Focus Stacking Results
 

I've been posting mostly native orchid photos this summer (will get back to other photos when the weather changes and the native orchids are finished), but thought I'd post a picture or two showing the result of "focus stacking." Bonsai1504 in another thread (http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-good-dof.html) recommended a program called CombineZM which can be used in macro photography to increase depth of field. I've downloaded and worked with the program and found it very useful. The following photos of a Phalaenopsis and a non-orchid wildflower show some of the results:

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark 'Holm' on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Great Purple Monkeyflower (Mimululs lewisii) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

very nice. I'll have to try that technique sometime.

Nice indeed Ron.

I have to try that some time. It would help a lot. I am just so impatient with new programs.

Thanks Ron. I think I am going to have to give it a shot. From what you've seen is there limit to the number of slices in the stack?

Hi Ted,
I've used a max of four and have some trouble with six - I seem to get some "echo" in parts of the final picture, but that may only be because I don't know how to use the software in those circumstances.

I have read about this software (apparently there is an upgrade called combineZP. I downloaded the ...ZM but couldn't figure out how to start. Honestly did not give it enough time.
I purchased a focusing track to avoid having the literally change the focus each cut. I hope this would eliminate the other abberations tjat a focus change entails but may add some of its own.
the demonstration you give is outstanding.
thanks
Nick

I've had a lot of fun with this- 4 seems to be the limit and the progra is very slow. I use a tripod, set the exposure as a constant and then very carefully move from front to back. Small aperture helps, too.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-stacking.html

That is exactly what I do and what I've found, Connie.