HandHeld Focus Stacking in Macro Photography

[@StewartWoodArt]

If you liked this video check out my introduction to extreme macro photography: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5bUY2dnpc2nh8U

[@leonphotography1009]

Great work mate. Pls I would like to know if your lens is on Manuel or auto?

[@johngrillot5782]

One year after, u taught me something, you're slow, patient, u teach well, u have a funny accent. You're the boss !

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you so much.

[@johngrillot5782]

@@StewartWoodArt and you know what ? Yesterday I came back home, I noticed a dragonfly, I did exactly your method and I did my first ever 7 focus-stacked photo ever. Would've been impossible months ago. I owe you that. Thx boss 💙🤍❤️

[@StewartWoodArt]

That’s awesome, we’ll done.

[@JustAsPlanned1]

Thank you for this guide Stewart! Here in Ukraine macro photography really helps to keep my mood up amidst the war.

[@5RustyBin]

absolutely brand new to the world of macro and just starting messing around with it. I have a nikon z7 so there is no z series dedicated macro lens yet - so Im using extension tubes. Your video was very helpful

[@jackdeangelis6585]

The outtakes/bloopers are great, more folks should do this. Subscribed. Other opensource (free) software options are "align_image_stack" and enfuse. I use these for aligning and stacking (focus and exposure stacking) in Ubuntu Linux but I think they are available for other platforms.

[@corporalhenshaw]

Excellent video. Loads of information, well presented with no waste.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I hope you found this video useful, let me know if you want to see more handheld stacking in the field (I will have to buy a new camera)... Not a bad idea!

[@HandswithCam]

def would like to see more!

[@paulkalus41]

Hi Stewart, Thanks for another great video. I am currently doing a mentoring programme and I have chosen Macro for my main portfolio. I have found a lot of your videos a great help. Keep up the good work!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you.

[@lauraclarke7197]

Best video on the topic I've seen. Can't wait to get my 80D out there and try this! Thank you!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samsen3965]

Good 1 & heh heh 4:30 ! Yes let's historically Recap and Remove that lens cap first! Enjoyed and hope to see more from you.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Ha Ha Ha

[@fofolara]

Excellent video. It is the first I have seen where they explain how to correct defects.

[@richardbrenyah4357]

What I'm trying to understand is when you focus and moving in closer to the subject while shooting, you're enlarging the images as well so how can you stack different sizes of images together.

[@StewartWoodArt]

The software just does the work.

[@RustyYork91]

This is a truly excellent video. I went from having no effing clue how to even approach this to feeling like I've got a pretty good idea. Beautiful photos too!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@mauistevebear]

Wow, Stewart, you taught me something. I would have never thought to move slowly into the subject during a burst. I never do that!! My Fuji X-T3 easily does 11fps and my lens is stabilized so no problem there... now gotta go out to try this technique! To think...a handheld stack, wow!! I seem to settle for that "ok" image, most don't even notice or care about the focus if the eyes are in (but, boy we sure do!!!) Thx! Keep the good suff coming!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks Steve, give it a go :)

[@Cid_Coletti]

Focus peaking helps SO much too!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes it does :)

[@tysonator5433]

A Great video Steward, I have focused stacked landscape, and macro images like flowers. Being a 7Dii owner with 10fps and a large buffer. This method of focus stacking insects will work a treat ! Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Tyson :)

[@enriquediaz8939]

Hello Stewart!! it’s great to see you again. Thank you very much for all these tips. Just today I took some photos in my garden and I was about to throw them because I did not know how to fix them, they are from beetles on a plant, I made burst shots to test how the images were and after seeing your magnificent video tonight I'm going to try to fix it with Photoshop just like you did. I have been doing Macro but at an indoor work table and today I decided to start outdoors after watching your Macro Adventures videos. You are a teacher for me in the macro technique and I am watching all your videos, I hope one day to achieve images as beautiful as the ones you do and that is why I see your videos several times. I am taking my pictures with a Canon M50, Oshiro macro 60mm F2.8 2: 1 lens, Canon 35-80mm lens modified for Macro and extension tubes. This is for the moment my equipment. Thank you for your educational videos and for giving us your knowledge in this interesting part of photography. With my best regards!!!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Enrique, you made my day with this comment :)

[@enriquediaz8939]

Thanks you Stewart!!!!

[@anitahorvatirl]

Tnx for all videos you make.. Love to watch them.. I learned a lot from you

[@creativepeaksphotographyvi4671]

After watching your video I went outside and tried your methods. The results I got were stunning! Thanks

[@naturemha]

Great video! Any video on Focus stacking with Flashes as mostly flash power or f/s is the barrier

[@StewartWoodArt]

I have a couple of videos that touch on the subject but not a focused video about it.

[@vimalneha]

It is a very good video! I got the idea of Continuous shoot. I will just use a stable tripod with a macro rail and see the result. Thanks for sharing.

[@harryvasutabu5523]

Very good! I have wanted to Thankyou because I have seen a bit of you’re content and it’s helped me greatly 👍👍

[@luishecheverym56]

Ussted es todo un maestro, esta a otro nivel y sabe usar muy bien sus jueguetes, FELICITACIONES

[@mikeabbott2455]

Brilliant Stewart. I love watching your videos. I would definitely like to see more on hand held macro. I find a tripod in the field far too cumbersome, especially for insects. They’ve usually flown or crawled away by the time you get it set up. I’m lucky to have focus stacking built into my camera (Panasonic) which does a fairly good job most of the time, but only produces an 8mp image. So i want to try your methods for higher res images.

[@barrycarter5504]

Thanks Stewart that was really helpful with the photoshop technique on moving antennas. Should be ready for the Summer!

[@StewartWoodArt]

I can't wait for summer :)

[@Kick_Rocks_]

Very helpful, especially for a person like me who shoots with the 80D and is looking to get my feet wet in macro photography

[@alexcruz9442]

As always great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. By the way I always get a laugh out of the fails/bloopers.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'm glad you liked it Alex :)

[@jessemartinez2606]

Whooop lovin that Miami shirt! Im burning up in Miami right now, ill definitely give this a watch when i get back to my hotel. Thanks for putting up great content!

[@StewartWoodArt]

I wish I was in Miami :)

[@jessemartinez2606]

Whooo its hot! And very humid right now!

[@angelabonner1785]

Great video. Have tried focus stacking indoors but never thought of trying outside!! Will give it a go, thanks for the idea!!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks for watching :)

[@debbiewnukoski4651]

Wow you made this so easy .Thank you for being real. Omg love the endings..

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@dianecotton9531]

Excellent video. Very informative. Thanks. I will give it a try. I've seen a few of your videos and I really appreciate the way you explain so much more than in other macro videos.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Diane, I do try to show everything :)

[@AnVoPhotography]

Thank you for showing your technique. I would never have thought this to be working, because as you move in closer the subject will become larger in the frame. Guess photoshop takes care of that issue as well.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Photoshop does a good job so far.

[@stephenstevenson1900]

Brilliant Stewart!! I have been waiting for this type of video for awhile now. Well done.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Stephen.

[@alanruizphotography]

Excellent video. I have a fuji xt30 but no image stabilised lens for macro. Would it still work with higher SS and perhaps bumping iso up?

[@minb1217]

Brilliant as always Stewart. I had never even considered trying to focus stack manually but can’t wait to try it out now!

[@MrKretovsky]

I just love all those bloopers!

[@BURTBROWN]

EXCELLENT!!!!!! Stewart, just stumbled upon this how to and it fits with my shoot of yesterday, but of flowers - which tend to move in the breeze. I've never really tried focus stacking, because I'M DUMB!!! Why didn't I think of just moving forward in manual like you do!!!!???? LOL!!! Many thanks for these tips, I've subscribed!!!!!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for the support Burt :)

[@dougedwards7570]

great stuff -- looking forward to the macro video - driving me crazy lol

[@GrymmsPlace]

Excellent and extraordinary, inspirational video and thank you for posting

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@sorwrang]

Very educational video! I have one question, though. Why do you move towards the subject while shooting your burst, rather than turning the focus ring? Moving towards the subject changes the perspective to some degree, which on the other hand, adjusting the focus manually doesn't.

[@StewartWoodArt]

That's just the way I used to do it.

[@sorwrang]

@@StewartWoodArt And it seems to work very well - maybe the shift in perspective is so minimal

[@thierryysebaert]

COOL explenation ! But for stacking I use affinity , far better than CS 6 ........... and no need for extra (dedicated) programmes as Zerene or the expensive Helicon Focus !

[@ipadize]

you can also hold your hand in front of the lens and take a picture (so its dark). This was you know where one stack ends/starts

[@StewartWoodArt]

I do that as well.

[@deancorbett3939]

Great video and love the outtakes

[@wahabdilawar]

That's an excellent tutorial. I do wish you had shown the actual movement of going "in and/or out) while shooting. I do have an idea, which you can try if you deem it worthy of your time. That will require a focus rail on a tripod. You can manually move the camera on focus rails forward/backward, while keeping the shutter release pressed for continuous high speed shooting. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I find focus rails slow me down too much, I'm not a fan of them.

[@fenraven]

I have a Sony mirrorless that takes 11fps. I never thought of getting a stack the way you demonstrated. Clever!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Give it a go!

[@fenraven]

@@StewartWoodArt I intend to. I'm expecting a new macro lens any minute, and I can't wait to try it out. It's manual focus, and I expect to be challenged, but I love learning new things.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Let me know how you get on :)

[@DavidForgang]

I use Sony a6000 with a 150 macro manual focus and hand stack like this all the time. Sony makes it so easy to do this. Flash helps with dealing with outdoor subjects.

[@fenraven]

@@StewartWoodArt The lens arrived, I put it on the camera, and went right out to the backyard. Your little trick is good in another way: I might get ONE good shot when the wind is blowing the subject around like crazy. Heh. A storm is moving in. But what fun! I know two things already: this lens requires a learning curve, and I'm going to have a lot of fun.

[@BergflitzerFoto]

Prima das du auch die Fehlversuche zeigst 😂 einfach Klasse 👍👍👍👍👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, it's the reality of macro photography.

[@sarajitsil]

Hi Stewart, Thanks a ton for creating this fantastic video on focus stacking. I am glad that you listen to your viewers and keep up to our requests. I cannot just wait to experiment this technique. Thank you once again for sharing this awesome approach to macro photography! Cheers! Sarajit, India

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, I do try to do as many topics as possible that people ask for.

[@joshmeszaros9945]

Brilliant love your tutorials keep them coming.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Josh.

[@viniciusghostty]

I followed your steps do make a stacked image, however when i click to stack it combines all the layers in a single one. how did you manage to keep de separated layers and the result of stacking process to be shown in another layer?

[@jacktaylor6190]

Well done Stewart very informative!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@peterhardy9117]

HI Stewart have you tried the focus bracketing with the 5D IV it works with firmware 4.1 it is also a new feature with mirrorless, if you have i'll be keen to hear your results V manual stacking regards peter

[@StewartWoodArt]

I tried it with the R5, seems to work ok but I had limited time with it.

[@photoguybrian]

Great info Stewart. My 7D shoots 10 fps. Can't wait to give it a go with my new 100 f/2.8 Macro! Love that lens!

[@StewartWoodArt]

You won't regret it.

[@richardlewis9868]

great vid Stewart, really enjoyed it, I do a little stacking so more videos would be great

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@erkanyurt2049]

Thank you so much friend.

[@dfddm2006]

So much good info, thank you for the tutorial. You are a great teacher

[@andredavy1806]

Love how you you broke things down I appreciate it, always wonder how you stack images this was goood!! thanks.

[@erichpoole1396]

hi Stewart, another really useful video. I tried to take some butterfly pictures the other evening on Butser Hill but it was pretty much a disaster. After watching your video and seeing how you use the multi-image burst to get lots of images i could of kicked myself, it never even crossed my mind to try that method. I will have to try again some other time and try the stacking method with them. Thanks again, regards Erich

[@StewartWoodArt]

Glad you liked it Erich, just think to yourself that you are shooting a kids sports day ;)

[@bdssoaz]

Hi Stewart, nice video and thanks for the awesome tips!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks :)

[@elenipaliginis2350]

Excellent video. The post production is v useful. I have a canon 90d with focus bracketing. Any comments about it? What are the presets you are using at the end very useful

[@c.augustin]

Great video! Moving the camera instead of using any kind of focusing aid (like in Olympus or Panasonic MFT cameras) sounds interesting. I'll try it!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Let me know how you get on.

[@darrenrowley5646]

Just purchased a Sigma 100 Macro 2.4 to go on my 80D cant wait to use it and this was really useful thankyou. Do you use extension tubes with your macro lens? and is it worth buying a set?

[@bwexperiences]

Great, first time learning about this, I’m going to try it out 👍🏼

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome :)

[@gilleswalther5964]

Very well explained, thank you

[@ReynanteMartinez]

Superb tips, Stewart! I'm more impressed by the amount of work it takes for you to create these photos and videos though. I laugh so hard everytime I watch the bloopers part. Love the swearing too. ;)

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, the videos do take some effort to produce but it's all good fun in the end.

[@nikkobaladad6807]

Excellent tutorial! Is there a way we can get your presets?

[@dagr8ape]

Great video despite the bloopers. Will bee following.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@bobbowring1702]

Super video I shall be giving this a try thank you

[@StewartWoodArt]

Go for it Bob, let me know how you get on.

[@bobbowring1702]

@@StewartWoodArt will do mate

[@bobbowring1702]

Hi Stewart Wood, do you use spot metering for your focus stacking as I was going to have a go at the weekend sorry to keep asking questions I am a disabled photographer Just wanting to try macro and FSing many thanks Bob

[@gohbender]

Is there a reason why you physically move the camera closer rather than use the focus ring to move in? Is it just preference or is there a practical reason?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Mostly just preference.

[@SachithWithana]

The video i’ve been waiting for. Thanks mate!

[@rener8546]

Hi Stewart, I was wondering if you could share your presets? Greetings, Rene

[@StewartWoodArt]

They are available from my website.

[@bailz8674]

Been watching this again, great help. I have a Canon EOS M5 and can get some decent close-ups with it and a Raynox/Sigma combination. Could you let me know how i could perhaps use a flash in stacking, for that 'image freeze'? The problem is that flashes have to recycle i presume. So i cannot do the burst with a Speedlite on...580 EXII i got cheap as the diffuser was broken.

[@metasamsara]

Awesome tutorial, thanks!

[@lukeang5615]

I can't use continuous shooting because my flash has a cooldown and I can't shoot without it as I mainly go out at night in the jungle. Does it still work when the photos are taken 3-4s apart?

[@StewartWoodArt]

So long as the subject don't move you can, yes.

[@MarKuzvicky]

Thank you. Learnt a lot in this video.

[@dougsmit1]

I suppose there is a good reason why you use Canon but don't list the free DPP4 software or even a mirrorless camera. Perhaps the 2019 video was made before these were available?

[@paulm8157]

👍Ingenious technique well explained from shot to edit, Stewart! Will be certain to try it. Video on macro level sounds challenging. Here’s an idea: how about macro panoramas? Searched for tuts but came up w/only one (silent) vid. E.G., multiple critters on a twig that would encompass a wider field of macro view than you would normally have?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'll take a look at macro panoramas, sounds interesting. Thank you for watching.

[@ralfkraft5415]

Very good tutorial ... Just a short question: Wouldn't it be better to twist the manual focus ring on the objective instead of moving the camrea towards the object? I would expect that this gives better resukts - but I didn't try this until now :)

[@StewartWoodArt]

It all depends on the lens, the lens I was using has a very short throw on the focus ring so moving the camera is better.

[@ahmedhindawi2972]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@annecalladine2870]

I’m gonna try a new technique thanks to you 👍

[@joselopez6324]

Well done!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@youtzz]

Thank you for the vid

[@dt..retired8462]

I’m a total stacking novice! What I don’t understand is, if you move the camera forward during the burst, surely you’re altering the focus as you go. Presumably you place your focus point at the bottom or top of your subject and as you move forward, you move your camera up or down until you’ve covered the whole subject. But how do you keep everything in focus. Sorry if this is a naive question...as I said, I’m a complete novice and just don’t understand the actual mechanics of things.

[@kvora1777]

Hello Stewart, Great bJob. I learned a lot. You mentioned your presets in the video. Are they available to us?

[@StewartWoodArt]

No, but may make them available if enough people ask for them.

[@vivsoft]

@Stewart, I am struggling with the macro flash thing. I have a manual lense. If I use the built-in camera flash on my FujiFilm camera, I set the lens to f11 and auto iso and auto speed, I can see the subject in the viewfinder and the photo comes out at 1/60. It's ok. If I use a flash on the shoe, f11 is too dark. I cannot see the subject. How can I see the subject better?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Increase the power to your flash.

[@vivsoft]

@@StewartWoodArt thanks Stewart, but I cannot see the subject in the viewfinder so I cannot focus to take the pic. With the built-in flash I can see the subject in the viewfinder but with the shoe one I cannot see it before I take a picture.

[@StewartWoodArt]

That's a strange one, without seeing the camera I can't help you.

[@vivsoft]

@@StewartWoodArt thank you Stewart.

[@vivsoft]

@@StewartWoodArt Found the answer ... Preview Exposure Simulation.. mind blown ... Thank you.

[@GTGeorgeW]

Have you thought of getting a go-pro or equivalent to put on your flash shoe? that way you could show the actual way you are doing the technique :), Great Video.

[@Hussainzidane]

Thanks, great video

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you.

[@chintu8475]

Really good technique . But i have a little query about your lens which one you used for macro photography ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I use the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens for most of my work, I'm currently testing/reviewing the Irix 150mm f/2.8 macro lens.

[@MyMultiforce]

Been waiting for this good job

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@johnm0eou]

great video actually learned something new thank you

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching :)

[@UberMegustador]

can you photo stack by having the camera on a tripod and using the focus ring? for static compositions

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes you can and it works well, it all depends on the subject and if you have time to setup the tripod.

[@FlightmikeVideos]

Awesome

[@guyprolly]

Very good information.

[@kristianarntsen7049]

Would it work too manual focus, while burst shooting? Then it would maby be less crop. Great totorial👍🏻

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes, it works in manual focus.

[@thatericguy1]

awesome video and a concept I wouldn't have considered... you have a new subscriber. :)

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@alfredocolon6622]

Thanks for the video. Good job !

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@littlegreenbouy]

MyKee.G Stewart Wood Hi Stewart, I like what I've just seen in your video, I own a EOS 5d MIV, Are you saying that this technique does not work well with a full frame camera, and that good results can only be acheived on a cropped sensor ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

No, the sensor size does not matter, its the FPS of your continues shooting mode on the camera that matters. The more frames per second the more images you can get thus the more chance to get a good stack as the insect has less time to move.

[@littlegreenbouy]

Stewart Wood. Thanks for the speedy reply, can't wait to try this out. Best wishes.

[@lynniegoll7445]

This was the best explanation of photo stacking that I have found. Thank you! Have you upgraded to the 90D yet?

[@70dega31]

Well done Stewart. I always struggeling to stack handheld images. Now I think I got my mistake... As I see in the video, you go fairly high with the ISO. How do you denoise it?

[@StewartWoodArt]

If I have to I can denoise in Lightroom.

[@70dega31]

@@StewartWoodArt thank you very much.

[@alexsalcedo9478]

Thank you!!!! You cleared so much. Regards :)

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Great vid buddy 😎👌🤙

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)