Photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs.
Sam Abel
Gifts of words, gifts of imagery… both have a way of traveling on their own once released into the wild, sticking to a recipient like a drifting seed. What that seed becomes is often a mystery, but I am thankful for Mr. Abel for planting this thought into my head today. It deserves a little watering.
Just a short, quick post today – I would hate to spoil Abel’s great words with too many of my own! 🙂
Lovely image! Helicon can drive an auto focus lens and take a series of images for you. I’ve read about it, but I haven’t tried the technique.
Thanks, Tom. Do you normally use Helicon for your super macros?
I use Helicon to combine image when it will save time, but probably only 25% of the time. For short stacks, I’ll use Photoshop manually, and combine in layers. If I combine more than 5 stacked images, I’ll try Helicon. It’s rare for me to combine more than 8 images. Using software to combine images for bigger stacks is essential.
Some drawbacks of Helicon: some of the stacking options/algorithms increase contrast (good) and introduce noise (bad). Ghosting (awkward overlaps of OOF areas) can be an issue. And some options can increase detail in the background, which you may not want. That’s when I revert to Photoshop, and combine manually.
Good information Tom. Thanks for the insight.
Yes, it is a process from seeing to seeing.
Lovely image, Mark!
Thank you!
I use Helicon as well. Curious how many images you used.
This was a stack of 9. I am curious about the “automated” extension tube they have. Do you know anything about it? I wasn’t sure if it made it easier or was just another gizmo I don’t need. 🙂
I don’t know anything about it. I use a Kirk focusing rail, I think the FR-2. It’s a little pricy but works well. There is a company that makes an automated rail that automatically advances by preset distances and takes the shot and advances again. Pretty cool but I’m guessing pricey as well. The only issue I have had with rails is not having it perfectly level as it advances. I mean when doing macro and turning the advance knob a bit there can sometimes be a tiny but of movement off perfectly straight. But it hasn’t really caused a problem. At one point I had a Wimberly rail and it wasn’t as good as the Kirk though I’m sure it’s no longer the current model.
Ah ok. I have an old Velbon focusing rail that I break out from time to time. It works well enough – just bulky and heavy. Sometimes it is just a bit guesswork to make sure you have the entire depth you need to be covered. I haven’t done any of the extreme super macro stuff yet where people stack like 40 shots together. Someday I may try.
Most definitely a wonderful thought for the day. And a perfect photo to accompany it!
Yep, I really couldn’t add very much to this one! Thanks on the photo – was a focus stack test. Helicon did a much better job than PS did.