Focus Stacked Cricket Face View
Dec 17, 2019 14:23:24 #
This is a little cricket that I came across before the cold weather set in and it is now part of my preserved collection. We got ten inches of heavy wet snow yesterday so it gives me another reason to stay indoors and experiment with my gear.
For this session I started out with the reverse mounted enlarger lens mounted onto a reverse mounted enlarger lens. Those two lenses are then attached to 150mm of extension tubes. Believing that is some is good then more is better, I added another 30mm of extension tube to that so there is a total of 180mm of tubes plus the two lenses. You can see this in the first image of the gear.
I use two translucent plastic drink cups stacked together with a white paper towel between them to diffuse the constant lighting. I rolled a piece of black felt around the end of the lens to act as a lens hood to avoid lens flare from reflecting light. You can see this in the second image of the gear (I rotated it for viewing).
I have an assortment of ways to stage the specimen and lately I've been using a Magic Arm with a dab of modeling clay that I stick the mounted specimen into. The second picture shows how much working distance I get for the sessions.
This image was created from 256 images taken at 15-microns distance between shots. The stack of images was then processed in Zerene Stacker.
As always, thanks ever so much in advance for viewing and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
For this session I started out with the reverse mounted enlarger lens mounted onto a reverse mounted enlarger lens. Those two lenses are then attached to 150mm of extension tubes. Believing that is some is good then more is better, I added another 30mm of extension tube to that so there is a total of 180mm of tubes plus the two lenses. You can see this in the first image of the gear.
I use two translucent plastic drink cups stacked together with a white paper towel between them to diffuse the constant lighting. I rolled a piece of black felt around the end of the lens to act as a lens hood to avoid lens flare from reflecting light. You can see this in the second image of the gear (I rotated it for viewing).
I have an assortment of ways to stage the specimen and lately I've been using a Magic Arm with a dab of modeling clay that I stick the mounted specimen into. The second picture shows how much working distance I get for the sessions.
This image was created from 256 images taken at 15-microns distance between shots. The stack of images was then processed in Zerene Stacker.
As always, thanks ever so much in advance for viewing and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
Dec 17, 2019 14:47:36 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
This is a little cricket that I came across before... (show quote)
I have been enjoying your work, from fantastic to out right scary. Thought it was time to complement you on the quality and praise you for the work involved. Just looking at the set up and reading your process descriptions make me tired. Thanks for all you do to get these shots and look forward to seeing more. From a still newbie.
Dec 17, 2019 14:59:57 #
Mister H wrote:
I have been enjoying your work, from fantastic to out right scary. Thought it was time to complement you on the quality and praise you for the work involved. Just looking at the set up and reading your process descriptions make me tired. Thanks for all you do to get these shots and look forward to seeing more. From a still newbie.
Wow, thanks ever so much for the reply. I always thank everyone in advance as not to overwhelm them with all of the replies they must get for I know there are many more than just mine. My sessions are my passion and I regularly try new techniques and methods. I've gone "off the reservation" as they say a long time ago and there is very little descriptions out there on the methods that I use so I want to share all that I can for those who may also have an interest. Most of my sessions are in the "micro" realm than they are maco. I know very little about insects other than that they make interesting subjects and I always see the wonders of Mother Nature as to how they are built and how specialized each one is.
Dec 17, 2019 15:38:14 #
Dec 17, 2019 16:43:34 #
Dec 17, 2019 19:06:33 #
Dec 18, 2019 10:23:43 #
Dec 18, 2019 13:35:23 #
Dec 18, 2019 16:46:09 #
Love the results of your tireless efforts... I look forward to your posts... Now that winter is really setting in it is time for me to get off my posterior and do some more stacking... Thanks for your efforts to explain and share your experiences
Dec 18, 2019 17:50:08 #
Creative and fun for you. Very interesting for me. I have enjoyed your stacked collection.
Dec 18, 2019 18:22:51 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
This is a little cricket that I came across before... (show quote)
Wow! Quite an outfit. But it works!!!
Dec 25, 2019 15:48:02 #
Very nice work. I would love to try this, but I don't have the dedication that you do.
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