Neal R. Thompson, M.D.  


Crowded by Neal R. Thompson, M.D.

August 2022 - Crowded

About the Image(s)

Here I used my Sony 6300 camera with a Canon 100 mm macro lens (and adapter)
(1/25 sec; f/5.6; ISO 1,600)

Many focus slice images were taken using a WeMacro rail.
The slides were 100 microns apart.
Slices were stacked in Helicon Focus and processed further in Photoshop with dodging, burning and sharpening.


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




Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Neal: Another good example of the use of focus stacking to attain excellent sharpness in a high magnification subject with technical excellence. Really good composition with the main stem running on a diagonal from bottom left to the upper right, also the main stem does not enter or leave the frame in a corner, in my humble opinion this is to be avoided. Excellent cross lighting from the lower right, the shadows caused by the stems and the insects on the leaf
itself adds a good point of interest. Kudos on excellent work !!
  Posted: 08/07/2022 01:04:54



Charles Ginsburgh   Charles Ginsburgh
What a clear and interesting image (although it is a bit creepy as well). I agree with the early comments offered by Murphy. Although this image really highlights the complex structure of the leaf, the interaction of the critters among themselves and with the leaf is the real story. The detail, composition and clarity of the presentation really allows this story to surface. An effort to be proud of. Nice Job !   Posted: 08/07/2022 12:38:29



Barbara Asacker   Barbara Asacker
(Group 65)
Hi Neal,
Incredible sharpness throughout the image. You captured the finest details of the tiny insects and leaf. Thank you for allowing us to see their little world on the leaf. Well done once again.   Posted: 08/12/2022 10:25:21



Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Hi Neal, The background material, leaf, has just as much interest as the critters upon it. The sharpness of the entire image is almost unbelievable. Excellent!   Posted: 08/19/2022 08:58:31



Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Looks great, but I long for more explanation, since much of what you did is new to me.
1. What are focus slice images, what are slides--is that something else? How many were there?
2. What is the effective magnification of this image?
3. Are those aphids, or what?
4. What plant is shown here?
Thank you, thank you, for the explanations.   Posted: 08/23/2022 22:14:09
Charles Ginsburgh   Charles Ginsburgh
In macro-photography one of the issues we have to deal with in the idea of depth of field, or getting the entire subject in focus. As we magnify an image (and seldom do we calculate the 'magnification factor'), we tend to reduce the apparent depth of field. In images whose real size is less than our camera sensor (i.e. around the size of a postage stamp), this can be problematic, as even with the smallest aperture (highest f-stop values) we often fail to get the entire subject in focus. This is where the technique of focus-stacking comes in. Here we take several images (5-100) at slightly different focus points (called focus slices), and later combine them together keeping the sharp areas of each image. This is similar to HDR where we are addressing sharpness rather than exposure. This is the technique being employed here. One way to obtain such slices is to mount your camera on a focus rail, and to slowly move the camera to change the focus point. This is the rail being referred to here. For a more detailed discussion on the technique of focus stacking, please refer to my article on the PXL website (https://photopxl.com/focus-stacking-and-its-application-within-macro-photography).   Posted: 08/24/2022 11:46:40



Alane Shoemaker   Alane Shoemaker
Neal, your composition, sharpness, and lighting clearly depict the hidden world of nature in a striking way. You have admirably captured the secret life of the back side of a leaf! I have no recommendations to improve your image.   Posted: 08/25/2022 20:09:15