I was inspired by last month's nigella image from Maria to go out and shoot a nigella myself. But instead of using a Helios with a reversed, front-lens element, I used a Lensbaby Soft Focus lens (much easier to use). I "aperture-stacked" several images taken with the soft-focus lens at different apertures from f/2.5 to f/8.0 using close-up lenses and a tripod. In Photoshop, I stacked the images and used layer masks to brush in the effect I was trying to achieve. More specifically, the final image background used the layer that was shot using a wide aperture to get a soft, blurry effect, and the pistil and stamen were brushed in using the layer that was shot using a narrow aperture to get them in sharp focus. I also used Lightroom to crop and adjust the final tonality.
6 comments posted
Denise McKay
This is a lovely image David. The soft focused petals and background really show off the tack sharp center. The long stamens really grab you and draw you in.
Your hard work with stacking multiple images paid off in my opinion. Very nice! Posted: 07/03/2026 20:26:13
David Terao
Thank you, Denise. I love the soft blur from the Lensbaby Soft Focus lens, but I don't like it all over the image. Posted: 07/03/2026 20:57:38
Mark Bamberger
The unique shape of this flower, with the shape of the pistil and surrounding stamens, makes for a beautiful photo! Lighting is soft and the hit of lavender in the center and on the petals compliments the greens and whites. I am curious if you could have gotten the same effect with less post processing, using focus bracketing with your 100mm macro wide open, then just focus stacking the initial images to get the stamens and pistil in sharp focus but leaving the blurred background. I have considered investing in a Lensbaby but keep talking myself out of it. Thanks. Posted: 07/06/2026 12:23:46
David Terao
Thank you, Mark. To answer your question, I really don't know if I could get the same effect if I used a regular 100mm macro lens shot at different apertures. I just like the soft blur from the Lensbaby Soft Focus lens at its widest aperture, and when shot at smaller apertures, it gets quite sharp. But, I've never tried using this technique with my Canon macro lens. Posted: 07/06/2026 16:50:49
Janet Pinkston
I like the effects of the Lensbaby soft focus lens but I agree that it would be nice to see a little more focus on the lovely petals. Very dreamy. Posted: 07/10/2026 15:54:49
David Terao
Thank you, Janet. I could try bringing a little more detail into the petals without distracting from the stamen and pistils. Let's see what might come up.
Posted: 07/10/2026 16:00:55
