STEP BY STEP HOW THE METHOD STACKS UP

Take a closer look at how to use the focus stacking technique

01 Get Set up

We’re using a Canon 100mm Macro lens, but any close-focusing lens works with this technique – even a kit lens, which can focus at around one-third life-size. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady with the subject positioned close so everything fits in the frame.

02 camera Settings

Switch to Manual mode so each shot has the same exposure and set an aperture of f/11 for optimum sharpness, along with ISO100 and a matching shutter speed. Flick the switch on the lens barrel to Manual focus and focus on the closest part of the subject.

03 Get focused

It’s best to use Live View. Zoom in to the closest part of the subject and twist the focus ring until it’s completely pin-sharp. Once you’ve achieved focus take your first shot – it’s best to use a remote shutter release as, at such close distances, it’s all too easy to jog the camera.

04 refocus and repeat

Rotate the focus ring again a tiny fraction, so that the plane of focus is a little farther into your subject. Then, take another shot, taking care not to jolt the camera in the process. You’ll need to repeat this process until the very farthest part of the subject is in focus.

05 open the images

Once you’ve uploaded the images to your computer, open up Photoshop, select File> scripts> load Files into Stack… Click the Browse… button, select your images and click Open, then OK. The images will load into one Photoshop document as separate layers.

06 blend them together

Select all the layers, then go to Edit>auto Blend Layers… Set Blend Method to Stack Images and ensure Seamless Tones and Colours is ticked, then hit OK. Photoshop will then magically combine the sharpest bits of each layer together using layer masks.