HDR merge of virtual copies on Classic

[Almurzan]

For the last two weeks, I've been unable to HDR merge virtual copies of RAW files on LR Classic version 11.3.1.  Reinstalling 11.3.1 didn't solve the problem.  Neither did going back to version 11.3.

[DdeGannes]

Does the system have access to the original raw image files?

Also have a look at the article at the link below.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-give-full-disk-access...

[Almurzan]

Denis

Thank you for the advice.  I have now given Lightroom Classic full disk access.  Unfortunately, it didn't solve the problem.  I'd like to explore the other issue you raised, about whether the system has access to the original RAW files, but I'm not sure what you mean...

Alan

[johnrellis]

"I'd like to explore the other issue you raised, about whether the system has access to the original RAW files, but I'm not sure what you mean..."

Do the menu command Library > Find All Missing Photos -- do any show up?  If so, see this help article:

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/ 

[Almurzan]

I'm not missing any photos John.  My problem is that I can't get virtual copied to merge.  I've tried again just now and I still can't do it.

[DdeGannes]

To do the HDR the original image files have to be used, virtual images are not actual images they are data files that contain editing info. Where are the original image files located, if they are on an external drive then the drive needs to be connected to the computer.

[Almurzan]

I've been creating virtual copies and doing HDR merges of them since I started using Lightroom, about four years ago.  I've always imported the files before merging them.  As I said, it's only in the last two weeks that I haven't been able to do it.

[Bob Somrak]

I just tried and HDR from Virtual Copies and it works fine.

[Almurzan]

Yes Bob.  Two weeks ago I would have told you the same thing.

[johnrellis]

What's the result of doing the menu command Library > Find All Missing Photos?

[GoldingD]

An experiment that might show an issue:

Select the original photos (not the virtual copys for this experiment). Attempt a merge with them. Any problems?

[Almurzan]

I did a few HDR merges with original RAW files yesterday D.  No problems.  The issue is only with virtual copies.

[spymit]

I know I am super late to the party but I was having the same issue also. For years I have used virtual copies set to different exposure levels to make HDR images, when it didn't work I was baffled. After searching I came across this thread but never found an answer, I did stumble upon the answer on my own though. If you set the deghost amount to none it works again! 8)

[JohanElzenga]

Lightroom merges originals and disregards the settings of the individual brackets. So creating different 'exposures' via virtual copies to merge an HDR is a waste of time. It will not result in a different HDR file. If merging virtual copies fails when dehaze is applied, then that is clearly a bug, but there is no reason to use dehaze (or any other setting) on the brackets in the first place.