Are You Getting Extra Detail in Your Images?
Intro by Chamira Young
When you're a macro photographer, bringing out the detail of an image can give it an additional artistic impact that really helps it stand out! That's why we're featuring the work of photographer Bob Coates today, who recently posted on Photofocus.com describing his process of extracting as much detail as possible from an image.
It's interesting stuff! He describes his gear, his process, and how his Platypod came into play. You can check out the excerpt below.
Also, be sure to read the full post in its entirety here.
Three ideas to get lots of extra detail in your images
By Bob Coates
There’s something about macro lenses and focus stacking. It makes for a memorable image because the level of detail is rendered beyond what the naked eye can see. It makes something as simple as geranium plant a fun exploration.
Macro lens
First up is a dedicated macro lens. Optics in a macro lens are built to fill the frame with your subject.
A true macro lens renders the subject at a magnification of 1:1 — that is life-size. That’s at a minimum. You’ll need to be close to the subject. Very close.
With my macro lens, I’ve found using a Platypod plate to be very handy. Mounted on top of a tripod makes this a snap. The machined plate allows for mounting the Platypod on the tripod, a head for the camera and goosenecks for the LED lights.
When you are working with focus stacking, being able to see exactly what the lighting will be using LED lights is very helpful.
As I fondly call it, my Macguyver tool, AKA the Platypod. Allows control of the camera as well a LED light support with goosenecks.
