Two Bugs

When making a focus stack, the idea is to take a series of pictures, each of which is focused at a different distance, or depth. I usually shoot insects handheld because they tend to move, and my strategy is to set the macro lens to its maximum magnification and then position the camera so that the bug is just out of focus. Then, using burst mode, I hold down the shutter button and move the camera forward. The camera takes pictures as long as I hold the button (maximum 8 per second).

If I move the camera too slowly, I get a lot of shots of the same thing. If I move it too quickly, I miss a slice, and part of the stacked image is out of focus. Like this:

This Asian lady beetle larva didn't move much, and I concentrated on moving the camera slowly so that I wouldn't miss a slice. It turned out well, except the chewing end.

Focus stack of 22 images

Bees are difficult for me to shoot handheld because they move a lot, and quickly. However, sleeping bees do not move! The missing gardener has a celosia patch, and we have seen carpenter bees sleeping among the flowers.

Instead of using burst mode and moving the camera, I took advantage of the bee's stillness and used a tripod and single shots. I used the viewfinder to focus so that the bee's face was almost in focus and took a picture. Then I turned the len's focus ring a small amount and took another picture. I repeated that, checking the viewfinder occasionally, until I'd captured the bee. I also used an extension tube for more magnification.

Focus stack of 16 images

The bee did move a little:

Unretouched stacked image

An antenna moved a bit, so there are shots with it in different positions, and a few of those ended up in the final stacked image. The focus-stacking software I've used lets one paint from a single image into the stacked image. I picked the image that showed the sharpest antenna and painted from that into the stacked image. Then I used a different image with no antennas showing to paint over the unwanted antennas.

I claim these uses of software to produce and improve an image do not contradict my lack of desire to use software to improve an image. I use focus-stacking software to overcome limitations in macro photography, at least in within my budget. I could use a smaller aperture for a larger depth of field, but that would require more light, and I don't want to carry around a flash and diffuser. Gimme my camera and natural light. I won't use software to remove a utility pole, but I will use it to remove artifacts of focus stacking.