David Terao  


Milkweed by David Terao

October 2021 - Milkweed

October 2021 - David Terao

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About the Image(s)

This month, I found a particularly interesting milkweed pod in our garden that was partially open with half its seeds intact and half being released. I cut the pod and photographed it inside my house to eliminate the wind and keep the fluff totally still. I used a continuous tungsten light source and a white reflector with a black background. Shot with a Canon EOS R5 camera and Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 lens on a tripod using a 3-image focus stack processed in Helicon Focus. Exposure was 0.6 sec @ f/16 and ISO 200.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
13 comments posted




Cindy Lynch   Cindy Lynch
I have always wanted to get a good photo of a milkweed. I wish this were mine! You have such wonderful clarity and focus. I love the details and black background, which really makes the pod stand out. The diagonal makes a wonderful composition. Nice job! I wouldn't change a thing.   Posted: 10/04/2021 10:49:28
David Terao   David Terao
Thank you, Cindy. I wish I could tell you which variety of milkweed this was that I planted in my garden this year. I liked the uniform pattern formed by the seeds in the narrow pod. Most milkweed pods I find in the wild are the fat, spiky variety.   Posted: 10/04/2021 11:31:31



Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
nice, clean image! If this plant bloom in color of orange, then it'd be butterfly milkweed, just a guess.
My milkweed pods still not open yet, and I haven't thought about take it down and bring it inside the house and open it. Duh, would try that next. :)
The image is great, sharp and uniform, love it.
Since you mentioned Helicon Focus, did you compare and decide and have you try it with LR/PS focus stacking? Just wonder if you would comment on the plus/minus of Helicon, thanks
  Posted: 10/05/2021 11:41:14
David Terao   David Terao
I previously used the focus-stacking feature in Photoshop. I don't believe Lightroom has a focus-stacking feature. PS is not bad for stacking a few images. But, when you stack 10 or more images, Helicon Focus works flawlessly. There are several packages available when buying Helicon Focus. I bought the Pro package (the middle package). But, I've found that I never use the extra features above those in the Lite package. I also bought the Lifetime version, but the prices seemed to have gone way up since then.   Posted: 10/05/2021 12:00:14
Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
thank you, Dave, for your comments, Yes, I meant PS stacking. and I tried the other stacking software a few years back, and not quite like it. I'd check out "Helicon". Thanks again.   Posted: 10/19/2021 13:25:42
David Terao   David Terao
You're right! This is a Butterfly Weed milkweed variety.   Posted: 10/05/2021 12:03:08



Ray Henrikson   Ray Henrikson
You have high-end gear and technique and use both well. Your image belongs in a botany publication.   Posted: 10/06/2021 21:21:14
David Terao   David Terao
I was hoping for more than just a record shot in a botany publication. And, it's not just a result of using high-end gear and technique. I also took this same image using an Olympus OMD EM1 Mk II with an old, adapted OM Zuiko 135mm f/4.5 macro lens without using focus stacking. I don't recall the aperture, and it's not recorded because there are no electronic contacts between the lens and camera body.   Posted: 10/07/2021 07:39:20
Comment Image
Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
beautiful specimen!   Posted: 10/19/2021 13:30:35



Phyllis Peterson   Phyllis Peterson
What a wonderful image of milkweed. I have seen others but you controlled many problems by taking the plant inside to photograph it. Plus, the black background allows you to see the white fluff more clearly. The lighting and exposure are spot-on! Great job!   Posted: 10/19/2021 16:52:14
David Terao   David Terao
Thank you, Phyllis. Yes, those milkweed fluff move at the slightest air movement. Even indoors, I had to be careful not to disturb the air while taking the photo.   Posted: 10/19/2021 17:05:14



Bai Chuang Shyu   Bai Chuang Shyu
It is a very beautiful image especially the crystal sharp fluffy and the black background which made the subject more distinct. When I made my flower image I thought of using the multiple image focus stack. Good to learn that you have used this technique and produce such wonderful work!   Posted: 10/29/2021 07:32:55
David Terao   David Terao
Thank you, Bai. I've found that the more I use focus stacking, the easier it becomes.   Posted: 10/29/2021 09:28:53