Maria Mazo, PPSA
April 2026 - Fern
Original
About the Image(s)
For this month’s image, I chose this photograph of a growing fern. As spring begins to show its first signs of flowers and fresh greenery, this fern caught my attention because of its graceful shape. To capture the finest detail, I used a 10-shot focus bracketing sequence in camera.
In post-processing, I slightly darkened the background to better isolate the fern and enhanced the light and colour subtly.
EXIF data:
Shutter speed: 1/200 sec
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 1000
Captured with a Canon R5 II body and a 100??“500 mm lens at 451 mm.
10 focus-bracketed shots taken handheld.
Regards,
10 comments posted
What great details in this fern shot! All the little hairs stand out nicely from the dark background. I also like the little fuzzy balls and tiny leaves on the stem. If I were suggest anything, it might be to remove the cut-off, cluster of tiny leaves at the bottom. Beautiful! Posted: 04/04/2026 21:18:25
Hi David, thank you for your nice comment and suggestion. I will remove it! Posted: 04/14/2026 19:11:16
Kim Kowalewski
Lovely capture of the fern! The composition, exposure, and color saturation are spot-on. I discovered ferns in a local park last year and learned how hard it can be to photograph them. So I'm very impressed with your handheld focus stack using a telephoto lens when you probably were stooped down, kneeling, or sitting on the ground!! I never imagined I could do such a nice job as the one you have done. (I'd love to know how you did it.) I agree with David that you could crop off that lower leaf. Otherwise, great job! Posted: 04/06/2026 18:18:15
Hi Kim,
You're right, capturing all the detail in ferns is difficult because you need a great depth of field. This year I discovered the focus stacking feature on my camera, and I'm really enjoying it, as it allows me to capture all the fine details of these beautiful forms.
As for bird photography, I've handheld most of my shots for years. Now I have to say that my hands aren't as steady, but the camera stabilization helps, and I suppose that after all my arms have adapted to the weight of the long lens. Posted: 04/14/2026 19:19:58
You're right, capturing all the detail in ferns is difficult because you need a great depth of field. This year I discovered the focus stacking feature on my camera, and I'm really enjoying it, as it allows me to capture all the fine details of these beautiful forms.
As for bird photography, I've handheld most of my shots for years. Now I have to say that my hands aren't as steady, but the camera stabilization helps, and I suppose that after all my arms have adapted to the weight of the long lens. Posted: 04/14/2026 19:19:58
Maria this is just divine! I agree with what others have said and that you could probably lose the little leaves at the bottom. Posted: 04/06/2026 19:07:45
Hi Denise,
Thank you for your suggestion, I will remove that. I'm glad you like the image! Posted: 04/14/2026 19:21:52
Thank you for your suggestion, I will remove that. I'm glad you like the image! Posted: 04/14/2026 19:21:52
Great shot! Love the S-curve this fern creates. I agree with the others. Nice detail. Posted: 04/07/2026 00:30:08
Hi Dick, thank you for your comment and suggestion. Posted: 04/14/2026 19:22:24
Maria, I like the composition. I too could never get this shot focus bracketed with a zoom lens handheld. Great bokeh. Nice work! Posted: 04/07/2026 17:36:56
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your comment. Focus bracketing handheld is a bit challenging and requires some practice, but the results are great. Posted: 04/14/2026 19:24:49
Thank you for your comment. Focus bracketing handheld is a bit challenging and requires some practice, but the results are great. Posted: 04/14/2026 19:24:49