First macro shots and stacks

bhogle

First off there are some fantastic posts on this forum. My expectations regarding the ease of macro photography were wayyyy off...you guys make it look really easy, but it is very challenging. keep up the good work!

I rented the Canon MP-E 65, a macro twinlight flash, and a novoflex focusing rail for a weekend to have some fun. below is a selection of some of the photos and I wanted to share 3 quick learning points:

1) For a novice like me, it was very hard to shoot at a magnification greater than 3x. I'll need to work on some breathing techniques.

2) The flash unit was amazing; it had endless possibilities. Playing around with it taught me that my "lighting skills" need improvement.

3) The stacking process was very easy, but for the best results on programs like Combine zm you need to know how the program works.

So here are some:

Dandelion ready to open - single shot, used a homemade flash diffuser from a milk jug (semi transparent plastic):



Tiny flower bud, focus stacked, used a tripod and the rail:



Tulip focus stacked:

dlplumer

Nice I am now dabbling as well. Haven't tried a rail nor flash yet. Just doing handheld and focus stacking with Zerene (very cool and simple).

Lord Vetinari

You did very well for first go with the lens - stacks all look good !
Brian v.

clicketf3

Very nice. I think this warrants purchase.

GOLDENORFE

very nice, last frame looks great

stack worked well

phil

bhogle

thanks for all the feedback!