Starting to play with a macro lens is clueing me in to a new level of observation of details! At a distance, this was one of the more boring of several fallen leaves I’d gathered during a recent walk. But with the right light (glancing but soft side light from a nearby bank of windows and a cloudy sky) and magnification, it became my favorite of the bunch.
Shot with a Nikon D850 and Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro lens, ISO 64 4.0 seconds @ f/6.3, focus stacked to retain sharpness throughout (the D850 makes this fairly easy - I used “step width” of 3 in the automated “focus shift” feature of the camera) using Helicon stacking software.
James, this is really nice. The lighting and the details of this ordinary leaf is excellent, in my opinion. Yes, macro is like another whole different world. I love shooting it and seeing the details on the monitor. Things I could not see show up. I hope that you continue playing around in macro photography, and enjoy it as much as I have. I have not even experimented with focus stacking, so you are one up on me. Great image.
James: Wonderful color and texture in this common subject that you’ve converted into an uncommon image. I got started in macro many years ago with a Minolta 100mm lens that remains the sharpest in my collection although I do 95% of my macro shooting with a 200mm lens now. Macro is a whole other genre that lets you find subjects right under your nose. Good vision and a fine result. >=))>
Jim, this is a great view of the detailed structure in this leaf. The colors are warmly inviting and there’s a dearth of flaws (which is hard to find in a late summer/fall leaf).
Great work on stacking. Lovely color and texture with fine details. Like the composition as well. I have been experimenting with focus stacking with manual focus shifting, but it is hit or miss with manual stacking. You have done well in your early attempts.
