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Scorpion

Mirror Image

Teddy Bear Bumble Bee reflection, a 52 image stack.

Teddy Bear Bumble Bee reflection, a 52 image stack.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 200 Shutter 1/30 Focal Length 100/1

upload_date

Apr, 2020

Views

470

Likes

Awards

Curator's Selection

Top Shot Award 22

Moderator Award

Peer Award

Absolute Masterpiece

Outstanding Creativity

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Emotions

Impressed

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

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Top 30 rank

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Behind The Lens

Location

My photography passion is extreme Macro and this was shot in my studio setup in my garage in Australia

Time

As this image was shot in a studio environment timing is not really relevant, however the time to take the image and edit is when talking about extreme Macro. Setting up this image took around 30 minutes and is the product of Stacking. In Stacking a series of images taken at incremental focal points then processed to achieve the depth of field (DOF). In total photographing this series of 200 images took 1 hour followed by 10 hours of processing and editing.

Lighting

For my macro photography I use 2 LED panel lights plis an overhead LED light to provide even lighting.

Equipment

This image was taken using a Canon 5DMarkIV and an MP-E65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro lens, settings were 1/30sec, f/5.6, ISO 200. To ensure consistent changes in focal points the camera was setup on a WeMacro focus rail on a WeMacro Horizontal stand.

Inspiration

My aim is to show people the intricacies of the insects around us, and the beauty in what are often thought to be ugly pests.By producing images at 1-5 times magnification people can zoom in to see the finest detail which is invisible to the naked eye.

Editing

With Extreme Macro one takes multiple images which then need to be combined in a Stacked image, my preference is Helicon Focus. Once the images have been stacked I then run them through Adobe LR Classic to adjust levels then Topaz AI DeNoise & Sharpen. Finally the images are run through Adobe PS to clean up any dust or dirt and to tidy up any artefacts that may have been created during prior processing.

In my camera bag

Depending on what I plan to shoot and where this varies. Obviously for studio work my full range is available comprising Canon 5DmkIV, Canon 6D, 100mm Macro lens and the MP-E65mm plus a range of lighting options. If shooting out in the field locally I will use either the 5D or 6D with a combination of the above lenses and include a 24-105mm or a 70-300mm. If I am shooting further a field where weight could be an issue I prefer my LUMIX G9 with a combination of an Olympus 60mm Macro, Lumix 100-400mm and a LUMIX 12-60mm

Feedback

Macro photography is very addictive so be prepared to be constantly on the hunt for better ways and equipment to capture the perfect shot. Just understand that you don't need expensive gear to start off with. Watch YouTube videos on the subject to help guide you and enjoy.

See more amazing photos, follow Scorpion

Scorpion

Scorpion

Mirror Image

Teddy Bear Bumble Bee reflection, a 52 image stack.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Scorpion

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