Figeater beetle stack

[yeatzee]

My parents had some friends give them this beetle saying it was jewelry as a joke but im sure they were surprised by my parents reaction :lol: Apparently they got all excited to see it up close when I inevitably take a stack of it :lol: Here's the image, 130 shots stacked @ F/5.6.



Cotinis Mutabilis by yeatzee (now 17, but still learning), on Flickr

Midway through the series my taped on hood (also holds the diffuser) for the el nikkor collapsed. I didn't notice that but I did realize my photos got really dark all of a sudden so i spent some time trying to figure out what the heck happened. Eventually I realized it and fixed the problem but not without slightly bumping the beetle The stack still came through though so what do you guys think?

 

[ismart]

Great shot!

 

[Peter Clausen]

Wow! I think if Transformers were real they wouldn't be even marginally as well made as that beetle. Just about all I do is look at bugs and I could stare at that image(s) for hours. I don't understand what this image stacking stuff is, but your results always amaze me.

It's interesting to wonder if that bit of structure covering the eye is a remnant of an earlier form regressing. I suspect it still serves to protect the eye.

 

[yeatzee]

Wow! I think if Transformers were real they wouldn't be even marginally as well made as that beetle. Just about all I do is look at bugs and I could stare at that image(s) for hours. I don't understand what this image stacking stuff is, but your results always amaze me.

It's interesting to wonder if that bit of structure covering the eye is a remnant of an earlier form regressing. I suspect it still serves to protect the eye.

Here's a single image from the 130 used to give you an idea

 

[Ntsees]

Nice close-up. I used to raise the the adults I caught because they were strikingly attractive with the iridescent green. When I read up on them and learned that the larvae needed plant roots to feed, I was like "darn, I don't have roots". I ended up release the larvae into the soil. The adults sure love fruits (peaches for me).

 

[Peter Clausen]

So, is the idea in "stacking" that 130 images will have 130 slightly different focal points and when overlaid on each other will show everything clean and clear? Hmmm...that doesn't make sense either because it seems the unfocused points would outweigh the focused ones.

 

[yeatzee]

So, is the idea in "stacking" that 130 images will have 130 slightly different focal points and when overlaid on each other will show everything clean and clear? Hmmm...that doesn't make sense either because it seems the unfocused points would outweigh the focused ones.

To get everything in focus its the only possible way while keeping sharpness and image quality at this level. The software I use only keeps the in-focus detail of every image and combines it.

 

[Peter Clausen]

Ah, software!

How long do 130 images take to capture with a camera like that? I assume the beetle was dead?

 

[yeatzee]

Ah, software!

How long do 130 images take to capture with a camera like that? I assume the beetle was dead?

Yes it was dead, given to me that way. Total time from when I first started setting up to finished capturing was probably 2 and a half hours roughly.

(do note I've gotten 40+ image stacks of living creatures before)

 

[What]

If anyone is curious what the full beetles look like alive: http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_am_subverted/6028027690/

I have had a couple of these cross my path lately. Yeatzee, let me know if you want me to remove the link, 'tis not a problem.

 

[yeatzee]

If anyone is curious what the full beetles look like alive: http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_am_subverted/6028027690/

I have had a couple of these cross my path lately. Yeatzee, let me know if you want me to remove the link, 'tis not a problem.

Nope its all good I wish I had a shot of its full body but unfortunately I dont

 

[dragon]

That is bloody awesome!

 

[What]

Nope its all good I wish I had a shot of its full body but unfortunately I dont

It took a bit of work to even get that photo, kept taking off and buzzing around the room, lol.

 

[Precarious]

Well done!

I need to invest in a good tripod and focusing rail.

 

[Mr.Mantid]

To get everything in focus its the only possible way while keeping sharpness and image quality at this level. The software I use only keeps the in-focus detail of every image and combines it.

What software is this yeatzee?

 

[twolfe]

Nice! That's a lot of time but the results appear to be worth your efforts.

 

[Mex_Ghost]

amazing colors!!!! amazing details

 

[rs4guy]

Fantastic, I need to learn how one does this photo stacking.

 

[yeatzee]

That is bloody awesome!

Thanks

Well done!

I need to invest in a good tripod and focusing rail.

Do note that if you do wish to try deep studio focus stacking (or early morning stacking), a "for photography" made rail will not work (yes even the manfrotto one etc.). You'll need a linear stage with a micrometer which may or may not need modifying to fit your camera/tripod.

What software is this yeatzee?

zerene stacker

Nice! That's a lot of time but the results appear to be worth your efforts.

Thanks. Yes it can take quite some time for some stacks

amazing colors!!!! amazing details

Thank you!

Fantastic, I need to learn how one does this photo stacking.

Any questions feel free to PM me