Junior's Focus Stacking Pics

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

Well after a couple that looked like...well....crap...

Here is one that i think turned out real nice. This is a new trachy i picked up at a local swap this past weekend....its bright green with a bright orange (not red) ring around the whole thing...its sweet.

This has 10 images stacked.

FaviaFreak · Jan 28, 2009

Nice! very crisp and clear with great detail!

Paintguru · Jan 28, 2009

Pardon my ignorance, but what is photo stacking?

mpoletti · Jan 28, 2009

Paintguru said:
Pardon my ignorance, but what is photo stacking?

You are not alone. I have no idea as well

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

its where you use multiple pictures blended together to make one picture with a huge depth of field. With macro photography, getting everything in crisp focus is nearly impossible.

Each photo in this picture only brought about 1/2" of the coral in focus.

This is what Gary Parr has been doing for a few days over here, so i thought i would give it a try.

hudson2212 · Jan 28, 2009

What software are you using to stack?

I should probably ask what camera/lens as well.

That shot came out very clear, much nicer than anything I have built up.

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

Nikon D300 w/ sigma 150mm macro 1:1

helicon focus is the software.

GParr is the one that told me how to do this. Hes has some great ones on here as well.

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

here are a couple of the pics out of the 10 blended. You can see how little of each are actually in focus.

hudson2212 · Jan 28, 2009

Ah, Helicon is the one I have tried as well. After my trial ran out I have been looking for a cheaper replacement, but I may just have to bite the bullet.

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

here is one more. not as sharp as I would like but 14 shots on a soft coral, there is bound to be some movement.

Neon Reef · Jan 28, 2009

wow, what a huge difference..how long does it take you to "stack" one actual picture?

Kigs! · Jan 28, 2009

Very cool - turned out nice.

MarvinsReef · Jan 28, 2009

my goodness Mr. Paul... pictures are getting better and better... I know you'll say there's always room for improvement but what else can you possibly do to make your pics more awesomerz... LoLz...

Paul, you think this will help solve the problem with my bowfront? you might have to come by and take some pics for me to find out...

:hammer:

revhtree · Jan 28, 2009

Man Paul these are truly great. I really didn't see you getting any better than you had already posted, but I have been wrong before and will be again! LOL!

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

Marv, unfortunately no, it wont help a bit on the bow front.

But there are ways around that, if we have to...i.e. small photo tank that we just make up some water for.

In terms of time, it takes only about a minute to take the pics.

The processing took me about 15-20 minutes, but that can be cut in half once i'm more familiar with the process.

TyreeUM · Jan 28, 2009

wow those are really awesome, nice work Junior

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

I think the zoas i will try again at a higher f-stop, and way less pics. Too much movement with them. Not nearly as sharp as the first one.

I cant wait till i have the nikon 105 in hand, and try these again.

gparr · Jan 28, 2009

Nice work. Looks like you got over the "hump." Did you figure out why the initial images weren't working?
Gary

JuniorMC8704 · Jan 28, 2009

nope =)

but i used tiff's instead, and shot the pics at ISO 100.

Other than that, i didnt do anything different...

so who knows what happened with those...

Ill really get some nice ones when i have more time...i was really rushed today.