Semi-Noob Questions
/forum/topic/718519/0

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Greg Feldman
Registered: Mar 14, 2005
Total Posts: 5841
Country: United States

Hi there, macrophiles.

I don't have much experience in the macro realm--and next to none with tiny living things--so I'm hoping that I can pick your brains.

The little macro photography I've done in the last few years has been of "items" of one sort or another, with either natural light or a hand-held off-camera strobe. For example:



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I have a ringlight (MR-14EX) coming soon, though, so I'm interested in advice for using it with a 100mm macro lens--and also interested in focus stacking. Specifically with regard to the latter, I'm curious how one can stack multiple exposures of insects without their moving between exposures. If you have any software or technique recommendations there, I'd love to hear those too.

Thanks,
Greg

Goldenorfe
Registered: Apr 15, 2008
Total Posts: 7314
Country: United Kingdom

hi there, you might be better learning to shoot macro with single shots first before attempting focus stacking. you have to learn to get the light & focus right before progressing.
but do have a look at -
http://www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/163367/
brians stacking tutorial.
free software - czm or new version czp. google it.

phil


Kenj8246
Registered: Feb 14, 2008
Total Posts: 11107
Country: United States

Yeah, what Phil said.

Kenny


_evt_
Registered: May 12, 2005
Total Posts: 2307
Country: United States

Stacking insects gets a little easier as you get to know your subjects a bit more. Bugs aren't always in motion, knowing when/where to find them when they aren't moving helps. Flies and spiders are great subjects to start practicing on ... bees feeding not so much


LordV
Registered: Jan 02, 2006
Total Posts: 25162
Country: United Kingdom

Agree with above- I'd practice get the lighting right with the new flash (eg power ratios to stop the shots looking flat) before venturing into focus stacking.

Brian v.


Greg Feldman
Registered: Mar 14, 2005
Total Posts: 5841
Country: United States

Thanks, folks. I'll put focus stacking out of my mind for the time being.

The light did come yesterday. It's quite a lot of fun. Here's my first test shot (no insects yet):



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It's an upside-down letter E from these:



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Greg

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