Batch: Open Bridge 'Stacks' as layers in PS CS5 + run action. Is this possible with script??

[OrchidPhoto]

I posted this topic a couple of days ago - I didn't know about this forum/group so the thread appears in Photoshop Scripting and Bridge Windows. I haven't found a solution on those forums - can any one here help?

http://forums.adobe.com/thread/880777?tstart=0

http://forums.adobe.com/thread/880779?tstart=0

I would like to automate part of my workflow that involves opening stacked images (in Bridge CS5) as layers in Ps CS5 and running an PS action that composites the layers and processes the image. Something similar to 'Process Collection' in Bridge CS5 only with my own action instead of merge to HDR/Panorama.

Apparently this is possible with Mac 'Automator' - is there anything I can do in Windows? I don't have any experience with writing scripts, but have friends that can help. Can someone tell me if its possible and point me in the right direction please?

This needs to be a batch process. I know how to open images as layers from Bridge so that I can manually run the PS action - I would like to automatically process lots of images in this same way.

To clarify, the script if possible will need to

1) find first stack (in Bridge [in selected folder])

2) open as layers in PS

3) run PS action

4) save and close (as psd preserving layers)

5) find next stack in Bridge (selected folder) and repeat.

By 'stack' I mean a set of similar files (for instance same scene -2EV, 0EV, +2EV)

Bridge's 'Process Collection' feature is great because it very cleverly recognises similar images (I think you have to stack them first) opens them and either processes them into a hdr or panoramic image. Instead or hdr or pano, wouldn't it be great if you could run your own action.

Bridge's Image Processor is fantastic at opening a batch of individual files and running your own processing action, but it won't open groups of images ('Stacks' or sets) as layers.

What I need is basically a hybrid of the two.

[JJMack · Accepted solution]

In case you miss my late append in the other thread you may want to look at the auto collection script that ships with the Bridge and use it as a base for what you want to do. You may also be able to automat the creation of your stacks if their time stamps are close. The Auto Collection Script night now does two types of stacks  HDR and Panoramas.  You may be able to modify it to do a third stack type. You stack type and use your stack processing process instead of mearge to HDR or PhotoMerge.

From Bridge help:

The Auto Collection CS5 script in Adobe Bridge assembles sets of images into stacks for processing as high dynamic range (HDR) or panoramic composites in Photoshop CS5. The script collects images into stacks based on capture time, exposure settings, and image alignment. Timestamps must be within 18 seconds for the Auto Collection script to process the photos. If exposure settings vary across the photos and content overlaps by more than 80%, the script interprets the photos as an HDR set. If exposure is constant and content overlaps by less than 80%, the script interprets the photos as being part of a panorama.

Note: You must have Adobe Bridge with Photoshop CS5 for Auto Collection CS5 to be available.

1. To enable the Auto Collection CS5 script, choose Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Adobe Bridge CS5.1 > Preferences (Mac OS).
2. In the Startup Scripts panel, select Auto Collection CS5, and then click OK.
3. Select a folder with the HDR or panoramic shots, and choose Stacks > Auto-Stack Panorama/HDR.
4. Choose Tools > Photoshop > Process Collections In Photoshop to automatically merge them and see the result in Adobe Bridge.

[OrchidPhoto]

Thank you Michael, Paul and JJMack. This has given me plenty to work with!!