Special (Software) Techniques
Focus Stacking
This is a multi-shot technique which works by using only the in-focus portions of each of several shots with different focus points. Obviously it only works well on stationary subjects, but it is usable even when there is some movement. This technique also can occasionally be used to remove additional elements in a photo, such as, for instance, people passing through the field of view.
Software Available – Helicon Focus, Photoshop, Combine ZP, Zerene, Picolay, Tufuse Pro …
Macro “panoramas”
If you need a larger field of view than one shot will provide, it is possible to take multiple shots with overlap and merge them in the computer to yield a “macro panorama.” This is the principle in use in the gigamacro system. It works rather well, but it is cumbersome and expensive. This system also uses stacking to increase the ultimate depth of field in the final result.
Software includes Autopano Pro, Photoshop…
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
This is a multi-shot technique using widely differing exposures in order to permit depiction of both very bright and very dim areas in the area being photographed.
Software for this purpose includes Photoshop, Photomatix, etc…
Painting and multi-flash
These are lighting techniques which are used for photography in general, not just macro shooting. Painting is use of a mobile light which is moved about the subject as desired while the camera shutter is open. This allows for completely customized lighting, although it involves a lot of guesswork for at least the first few tries. Multi-flash is a technique which makes up for the relative weakness of the flash(es) in use by repeating the flash as often as needed to provide adequate lighting. (There are times when there is not enough light for precise focusing. If you are carrying a flashlight, you can use it to illuminate the subject and focus it precisely.)
This is a multi-shot technique which works by using only the in-focus portions of each of several shots with different focus points. Obviously it only works well on stationary subjects, but it is usable even when there is some movement. This technique also can occasionally be used to remove additional elements in a photo, such as, for instance, people passing through the field of view.
Software Available – Helicon Focus, Photoshop, Combine ZP, Zerene, Picolay, Tufuse Pro …
Macro “panoramas”
If you need a larger field of view than one shot will provide, it is possible to take multiple shots with overlap and merge them in the computer to yield a “macro panorama.” This is the principle in use in the gigamacro system. It works rather well, but it is cumbersome and expensive. This system also uses stacking to increase the ultimate depth of field in the final result.
Software includes Autopano Pro, Photoshop…
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
This is a multi-shot technique using widely differing exposures in order to permit depiction of both very bright and very dim areas in the area being photographed.
Software for this purpose includes Photoshop, Photomatix, etc…
Painting and multi-flash
These are lighting techniques which are used for photography in general, not just macro shooting. Painting is use of a mobile light which is moved about the subject as desired while the camera shutter is open. This allows for completely customized lighting, although it involves a lot of guesswork for at least the first few tries. Multi-flash is a technique which makes up for the relative weakness of the flash(es) in use by repeating the flash as often as needed to provide adequate lighting. (There are times when there is not enough light for precise focusing. If you are carrying a flashlight, you can use it to illuminate the subject and focus it precisely.)