Stacked Tulip
Here’s my submission for this week’s Macro Monday. Not only is it a macro, it is focus stacked – a technique where multiple shots are taken with progressive focusing and then combined using a program called Zerene Stacker. Because macro lenses have such a narrow depth of field, it’s about the only way to get this effect. I also used my CamRanger which tethers my Nikon D600 to my iPad and allows me to control the camera from there. Amazing technology!
Yes, the technology sounds very clever. But what f stop did you use?
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This was shot with a 100 mm macro at f 8
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You would probably have gotten a good depth of field with f22 or f32. I used to use even smaller apertures when shooting in such conditions. But I’m not against computer tricks either.
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You’re right, Shimon. But I’m not sure, even with a very small aperture that it would capture this entire depth of field using the macro lens. With non-macro, I’ve been using much smaller apertures and getting nice crisp DOF. It was fun to try, anyway, and imagine my delight when I fed all the images into the program and out came this! This was really an experiment for the software and the new CamRanger controller. I just had no idea such things were possible! 🙂
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Wonderful capture of the lines!
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Thanks, Frank. I love these striped tulips!
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This image looks great Cathy. Beautiful color and so detailed. Question: how long did it take you to put this image together? Are we talking ten minutes, two hours or some point in-between?
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Thanks, V. Good question. It probably took about an hour, between setting up the shot in the studio, setting up the CamRanger and camera and then processing the photo. It also took several tries of shooting it and then processing before I got a shot that I liked. I suspect it will take less time, the more I use the setup.
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An hour Cathy to get a shot, you are so dedicated brilliant picture and love the little green guy too.
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Thanks, Athena! Photography to me is like painting and I would think nothing of spending hours doing a painting. It’s that wonderful creative place where time disappears and the image becomes the universe! A great meditation for me.
I can’t take credit for the little green guy. He’s the badge that Lisa at Lisaschaos.com uses for her Macro Monday post!
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This is fantastic. I haven’t heard of any of the tool you used, but the end result is awesome!
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Thank you! They’re really fun tools and I’m enjoying the fact that they make it easier for me to make my art!
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Wow, Cathy. Impressive! You’re becoming an expert with all your technology.
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Thank you, Amy! I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I’m certainly learning!
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I second what Amy said.. wow! Beautiful. You’re amazing
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Thanks, Audra. I’m really having fun, and you’re just egging me on! 🙂
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I’ll keep egging you on 🙂 you’re lovely
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I like it, Cathy. WP is not letting me “Like” it with a button, but I want you to know that I enjoyed this post.
Russ
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Sorry WP was being difficult today, Russ. Thank you for taking the time to comment so I knew you had stopped by! Always great to see you, my friend.
Cathy
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Wow, Cathy! It looks so feminine and so strong…was that your intention? Vibrant, powerful, beautiful!
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It’s funny, Brigitte. Those words would summarize my intentions (as well as getting on my Geek! 🙂 ) Great to see you here, my friend, as always.
Hugs,
Cathy
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Stacking? I’d never heard of that. How many shots did you have to take to get this effect? It truly is amazing! Your photo and the technology. You’re an inspiration, Cathy!!
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Thank you, Mary. I took twelve shots but only needed ten. The last couple were focused past the plane of the back of the flower. The way it works is: I start with focusing on the plane closest to the camera and then progress the focus incrementally towards the back. The CamRanger then takes over and I just watch as it adjusts focus and takes the shot. It really is very cool – kind of like magic!
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Gorgeous tulip! I love the colours and the patterns on the petals.
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Thank you, Gunilla.I love these striped tulips!
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That is just so beautiful! I love that you can see every detail, every color…
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Thank you! I’m just learning how to do this and I’m hoping with my irises blooming now, that I can try it again! Thanks so much for the comment!
Cathy
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First, it’s a gorgeous shot, however it was made, and I want to mention the pollen – I have a thing for bits of pollen falling onto petals – likewise for petals falling on the ground or onto pother plants. It speaks of fecundity. As for the technology, I’m just envious. I’ve taken some time off to concentrate on photography but have not been able to afford much in the way of equipment. I’m back in an earning stream now so eventually I’ll be able to get a new camera. (Using one that’s about 10 yrs old now) At some point, even an extra lens – that would be amazing. An iPad? Eventually…but in any case, it’s the enjoyment that counts, isn’t it? And it’s great when you get a result that other people enjoy too.
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I debated about this shot because of the pollen – you know, not perfect, but decided it needed to be there. Thanks for the validation! Yes, it does represent fecundity and I like that, too! I decided to get a new camera last December – sort of a Christmas present to myself. I’m so glad I did. It’s an amazing new adventure. I already had the iPad – a retina display would be nice, but that’s way down the road. It is the enjoyment that counts.
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It’s beautiful! Looks like I can touch it!
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Thank you, Kathryn!
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