Every one of your videos I watch seem to be a masterclass in Macro Photography! Those Dam Zel Flies can be pretty elusive! Keep up the amazing content.
Hi Alexis, I really love your content; amazing images! Could you explain, or maybe make a video about, how you process your focus stacks? Which software(s) do you use? Thanks!
Thanks! I will definitely work on a post processing video soon, as it seems like a very requested subject.. I use Zerene Stacker for processing stacks.
Sorry you missed the damselflies. I am no expert, but in my recent outings, i have noticed they are more sun seeking. If the clouds pass in front of the sun, they disappear. I love your work. Thank you for sharing!! ☮️💟
Hi, another brilliant informative video thank you. I see you have a macro lens attachment attached to your diffuser, how have you secured it to the diffuser housing please? Thanks again.
Nice photographs 👍🙏 There is a place near me, where there are a lot of blue dragonflies. Tomorrow morning I will try to photograph them perhaps with a dewdrop.
Hi, great video as always! Watching your videos.. I don't think it could be done any better. It's amazing. When focus stacking an insect do you calculate the number of frames and steps in your camera settings every time? And how the hack is focus stacking possible whith the Laowa Macro lens? It's manuel only. I don't get it 🤔
I just discovered your channel and love your videos. Well explained and great to watch. I just wanted to ask, with your stacked images on burst, at this point are you slowly adjusting your camera to different focus points manually? Thanks! 😊
@@naturefold Congrats on the excellent English pronunciation then instead xD There's probably a story there, but I only just discovered your wonderful videos, so I'm not sure if you ever talked about that or not. In my experience it's definitely rare though, as is your talent. 😊
Excellent shots. I haven't had much joy with stacking, so I'm wondering if you have time to answer a few questions: 1) How do you manage to get large stacks with the SB-900 without dark frames and/or inconsistent exposures? (I use the same flash with Nikon Z50 and can't get more than three or four shots - even at only three frames per second - before the flash power becomes unreliable. Even worse with a Godox TT350 and V350). I'm guessing it may have something to do with your choice of ISO and aperture settings. 2) How do you process the stacks? In- camera, Photoshop or dedicated software like Zerene? 3) How much manual touch-up work is required after the initial automated stack? 4) Why do you use relatively large stacks for small subjects like the weevil? In any case, whatever your techniques, the results are very impressive! 🙂
Absolutely stunning. I could watch these videos for ages- thank you! Would you ever do a peek behind the curtain to show how you actually create the final images? Cheers and atb from Norway
Hi Alexis, really been enjoying your videos and I had a question regarding continuous flash settings. The stacks in this video are mostly 40~50 shots. What flash power and at what FPS are you shooting? I've just picked up a used Godox V860 III. I've seen 1/16th power recommended quite a few times, though that only gets me 11 to 17 shots at either 10 or 7fps before it misses frames. Shooting down at 1/32 +0.5 power and I've been able to get over 200+ shots without the flash missing at 10fps. I was curious as to what power and FPS you use and do you just create the stack slower that you've got enough overlapping shots if the flash doesn't recycle quick enough for every shot? Cheers, keep up the great content!
I would love to do my videos in 4k and my camera is capable of it, sadly my laptop isn't powerful enough to edit 4k footage though so I have to wait until I can get a better laptop or pc
imagine just chilling on a flower being still tired from night+wet from morning due and some random dude walks over to wake you up with 20 flashbangs 🤣💥💥💥💥⚡⚡⚡✨📸
Must be quite a shock 🤣🤣 Though luckily most insects aren't disturbed much by flash.. I have a mini headlamp strapped to my flash as a focusing light, but some flashes like the godox v860iii have built in led focusing lights too
Great video, very informative.I use a Fujifilm xt4 and I'm curious to know how to do handheld focus stack with flash where each image taken in the stack is lit with flash. I tried using burst mode and flash in manual mode at 1/128 but even with the lowest power it didn't recycle fast enough. I tried multi on the flash but not all frames were lit. Please help as i see you are using Fujifilm as well and I see your flash fires multiple times in your handheld stack...can you elaborate on the flash & camera settings you use to have the flash fire multiple times with each frame being lit. Thanks in advance.
It takes some practice but if you're able to keep steady enough it's not too difficult. Using a flash helps a lot too as it freezes any small movements like camera shake.
Impressive images and fine vid - music a plus. Others might be tempted to spray mist their own droplets, but the real thing is so much better - kudos for that. Good theme about finding subjects despite changing plans. Do you ever capture specimens for indoor shoots?
The flower reflection shot is insane! I also love how knowledgeable you are, how did you get this far, did you study anything in regards to ecology or animal studies?
I shoot photos for stacking manually and change focus by moving the camera forward slowly while shooting a burst. I've shown the technique a bit in previous videos but I'm planning on doing a dedicated one going more in depth.
Hi, when you do continously shooting, do you move the focus point by turning the focus lens or by moving you carmera? Thanks. I assumed that you have fix manual focus
Great video! I really enjoy the content… I’m just getting into photography especially macro so I’m looking for as much advice as possible. My kit includes a Nikon Z fc with a Nikkor 105mm macro lens plus a Godox TT350 flash. I’ve bought an AK diffuser and Raynox DC-250 which are yet to be delivered, so ‘all the gear, no idea’ LOL. I’ve had some success thus far but want to practice focus stacking hand held. I see you video the flash burst, is this continuous shooting holding down the shutter or something I can set within the camera / flash to strobe the flash? Any help would be much appreciated. All the best from the UK
Sounds like a good setup! I shoot in burst mode and move the camera to focus, the main thing to pay attention to is that you use a flash power low enough that the flash can recycle continuously at whatever burst rate you use.
@@naturefold many thanks for your reply. So you shoot in burst and move the camera gently forwards to stack? I’ve seen another method where a photographer is in manual focus, shoots in burst mode and slowly turns the lens. I guess stability is extremely important either way. Practice makes perfect 👌
When you are stacking it looks like your camera is pretty still, are you moving forward and backward slowly to get the stack or if not how do you do the stack with the camera completely still?
Keeping the camera and subject stable in relation to one another is the most important thing, whether it's by resting the camera on the ground or holding the subject in your left hand and bracing the camera with one finger..
Hallo Alexis, man sieht gar nicht das du beim Focus Bracketing die Kamera nach vorne schiebst. Oder ist die Bewegung so klein das man sie nicht wahrnimmt?
Im not against using focus stacking but de majority of people dont have this equipment for macro cuz its expensive. Maybe showing how to make macro with a simple camera and a simple macro lens could be more interesting. The majority of people that wants to start in macrophotography doesnt have this equipment or the level to use it.
Expensive gear absolutely isn't required for my way of shooting, I focus stack manually which is possible with basically any camera and macro lens setup. The main difference is the fast burst shooting and higher resolution sensor, what's much more important is a flash and a good diffuser. But I'd definitely like to do a video using really cheap gear as well, just to show it more clearly.
The sleeping bee shots are amazing
Another incredible video Alexis, simply stunning macros. Keep up the great work, thanks for sharing with us. Cheers, Robert.
Every one of your videos I watch seem to be a masterclass in Macro Photography! Those Dam Zel Flies can be pretty elusive! Keep up the amazing content.
I am new to your channel and I have to tell you that you are an extremely talented young artist. Your images are amazing!!
Cold misty mornings are my favourite time for photos.
The insects are calm or covered in dew. You get great shots.
Thanks for the video. Take care.
I love your macro photography ,,thank you for your time you spend on the this video
Absolutely stunning!
Inspiring, educational and beyond impressive. Quickly became my favorite channel.
Wonderful photographs. I particularly liked the image with the refracted flower captured in the raindrops. Inspired.
❤❤
Super fantastic!
Very nice shots 📸
I like your Videos and learn new thinks
Hi Alexis,
I really love your content; amazing images!
Could you explain, or maybe make a video about, how you process your focus stacks? Which software(s) do you use? Thanks!
Thanks! I will definitely work on a post processing video soon, as it seems like a very requested subject.. I use Zerene Stacker for processing stacks.
Really great shots and great video! How do you do automatic focus bracketing with a manual focus lens? Thanks!
Lovely video and nice pictures!
I think creating and experiencing this landscape and adventure must be more entertaining than watching a UA-cam video
Sorry you missed the damselflies. I am no expert, but in my recent outings, i have noticed they are more sun seeking. If the clouds pass in front of the sun, they disappear. I love your work. Thank you for sharing!! ☮️💟
Your videos are simly great. A joy to view. Inspiring as well as informativ! Thank you very much for your work. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany
WOW 👏👏 amazing shots. I'm just sitting and observing the beauty of your work and nature.
The bee…….OMG 😮 🤙👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Another great video and fabulous shots.
Wonderful! Educational! Inspiring! Also relaxing and fun to watch. Keep up this great work, I always look forward to new videos.
Please show your photos a few seconds longer. They are so awesome, and I love to really absorb them. They are worth showing! Don't be ashamed 😉
Beautiful video! Keep it up! Seeing your passion about Photography and and nature/insects makes your videos really special!
raining here today - inspired now to take a walk!
Hi, another brilliant informative video thank you. I see you have a macro lens attachment attached to your diffuser, how have you secured it to the diffuser housing please? Thanks again.
beautiful, how do you manage to do focus stacking with a manual lens?
Amazing images, your results are always so inspirational, thank you.,
Lovely images brother....what is the gears you used?
Nice photographs 👍🙏
There is a place near me, where there are a lot of blue dragonflies. Tomorrow morning I will try to photograph them perhaps with a dewdrop.
You are doing amazing! Keep up the good work ❤🙌🏽
7:04 Bro what a shot!!
hell yeah
Your photos are stunning - an inspiration - I am going out to see if I can do anything like as well 🙂!!
Amazing shots (with the bee from the side being my favourite) as per your usual. Keep up the good work.
your work is incredible!
Incredible images. Inspirational
Sumamente interesante. Que gran paciencia y dedicacion
Amazing shots! I recently got into photography and I've discovered just how fun macro photography is! Keep up the great work
Amazing photos as always. Your videos always inspire me to go out and try to improve my macro photography. Thank you for posting
Nice shots.
Thank you for your videos.
Is it possible to take similar photos with same setup but on low fps camera (for example 5 fps ) ?
Amazing bee shots. Great video
Very nice. The sleeping bee made my day. Thanks.
Hi, great video as always! Watching your videos.. I don't think it could be done any better. It's amazing.
When focus stacking an insect do you calculate the number of frames and steps in your camera settings every time?
And how the hack is focus stacking possible whith the Laowa Macro lens? It's manuel only. I don't get it 🤔
Some very nice photos
2 questions: what lens do you use, and will you ever make a video on your processing and stacking methods?
+1 for stacking processus
Как всегда очень круто! ждем видео с техническими пояснениями таких съемок
This has been a nice walk, thank you.
These are great videos. ❤
Well done! Explain the shooting method, and why the flash fires so many times, and what lens is used? Thank you.
I just discovered your channel and love your videos. Well explained and great to watch. I just wanted to ask, with your stacked images on burst, at this point are you slowly adjusting your camera to different focus points manually? Thanks! 😊
Amazing as always!!!
Well done for the German pronunciation. It is spot on.
He's in Germany ...
I've lived my whole life here in Germany so that helps yeah :)
@@naturefold Congrats on the excellent English pronunciation then instead xD
There's probably a story there, but I only just discovered your wonderful videos, so I'm not sure if you ever talked about that or not. In my experience it's definitely rare though, as is your talent. 😊
Loved all your work amazing
Excellent video as usual
amazing shots
Excellent shots. I haven't had much joy with stacking, so I'm wondering if you have time to answer a few questions:
1) How do you manage to get large stacks with the SB-900 without dark frames and/or inconsistent exposures? (I use the same flash with Nikon Z50 and can't get more than three or four shots - even at only three frames per second - before the flash power becomes unreliable. Even worse with a Godox TT350 and V350). I'm guessing it may have something to do with your choice of ISO and aperture settings.
2) How do you process the stacks? In- camera, Photoshop or dedicated software like Zerene?
3) How much manual touch-up work is required after the initial automated stack?
4) Why do you use relatively large stacks for small subjects like the weevil?
In any case, whatever your techniques, the results are very impressive! 🙂
Sehr schönes Video
Knocked it out of the park again. NatGeo give this man a contract ^^
Absolutely stunning. I could watch these videos for ages- thank you! Would you ever do a peek behind the curtain to show how you actually create the final images? Cheers and atb from Norway
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy them! I'm planning on doing a video on my editing workflow at some point soon for sure
Amazing
You are acing it mate. I always look forward to your videos and they are all very very pleasing to see. Hope you get the Dam(n)selfly soon :)
Just come across your Chanel and I must say your shots are outstanding you just got another subscriber
Hi Alexis, really been enjoying your videos and I had a question regarding continuous flash settings. The stacks in this video are mostly 40~50 shots. What flash power and at what FPS are you shooting? I've just picked up a used Godox V860 III. I've seen 1/16th power recommended quite a few times, though that only gets me 11 to 17 shots at either 10 or 7fps before it misses frames. Shooting down at 1/32 +0.5 power and I've been able to get over 200+ shots without the flash missing at 10fps. I was curious as to what power and FPS you use and do you just create the stack slower that you've got enough overlapping shots if the flash doesn't recycle quick enough for every shot? Cheers, keep up the great content!
Your channel needs to be in 4K for this wonderful output ... Not everybody views on a phone!
I would love to do my videos in 4k and my camera is capable of it, sadly my laptop isn't powerful enough to edit 4k footage though so I have to wait until I can get a better laptop or pc
👏🏻
imagine just chilling on a flower being still tired from night+wet from morning due and some random dude walks over to wake you up with 20 flashbangs 🤣💥💥💥💥⚡⚡⚡✨📸
super nice work! love how the flash have a build in LED to focus? or how does it work?
🤣🤣🤣
Must be quite a shock 🤣🤣 Though luckily most insects aren't disturbed much by flash.. I have a mini headlamp strapped to my flash as a focusing light, but some flashes like the godox v860iii have built in led focusing lights too
@@naturefolddo you know if the modeling light on the 860iii works well enough through a diffuser? Might be a significant battery drain.
@@naturefold FLASH OUUUUUT!!! 😋✨✨✨
Great video, very informative.I use a Fujifilm xt4 and I'm curious to know how to do handheld focus stack with flash where each image taken in the stack is lit with flash. I tried using burst mode and flash in manual mode at 1/128 but even with the lowest power it didn't recycle fast enough. I tried multi on the flash but not all frames were lit. Please help as i see you are using Fujifilm as well and I see your flash fires multiple times in your handheld stack...can you elaborate on the flash & camera settings you use to have the flash fire multiple times with each frame being lit. Thanks in advance.
Awsome video man I have 1 question how do you get these pictures hand helt
It takes some practice but if you're able to keep steady enough it's not too difficult. Using a flash helps a lot too as it freezes any small movements like camera shake.
Impressive images and fine vid - music a plus. Others might be tempted to spray mist their own droplets, but the real thing is so much better - kudos for that. Good theme about finding subjects despite changing plans. Do you ever capture specimens for indoor shoots?
Thanks so much! No I always shoot outside in the field, occasionally I will catch a subject to get some identification photos but that's the most.
Please please please, make a video of how you stack. What settings, which lens, what flashsettings and how you stack and what software.
Please give more time for your stunning photos to look in the video.
This is an excellent channel! Would you be able to tell me the name of that device you have attached to your camera?
It is a diffuser that makes the light from my flash much softer which creates softer reflections and shadows
The flower reflection shot is insane!
I also love how knowledgeable you are, how did you get this far, did you study anything in regards to ecology or animal studies?
The white flowers belong to the Achillea millefolium complex - Common yarrow / Gewöhnliche Schafgarbe
How do you shoot stacks on your XH 2 with the manual focus 65mm Laowa lens? Very enjoyable film😊
Film???
I shoot photos for stacking manually and change focus by moving the camera forward slowly while shooting a burst. I've shown the technique a bit in previous videos but I'm planning on doing a dedicated one going more in depth.
@@naturefold Looking forward to it!
Hi, when you do continously shooting, do you move the focus point by turning the focus lens or by moving you carmera? Thanks. I assumed that you have fix manual focus
Great video! I really enjoy the content… I’m just getting into photography especially macro so I’m looking for as much advice as possible. My kit includes a Nikon Z fc with a Nikkor 105mm macro lens plus a Godox TT350 flash. I’ve bought an AK diffuser and Raynox DC-250 which are yet to be delivered, so ‘all the gear, no idea’ LOL.
I’ve had some success thus far but want to practice focus stacking hand held. I see you video the flash burst, is this continuous shooting holding down the shutter or something I can set within the camera / flash to strobe the flash? Any help would be much appreciated. All the best from the UK
Sounds like a good setup! I shoot in burst mode and move the camera to focus, the main thing to pay attention to is that you use a flash power low enough that the flash can recycle continuously at whatever burst rate you use.
@@naturefold many thanks for your reply. So you shoot in burst and move the camera gently forwards to stack? I’ve seen another method where a photographer is in manual focus, shoots in burst mode and slowly turns the lens. I guess stability is extremely important either way. Practice makes perfect 👌
When you are stacking it looks like your camera is pretty still, are you moving forward and backward slowly to get the stack or if not how do you do the stack with the camera completely still?
i love
When you keep the light turned on behind the diffusor does it affect the image or does the flash ignore it?
Lovely video as always
The flash is so much brighter than the continuous light that it doesn't really affect the final image, it just helps with focusing when it's dark.
@@naturefold Thanks for the info!
👍🏼👌🏻😍😎💪🏻🙌🏻❤️🔥
Any tips for hand-held focus stacking?
Keeping the camera and subject stable in relation to one another is the most important thing, whether it's by resting the camera on the ground or holding the subject in your left hand and bracing the camera with one finger..
which program are you using for stack editing?
Hallo Alexis, man sieht gar nicht das du beim Focus Bracketing die Kamera nach vorne schiebst. Oder ist die Bewegung so klein das man sie nicht wahrnimmt?
Do you know of any Nikon cameras that can photostack like that?
What is the name, and where does one get the strobe light cover?
Do you have prints available for sale? I would put that Beetle with refracted flowers piece on my wall with immense haste
How can you shoot 30+ photos from hand for photo stack?
I wonder why I even try to do macro photography. Some photos are okay, but 9 out of 10 don't even come close to this quality.
Im not against using focus stacking but de majority of people dont have this equipment for macro cuz its expensive. Maybe showing how to make macro with a simple camera and a simple macro lens could be more interesting. The majority of people that wants to start in macrophotography doesnt have this equipment or the level to use it.
Expensive gear absolutely isn't required for my way of shooting, I focus stack manually which is possible with basically any camera and macro lens setup. The main difference is the fast burst shooting and higher resolution sensor, what's much more important is a flash and a good diffuser. But I'd definitely like to do a video using really cheap gear as well, just to show it more clearly.