What is focus stacking?
This is a photography technique that consists of combining several images taken at different focal lengths to obtain a sharp photo on the entire subject. It results in a pile of developments. This technique is particularly useful when you want to obtain an extended depth of field, i.e. when you want all the elements of your subject to be sharp, from the foreground to the background.
How to do it?
To make focus stacking, you will need:
- A camera with a manual focus mode
- A tripod to keep your camera stable
- Of a subject to be photographed
- Post-processing software that supports focus stacking, such as Adobe Photoshop or Helicon Focus
Here are the steps to follow to achieve it:
Processing in Photoshop
If you want to do focus stacking with Photoshop, here are the steps to follow:
1. Take your photos
Start by taking several photos of the same subject by only changing the focus. Be sure to keep the camera fixed and use a tripod if necessary to avoid any unwanted movement.
2. Import your photos into Photoshop
Open Photoshop and import your photos by going to “File” then “Scripts” and selecting “Loading files in a stack“. This will allow you to upload all your photos in a single document.
3. Align the photos
Once your photos are imported, select them all in the ” Layers” window. Then click on “Edit” in the menu bar, then on “Align layers automatically“. This step will make it possible to align the different photos for a perfect overlay.
4. Stack the photos
Select all the layers again in the ” Layers” window. Click on “Edit” in the menu bar, then on “Automation” and finally on “Stack layers“. Check the option “Create a stacked image” and click on “OK“.
5. Do the stacking
Once the stack is created, select all the layers in the ” Layers” window. Click on “Edit” in the menu bar, then on “Automation” and finally on “Merge layers automatically“. Choose the “Stack images” option and check the “Keep the sharpest details” box. Click “OK” to start the focus stacking process.
And that’s it! You have now achieved focus stacking with Photoshop. Don’t forget to save your work to keep the final photo.
Focus stacking in landscape photography
The method is particularly useful in landscape photography, where you often want to obtain maximum sharpness throughout the scene, from the foreground to the background. When you do the focus stacking, you can capture all the details, from flowers in the foreground to the mountains on the horizon, with incredible sharpness.
Focus stacking in product photography
In product photography, this technique makes it possible to highlight all the details of an object, even those located at different distances from the focal plane. This is especially useful when you photograph close-up objects, such as jewelry or coins, where every detail counts.
Focus stacking in macro photography
For macro photography, this technique is essential to obtain maximum sharpness on your subject, which can be very small and have complex details. By combining several images taken at different focal lengths, you can create a macro photo with a wide depth of field, highlighting every detail of your subject.
Conclusion
In conclusion, focus stacking is a powerful photography technique that makes it possible to obtain a wide depth of field and maximum sharpness on the entire subject. Whether you are photographing landscapes, products or macro subjects, focus stacking can help you capture all the details with incredible precision.
