Although I have been taking macro shots for many years, usually opting for a small aperture, to get some DoF, and aided by using a Ring Flash, I had never tried stacking multiple images.
So, it was time to experiment.
Firstly, I constructed a setup that would allow me to make small movements between focus points, and this comprised a mechanical focus rail (bought on ebay), and a DiY framework to mount it on.
I found a dead 'critter' to use as my model, and placed him on the base platform.
The camera was an EOS 5d MklV, with a Sigma EX 105 f/2.8 Macro. No Ring Flash, or lighting, just ambient light.
I took some 17 images, and then 'stacked' them using Picolay, to produce the final image. I should add that I downloaded Helicon Focus (30 day trial), and could tell no difference in the result produced between it, and Picolay (Freeware). I did not use any of the enhancement tools in either program, only the stacking function. The 'fine tuning' was done in Photoshop.
Hover Fly - 17 image Stack by Dave, on Flickr
So, it was time to experiment.
Firstly, I constructed a setup that would allow me to make small movements between focus points, and this comprised a mechanical focus rail (bought on ebay), and a DiY framework to mount it on.
I found a dead 'critter' to use as my model, and placed him on the base platform.
The camera was an EOS 5d MklV, with a Sigma EX 105 f/2.8 Macro. No Ring Flash, or lighting, just ambient light.
I took some 17 images, and then 'stacked' them using Picolay, to produce the final image. I should add that I downloaded Helicon Focus (30 day trial), and could tell no difference in the result produced between it, and Picolay (Freeware). I did not use any of the enhancement tools in either program, only the stacking function. The 'fine tuning' was done in Photoshop.
Hover Fly - 17 image Stack by Dave, on Flickr
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