Images for comment: Attached are 2 JOGs, saved for this purpose at 50%, rather than 100%. Shot with a Nikon D500/Nikon 105mm macro with a +1 diopter. Lit by a combination of two...

chemsaf Loc: San Diego

Attached are 2 JOGs, saved for this purpose at 50%, rather than 100%. Shot with a Nikon D500/Nikon 105mm macro with a +1 diopter. Lit by a combination of two mini-Lume LED panels from above through a diffuser and a LED lens ring light strobe.

60 focus stack images collected at an image spacing of about 1 mm. Stacked in Photoshop and sharpened in Topaz Sharpen AI.

I look forward to your comments...

Neal

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

First off, sharp focus. Good exposure. However, the lighting is rather flat depriving the subjects of textural quality and drama. The appearance of the subjects floating without support is another somewhat distracting aspect. There is also a lack of contrast between the subjects and the background if there is a background.
--Bob

chemsaf wrote:

Attached are 2 JOGs, saved for this purpose at 50%, rather than 100%. Shot with a Nikon D500/Nikon 105mm macro with a +1 diopter. Lit by a combination of two mini-Lume LED panels from above through a diffuser and a LED lens ring light strobe.

60 focus stack images collected at an image spacing of about 1 mm. Stacked in Photoshop and sharpened in Topaz Sharpen AI.

I look forward to your comments...

Neal

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

#1 is a simple definition statement that would do well for an alien civilization to know that we were similar to them. #2 is too complicated and fewer screws to define what a screw is would in my mind be better.

To tell a story, if a foot were included in #2 and it was just about to step on one of a few of those sharp screws,,,, well OUCH... is the mental story that the mind would automatically supply the next step.

chemsaf Loc: San Diego

I appreciate the comments. Perhaps my intent will add perspective. These are (1) taken to learn focus stacking with a calibrated slider tool and (2) add to my collection of stock images related to hardware. The lack of any attempt to tell a story is purposeful; to allow the stock purchaser to use the image in their story.
Thanks for the input
Neal

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

chemsaf wrote:

I appreciate the comments. Perhaps my intent will add perspective. These are (1) taken to learn focus stacking with a calibrated slider tool and (2) add to my collection of stock images related to hardware. The lack of any attempt to tell a story is purposeful; to allow the stock purchaser to use the image in their story. Thanks for the input Neal

Neal, you dusted off your intent nicely, effectively, so effective I pondered a step beyond not noting how great your focus was. You would enjoy a book, 1001 mechanical movements, sorry did not find a pdf
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1000-mechanical-movements-mechanical-appliances-and-novelties-of-construction-gardner-d-hiscox/1124094005

chemsaf Loc: San Diego

Thank you. I'll check it out.