Pat Glenn
November 2024 - Toy
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
New computer , new rail and working out the kinks on setting up both!
Nikon D750, Nikon micro 105mm at about close to 1:1.5 , tripod with focus rail, natural light at a window , ISO 100, 1/40, f14.
Stack 44 photos - new focus rail used [NiSi - had little problems that when I put camera on it would only move in 1 direction due to weight]
Lightroom process : increase exposure a little, try fix highlight on red front, crop in tight
Photoshop for stacking, align/blend layers
5 comments posted
Margaret West
Great job photo stacking. Like the series of curved colors. Nice and sharp! Posted: 11/10/2024 02:18:11
Pat, great result! I like the bright color contrast. I need to follow your example and start using my new unopened focus rail... Posted: 11/13/2024 22:17:18
Very good! Macro subject are everywhere if you put your mind to it, thanks for reminding me!
44 frames at f14 sounds like far more frames than necessary at this magnification. Thst's not a problem as you've stacked them perfectly, but it's more work than is necessary, I think. Working out how many frames and how much to shift the focus each time is a problem. There are simple solutions and more technically perfect complicated solutions!
There are programs to help - for example, with a Nikon, Helicon Focus would both work out the best setting and run the steps for you without a focus rail (by altering the focus point of the lens for each frame). Alas they don't do an Olympus version. I used Helicon Remote when I had a Canon, and I really miss it. Which reminds me, I must nag them again as they said they might do an Olympus version.
Then there's the Photopills app, but it costs nearly GBP 10 on the google app store. It does seem to have lots of other features, though, if you are interested.
Online DOF calculators are aplenty. DOFMaster is one, https://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html. Once you work out the DoF for the closest shot, use 75% of that distance for the distance between all the shots, as DoF gets larger as you focus further away.
DoF is another program you can download from https://www.dl-c.com/DoF/. I find it a bit too techie, but it calculates stack distances directly, and there's lots of info there on DoF as well.
Less techie is to step down your lens ("depth of field preview") and observe as you move the rail every time so that the bit of your last frame that was just out of focus comes into focus, and take your next from there.
None of these help with all the other aspects of macro though, and I think youve done a great job here!
Posted: 11/14/2024 07:45:10
44 frames at f14 sounds like far more frames than necessary at this magnification. Thst's not a problem as you've stacked them perfectly, but it's more work than is necessary, I think. Working out how many frames and how much to shift the focus each time is a problem. There are simple solutions and more technically perfect complicated solutions!
There are programs to help - for example, with a Nikon, Helicon Focus would both work out the best setting and run the steps for you without a focus rail (by altering the focus point of the lens for each frame). Alas they don't do an Olympus version. I used Helicon Remote when I had a Canon, and I really miss it. Which reminds me, I must nag them again as they said they might do an Olympus version.
Then there's the Photopills app, but it costs nearly GBP 10 on the google app store. It does seem to have lots of other features, though, if you are interested.
Online DOF calculators are aplenty. DOFMaster is one, https://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html. Once you work out the DoF for the closest shot, use 75% of that distance for the distance between all the shots, as DoF gets larger as you focus further away.
DoF is another program you can download from https://www.dl-c.com/DoF/. I find it a bit too techie, but it calculates stack distances directly, and there's lots of info there on DoF as well.
Less techie is to step down your lens ("depth of field preview") and observe as you move the rail every time so that the bit of your last frame that was just out of focus comes into focus, and take your next from there.
None of these help with all the other aspects of macro though, and I think youve done a great job here!
Posted: 11/14/2024 07:45:10
thanks Stuart I enjoy the references. since I had a new rail that had more length to it I was very technical for this shoot. just move the rail from one notch to the next for a long length - to get the certain # of disc in focus. [p.s I am cleaning house a little that is why I found one of my son's old toys - this is a keeper toy]. Posted: 11/20/2024 04:17:04
I really enjoy the composition on this, and it's a fun image. Nice strong colors. Great texture. There is an area on the far right that would benefit from some burning with a very light touch. Well done! Posted: 11/20/2024 06:34:26