Focus Stacking
I do a lot of macrophotography. Among others I take pictures of jewels for a site ( Chantale Beaudet Collections ).
A common problem encountered when photographing object from a very short distance with a large aperture is the shallowness of the depth of field. Most of the time part of the object is out of focus. Look at the following images.
In focus on the left
In focus in the middle
In focus in the middle
In focus to the right
Résultat
Result
The technique
We take several photos at different distances adjusting the focus on every shot so that in each photo one plane is sharp and the rest is out of focus. Now we need a special software to combine these images in a single one where the whole image is in focus.
The photos must be taken in manual mode (aperture, speed and focus) preferably in Live View mode in order to better control the focus.
Equipment
- A digital SLR in manual mode (I used a Nikon D90)
- A sturdy Tripod (I am using a Manfrotto)
- A uniform lighting system preferably at 5000K
- Possibly Bellows or extension tubes for macro photography
- Possibly a focusing rail (I did not use a rail for these photos)
- A special software to process the images (I am using Photoshop CS4)
Tags: Photography
Photography | Nabil | 
25 April, 2013 11:51
Subscribe