I was able to get this profile shot, of a fly. I shot it in available light. The background is real. There was a lot of yellow, dry grass, just completely out of focus.
I managed to stack two pictures. At least a part of the second. So I could get a part of the eye better in focus. The other pictures, I was not able to stack. I'm keep on trying... ;)
90mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 400
What I will change for the next time?
- faster shutter
- smaller aperture
Feedback as always welcome!
Nice one, but the eye indeed ...
Was it on a tripod or handheld ? I came across a video on YT lately with tricks on doing handheld focus-stacking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HowcTTo3vfY
Found it really helpful !
If on a tripod, you could use something like this: https://www.kamera-express.be/product/12227127/kiwi-fc-1-macro-focusing-...
Build quality of this specific item is not superb (there is a bit too much play on the rails), but it does the trick.
HTH
Thank you Ian for the reply. I shot it handheld in short burst. Two shots were close, for the others the fly moved too much. I don't like to use the tripod outdoors for macro. I'm too clumsy with it.
I watched Stewart's video, that was the reason I tried it out. ;) It also needs practice.
Yes the eye is the problem. But I really like the outcome of the rest. The details in the body are good.
What he also says is try, try and try again ;-)
About clumsiness, the kiwi (or something like it) solves part of that.
However, with flying insects you would have to pick a flower, setup and wait ... and then you have about 1/2 seconds and it's gone and you may not even have a shot. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt ;-) .
Maybe a mono-pod could be handier ?
;) I have a rail, that is not the problem. My problem is that I'm not that flexible for Macro outdoors, with an tripod. For a static setup, yes. Living insects, in my case, no.
I thought about the monopod idea as well. It could help stabalize the camera. I don't know practical it is, because you have to set the hight. Maybe worth a try.
I use a Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 monopod that can turn into a small tripod. I use it to lean the camera setup against my thigh/ground/stomach etc. Or I just use my left hand to grab the monopod to give extra stability.
I rarely use it as tripod but sometimes it has been helpful though.
The PIXI idea is good! Thank you. I have a mini tripod laying around. Will test that out.!
You're welcome :)
Good attempt............
Thank you Terry. Still trying.... ;)
Nice one! I like the contrast between the creepy fly an the nice yellow background and lavender flower.
Thank you Troy. Yes I like that contrast too. The purple flower is a thistle (Silybum marianum).
I thought that looked like a thistle. The sure look better in a macro shot than the ones always trying to take over my yard.
:) This thistle is considered as an invasive species in Northern America and other parts of the world... ;)