IMAGE CREATIVES

Macro Photography & Focus Stacking

This is what happens inside a watch movement when a macro lens is pointed at it — every gear, jewel, and spring rendered in razor-sharp detail across the entire frame. That level of clarity doesn't come from a single exposure. It comes from a technique called focus stacking, and at July's Image Creatives meeting, you're going to learn exactly how it's done. What We're Covering Macro photography opens a world most viewers have never seen, but it comes with a fundamental physics problem: the closer you focus, the shallower your depth of field becomes — until even a single gear tooth falls out of focus. Kevin Boller of Insight Image Studio will walk through the complete solution, from lens choice to final export. Topics include: What defines macro photography and why depth of field collapses at close range Dedicated macro lenses vs. extension tubes vs. close-up filters — the real tradeoffs Camera settings for sharp captures at extreme magnification How focus stacking works and when to use it Manual vs. automated stack capture techniques Helicon Focus rendering methods (Method A, B, and C) — when to use each Photoshop stacking workflow for Adobe users Live tethered demo — full stack captured and processed in real time All Image Creatives members welcome. Come hungry — it's Mission BBQ.