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I have seen a lot of posts lately about the Brenizer method. It looks smashing, but at the same time, I am fairly certain I could recreate the look using blurred layers in Photoshop. Apart from having a high-resolution picture using Brenizer's technique, are there other advantages I'm missing from just taking one wide-angle shot and manipulating it in PS to mimic the look?

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Most techniques that are 'properly' accomplished in-camera, but can also be approximated in software, are generally better in-camera. No software filter can replicate the quality of bokeh afforded by a good-quality lens (although Photoshop's Lens Blur filter does a decent job).

Having said that, the Brenizer method is relatively time consuming, both in the field and in the computer, and requires a fast lens, so whether or not you do it 'properly' or with straightforward blurring really depends on what you're doing with it. If you're just taking a family portrait shot, you may as well 'cheat'. If you're taking a shot for your portfolio or for a professional wedding shoot, it's worth going the whole hog.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ They are comparing one post processing technique to another, neither option is in camera. \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Commented May 24, 2012 at 17:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ The shallow depth of field and multiple exposures are in-camera, the shots are then just stitched together in post processing. \$\endgroup\$
    – ElendilTheTall
    Commented May 24, 2012 at 17:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ElendilTheTall, this is pretty much what I was thinking in terms of why I'd ever use the Brenzier method. So I'm not missing anything really other than 'photo-geek drooling-grade bokeh' and a larger final image, correct? \$\endgroup\$
    – huzzah
    Commented May 24, 2012 at 18:09
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well, that's subjective. The only way to be sure yourself is to try both methods and see if you care much about the difference. \$\endgroup\$
    – ElendilTheTall
    Commented May 24, 2012 at 18:19

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