Peas in Pods

[John Robinson]

This is a reworked shot from the archives.It was in fact my first attempt at stacking.
Peas were on a black cloth at 45% going away from the camera purely to test the depth of focus I could get.
D200
ISO 100 Sigma 50mm macro
40th second at 5.6
7 images stacked in czm
Levels to enhance backdrop mainly
Slight crop.
Cheers
JohnR

[Henry Domke]

Technically flawless.
The stacking worked perfectly. Great to be able to achieve f/64 without diffraction.

Black backgrounds are classic for many macro shots. Some people like them and some don't. Personally I don't like them. I find the black to be harsh and distracting. It screams "studio shot".

[John Robinson]

Cheers Henry
Certainly is - a studio shot.
Some say like birds on a peanut feeder ! Peas stop still longer though !!
Cheers
John

[Don Jacobs]

Very nice capture.

[John Robinson]

Thanks both. I think for studio stuff any backdrop is acceptable. White all through to black. Its never going to be a " natural image" but then- what is nowadays. ?? Think about it. People chuck fish in the water for Ospreys or whatever and thats ok . Pay 500 quid to sit in a hide or land rover that someone else has set up -- Beats me !!! I take my pics mainly to get a point over about nature when doing a lecture. Thats really all I need them for.
Cheers
JohnR

[Jonathan Ashton]

Yes yes, and yes the black background works well (I am consistently inconsistent regards black backgrounds!!) the DOF is excellent and focus is spot on, three pods was a good choice, 1,2 or 4 would not have so much impact - lets see some more Johnny.

[John Robinson]

Thanks Jon
I have loads more but I don,t do a lot at the moment. I went onto 3D !! Thats another story.
John

[Mitch Haimov]

Stacking worked very well! I don't see any artifacts.

[Nancy Bell]

This has great visual impact! The composition of the 3 pods is great and I like the variety of peas inside, being similar but not exact copies. I think the black bkgd to the bright green peas is very dramatic and so nicely done with a common food item! Great stacking job.

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Johnny. A very nice studio shot - interesting how the pods seem to be floating in mid-air. The black background works well for this presentation, the stacking was well done to get everything sharp, and I like the comp. I think a couple minor tweaks would make this strong image even better. There are a few light specks in the background between the two halves of the central pod - these would be easy to clone. Also, there are a few small areas where the whites seem to be blown - such as near the stems of the pods. You might try to selectively tone down those areas. Overall, this is an excellent image!

[John Robinson]

Thanks all.
Steve - I see the points you raise .Will do.
Cheers
John

[Roman Kurywczak]

I'm fine with black BG's.....so this one really works for me!

[Diane Miller]

Gorgeous -- the tonalities just glow, and I like the frame effect.

[BenBotha]

I dont know much about macro and stacking but a great image!! The black background does not bother me.
Ben