All images featured in Floral Focus Stacks were photographed using a technique called “focus stacking.” The basic technique captures a sequence of images at slightly different focal distances. The photographer then merges the areas in focus into a single composite image.
While focus stacking methods vary, the following procedure was followed for this exhibit. A live plant subject is arranged in front of a black velvet cloth background. The camera is mounted on a tripod, as are two wireless flash units. The camera is tethered to a Samsung sGalaxy 8+ android phone that utilizes Helicon Remote, a software app that controls the operation of the camera settings, e.g., changing of focal lengths, determining the sequence and number of photographs to achieve maximum resolution.
The individual images are imported from the camera SD card to a PC notebook utilizing Helicon Focus software, then “stacked” to create a single image with high-resolution and exceptional depth of field.