canonclicker

This Covid has it's benefits for I started this project as a means of occupying my time and it has turned into a huge project. A friend gave me a piece of equipment that looked like a car jack. I didn't know what it was and finally realised it must be an old enlarger mount. Amazingly it moves my insect or other small pieces in all directions.

This is my 1st focus stacking image. I owe everything to Sippyjug104 for I've studied this subject for 4 months after seeing his images. I was impressed with his ability to get detail, etc. to where it is presentable. Thank you, Sippy!! I have a ways to go. One day I will show my studio equipment.

His showing small things photographically has also become my new goal for I used to take wildlife photos but have seen so many beautiful wildlife photos while not many know what little things they miss. I hope to encourage others to see beauty in bugs, flowers and other things that are small.

I use a Lumix G85 with a focus stacking feature, Olympus 60mm 1:2.8 Macro lens, two lights from Home Depot and a Kleenex over the tops for diffusing. I use no Photoshop, Zerene, or Helicon for focus stacking. I do use Photoshop for clean up.

This image is of one flower in a cluster of around a couple of dozen flowers that make up a beautiful cluster on an 8' bush here in our Sonoran Desert in the Palm Springs area.

The next consists of HO Gauge people and corn which is used for perspective purposes.

The last is commonly called a house fly like other flies, but it is a Green Bottle Fly.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Good work!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent results!

tgreenhaw

Nice!

canonclicker

Thank you, Alliebess and UTMike for your responses. I hope you will try it if you haven't already.

I have found there is so much more to Focus Stacking bugs than I had imagined. I'm am just learning to clean them, adjust them and set them for display. They're so tiny and my hands are cumbersome.

The HO Gauge people are also a lot of fun. You can find them at Model Train Shops or on line. They come painted or unpainted.

canonclicker

Tgreenhaw, I really appreciate your encouragement. Their message applies to you as well.

Wait for my Cockroach photo and the message I'll add to it as well!!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Great job on all 3 images. The HO Gauge people and corn is very creative.

My favorite is your Mexican bird image. Stay well and create more.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Nice shots. The second one should be titled "Hoedown at the husking bee".

canonclicker

Thank you, PixelStan! You're right on track, the Mexican Bird o' Paradise is a beautiful flower and is one in most every yards here. I picked just one of a cluster for most don't think of it when it's by itself.

Remember Sippyjug104, I just can't get my photos as good as he can, but am trying. He is so good at helping! He even shows his equipment which is a help to those of us who want to excel in photographing tiny creatures.

canonclicker

I think I'll use your name, Lowkick I can still change it. It sounds very Bluegrass.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

The Mexican bird of paradise is beautiful. I've shot mine lots of times with brilliant blue sky behind. It's such a lovely flower.

classic320

I love your compositions--and play with scale. Also your sense of fun!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Nice job with this eclectic collection!

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Well done for your first stacking try. Love the bird of paradise.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida