Gerbera threesome

[carregwen]

But seriously now, how many images do you generally have to take to stack a final like this?

Kit

On average I'd say it was six shots. I think if you used one of those calibrated rigs that you can buy to fit on your tripod you would probably take more. But doing it by hand/eye it can get difficult to make an adjustment and see the difference, even though my eyesight is pretty good. One thing I have noticed is that with liveview on the Canon 50D you can get much better manual focus, but it doesn't work with flash.

[carregwen]

That is very good. You need to make sure you use the best flowers you can get - try and avoid defects. It costs a bit but can call a local florist and ask them to pick out some choice blooms for you (one of each of different flowers). Tell them why you want them, and that you want them with as few defects as possible.

It has stacked well. How many shots did you use? Yes, studio flash light will make things easier, and you will get slightly better results - when is your birthday?

It's easy to do, isn't it?

I've followed these instructions and after a few attempts I think I've got something passable.
Raylee




I understand why you use artificial lighting, Rob. Even though, I was using a light tent and no direct natural light, cloud cover caused minor variations in some of the exposures. I used f8, tripod, remote shutter release and 60mm macro lens.

Thanks for the instructions!

[Camellia]

That is very good. You need to make sure you use the best flowers you can get - try and avoid defects. It costs a bit but can call a local florist and ask them to pick out some choice blooms for you (one of each of different flowers). Tell them why you want them, and that you want them with as few defects as possible.

It has stacked well. How many shots did you use? Yes, studio flash light will make things easier, and you will get slightly better results - when is your birthday?

It's easy to do, isn't it?

That was 6 shots. I had a couple of disasters where I hadn't focussed on certain parts of the flower and it showed up. I had one real disaster where things just didn't line up at all. That created a ghostly effect which might be worth pursuing for creative purposes. But at least I know how to do it now. I'll keep practising.

The studio lights are on my shopping list, don't worry.

Thanks again for the lesson.

[Antonio Correia]

Thank you Rob for posting such nice images and all the work to explain everything.
I like best number 3.

... I had one real disaster where things just didn't line up at all. That created a ghostly effect which might be worth pursuing for creative purposes...

Here is something to explore Raylee
-

Helpfull tread

[Klickit]

Kit

On average I'd say it was six shots. I think if you used one of those calibrated rigs that you can buy to fit on your tripod you would probably take more. But doing it by hand/eye it can get difficult to make an adjustment and see the difference, even though my eyesight is pretty good. One thing I have noticed is that with liveview on the Canon 50D you can get much better manual focus, but it doesn't work with flash.

Thanks, Rob. I can see I'll have to start dropping hints in the Engineer's ear for my next birthday.
I have really crap eyesight, and although new glasses have helped with manual focus using the D80, it is still pretty much hit and miss.