robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I'll be posting this in three sections. Photo Gallery, True Macro-Photography Forum, The Exploration of Digital Artistry

Almost two weeks ago the lawn guy finished and I found a dandelion seed head that by some miracle landed on the grass between two potted plant almost 100% intact. Ah, a good subject for my first macro focusing stacking efforts. I carefully placed it in a small box and brought it in. Then got busy on a major furniture moving and cleaning project. Followed by a day of getting ready for Photo Club this Thursday, came up with 4 definites for the club, needed two more. Then today it was raining off and on so I remembered the seed head. And by another miracle it was still in the same condition as when I found it.
What to use for a background? Black 4X4 microfiber polishing cloth that came with a new pair of glasses a while back. Taped the edge to a box on the table where the HO train set lives and spread it to make a mini backdrop.
Did several series but only three came out more or less right. First attempt of three shots and the last two of 10 shots and 5.
I used a tripod with a three way pan and tilt head with a focus rail mounted.
My 6D, Tamron 180 macro and a little Canon 220 flash with diffuser.

#1 only 3 shots MF @ f/7.1 with a slight focus change for frame 2 & 3 got into minimum focus distance for first frame so it is 1:1 and only part of the seed head - PP in LR & PS

#2 10 shots with first focus just short of the front edge of the seed head @ f/7.1 and crept it forward about 3mm with focus rail for each shot PP in LR 90% of it was just the haze slider and cropping

#3 5 shots with bigger moves between shots and went to f/16 and bigger forward movements for each shot PP in NIK Viveza and LR

Some parts not in focus, mostly on front and back edges, some ghosting due to movement, only thing that could have done it was my breathing. Will have to remember to not breath in the direction of things this light. May try again tomorrow, seed head covered with a box to keep for more practice

3 shots @ f/7.1 and 1:1

(Download)

10 shots @ f/7.1 backed off for the whole seed head so a bit less than 1:1

(Download)

5 shots @ f/16

(Download)

GWR100 Loc: England

The middle one is brilliant Jerry, I would say it was a couple of days well spent.

Geoff

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice results. It's amazing what you can do with focus stacking. I experimented a few years ago with a dozen playing cards stuck in styrofoam.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Very nice!!!!
Pat

soli Loc: London, UK.

It shows you the value of taking more shots. The 10 shot image is great.

Charmdragon Loc: Plymouth, Massachusetts

Your 2nd image is a beauty. This technique is something i just haven't made time for, but you add credence to why I should. Great share.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

#2 shot is the winner for me. What software did you use to stack?

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

Nice work Jerry.
Pierre

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks a lot.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thank you

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks very much.
The instructor at a macro class I took at my local photoshop had a product shot he did of a custom made guitar that was well nearly 200 shots looking length way down the neck and the whole guitar was tack sharp.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks very much. Go for it, even if you don't continue you will at least be able to say you have done it.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thank you, #2 is winning, I used PS CC2017. But I also have the Franzis FOCUS Projects 3 Pro that someone asked about and am going to try that today. I'll post the two together later. I am also thinking of buying Helicon Focus + Remote and do tethering with my old laptop no one uses.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks Pierre