More nymphs

By Paul Cecil | Published November 30, 2008

I've finally got round to adding some more shots to my damselfly nymphs album (on my main site). The trigger was this shot I took this evening. One of the nymphs was near the surface of the water, perfectly positioned for me to get a solid resting point for the camera. I took two frames, focusing first on its head and then its tail. Both shots were partially out of focus. I then ran them through CombineZ5, which 'stacks' the images automatically bringing the in-focus elements to the fore. Clever bit of software, and very easy to use. I've mentioned it on here in the past, but I really should use it more for these types of image.
Damselfly nymph, image stack
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: both frames taken with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro and Canon 430EX flash unit. I half extended the diffuser to force the light downward. Exposure was set manually at 1/100s and f/10 with ISO at 200. The flash was also on manual mode at 1/2 or 1/4 power. Focusing was also manual.

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12 Comments

  1. sprogger November 30, 2008 at 1:11 am #

    Nice work, and this Image stack sounds cool

  2. Vulpes vulpes November 30, 2008 at 1:11 am #

    Clever software! (it still looks alienesque mind!);)

  3. CedarFox November 30, 2008 at 4:11 am #

    Neat program, I'll have to try it when I get a proper macro lens.

  4. Words November 30, 2008 at 8:11 am #

    Vulpes, but such a charming alien. Even weirder as they emerge. I can see myself parked by the pond in the summer watching and waiting for that to happen.

  5. Words November 30, 2008 at 8:11 am #

    Eric, adding a macro lens was probably the most useful (and used) addition I've made to my set up. It opens up so many new opportunities and is about the one technique you can use irrespective of natural lighting conditions.

  6. Words November 30, 2008 at 8:11 am #

    Sprogger, it's a neat trick and easy to do. I explain a bit more about the technique in this post.

  7. SittingFox November 30, 2008 at 9:11 am #

    The stacking has worked very well. I agree with the alien comment though :alien:

  8. Words November 30, 2008 at 6:11 pm #

    Adele, thanks. I really should practise with a planned set-up at some point, but it is useful for the nymphs which are next to impossible to hold fully in focus.

  9. chthoniid December 1, 2008 at 9:12 pm #

    Very good- that's a clever use of the stacking software and a nice image to boot!

  10. Words December 1, 2008 at 11:12 pm #

    Thanks Brendan!

  11. cakkleberrylane December 3, 2008 at 2:12 pm #

    Very well done. I keep meaning to try this with insect photos.

  12. Words December 3, 2008 at 9:12 pm #

    Thanks Lois. I nearly always forget until too late.