the solution was:

 

In LrC  when you select the images in the bracket, be careful to not accidentally select a JPEG along with the RAW. That will cause issues such as poorly explained errors.

 

3 replies

GoldingD
Legend
October 15, 2024

/Edit/ Solution moved to top of reply:

/Followup/ In LrC  when you select the images in the bracket, be careful to not accidentally select a JPEG along with the RAW. That will cause issues such as poorly explained errors.

 

I used teh HDR Mode on the camera settings

 

I would have to look that up against the manual for your particular camera. But that setting may result in a JPEG image . Now I see that your RAW files are CR3, so a Canon camera, but what one?

Some cameras, might take multiple images, use the processor to create the merge, save as a JPEG, and delete the RAW. Some cameras will ignore taking the RAW data, and just create multiple JPEG and then use the processor to merge and create the HDR. Some may take the RAW, save the RAW, then process and save a JPEG (so you would have the RAW and the processed JPEG)

And if you do  have multiple Cr3 images, can you post them at say DropBox, as to share with members to see what occurs on their LrC rig.

 

 

 

Participating Frequently
October 15, 2024

And you win the prize!!  I just looked at each image.  The first few are CR3 files and then there is a JPEG.  So luckily, I still have some RAW files to work with.  I just tried it now excluding the JPEG and it works.  Thank you so much!!!!

GoldingD
GoldingDCorrect answer
Legend
October 15, 2024

Apparently the solution was:

 

In LrC  when you select the images in the bracket, be careful to not accidentally select a JPEG along with the RAW. That will cause issues such as poorly explained errors.

 

Ricky336
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 15, 2024

If you move your position, by even a small amount, the HDR function may not work. When using AEB, be very sure to keep your position exact. This is where using a tripod can be of great use.

I know what you are saying as I also use a Canon camera, and have used AEB. The key is to keep a very steady hand.

Also, in this case, it is a good idea to take a few shots - much like taking shots using the panorama function.

Participating Frequently
October 15, 2024

Thank you. I was using a tripod.

Ricky336
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 15, 2024

So, next time try to use raw - CR2/CR3. Using the HDR mode the file is saved in JPEG format. I'm not sure if Lightroom can merge HDR  JPG files.

When I use the bracketing function and merge in Lightroom, I use raw format.

 

JohanElzenga
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 15, 2024

Automatically bracketing what? ISO perhaps? You cannot create an HDR by bracketing ISO, because changing the ISO does not change the exposure of the sensor.

 

-- Johan W. Elzenga
Participating Frequently
October 15, 2024

I used aperature priority so the ISO and shutter speed are different in all photos.

JohanElzenga
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 15, 2024
quote

I used aperature priority so the ISO and shutter speed are different in all photos.


By @Shannon266039317duy

 

That may be the problem. If the camera uses ISO to bracket, then you may not get a proper HDR series. Only the shutter speed should vary, the ISO (and aperture) should be the same for all photos.

 

-- Johan W. Elzenga