Actually for an image done without focus stacking, you have excellent depth of field here. The image is sharp and interesting. I always am surprised by the worlds that macro imaging can reveal. Even in the winter you can just go to your local florist and for a few dollars make a ton of fun.   Posted: 09/02/2023 16:31:26

Kudos to you for stepping up and giving a talk - a great way to both learn and teach. I like that you have titled it Close Up photography (as opposed to macro). The largest number of images in my LR catalog were taken on a table in my basement! Many excellent macro photographers (Mike Moats) - claim that they never focus stack. Others (Don Komarechka) will focus stack over hundred frames through a single snowflake. Your students may benefit from playing with their macro lens; to find the "sharpest" f-stop at close-up range and then to explore the depth of field at various f-stops. Both are easily done with a page of printed test. In your image - I like that you didn't center the flower. I'm also intrigued by the lack of symmetry in the outer petals. So often macro shots are "perfect" . . . this is interesting and realistic. Well done!   Posted: 09/10/2023 03:50:00

I really like the sharp detail of your image! Casually looking at flowers, they seem symmetrical, but, as your image reveals, there are many small irregularities that add interest, as well as what look like pollen grains that enhance the realistic feel. How wonderful that you will do a class for your club - I'm sure this and other examples that you show them will encourage them to give closeup and macro photography a try.   Posted: 09/11/2023 19:04:36

Excellent photo with nice, sharp detail! I appreciate how you were able to get a fully sharp photo without focus stacking. I also like how you handled the color of the flower. I personally always have trouble in getting the proper color scheme with pinks, reds, and other similar colors. Thanks for sharing this and for educating me along with your camera club!   Posted: 09/12/2023 08:31:17

Well done Chan!

I must admit ... I am not surprised how well the image is defined .. as the subject was registered with F/16 aperture. Along with a 100mm Macro glass, and how Chan described how it was composed and shot, there should be no surprise.

However, this topic of ..."focus-stacking vs choice of aperture" ... if you will ... this question just came up in my Mentorship program ... I added thoughts on the Bulletin Board for your review. I look forward to everyone's comments on this subject. Thank you.   Posted: 09/21/2023 12:04:29