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FOCUS BRACKETING AND STACKING
MASTER YOUR OLYMPUS

Using the Focus

Stacking/Bracketing Mode

on Olympus cameras

Taking stunning close-up images is challenging, but days of moderately high ISOs
the Focus Stacking mode makes it much easier having a detrimental effect on
image quality are behind us). The
blurring induced by camera shake
WORDS AND PICTURES STEVE GOSLING
can also be countered by using a
lose-up and macro improve our technical skills. tripod or relying on the camera/
photography opens up Managing the inter-relationship When working up close lenses image stabilisation function.
access to a fascinating between all the variables involved there’s plenty to But all of these factors need to be
Cand interesting world not requires a good understanding of photograph without considered before firing the shutter.
easily seen with the naked eye. By the relationship between aperture straying far from home, And furthermore when working in
as household items can
getting in close to our chosen selection (and its impact on depth close to the subject even a relatively
become works of art. The
subject, patterns, colours, textures of field), shutter speed and ISO and images above and below small aperture will require accurate
and details can be revealed for the their contribution to the look of the have been Focus Stacked focusing and an understanding of
first time. And interesting subject final image. For example, when to ensure precise focus depth of field and hyperfocal
matter can be found pretty much working close with a macro lens,
anywhere – items around the house often a small aperture is required to
or garden can be transformed into maximise depth of field (assuming
works of art once we move in close that the end result requires front to
with our camera, add a measure of back sharpness as against a limited
creativity and a sprinkling of plane of focus where only one small
imagination (see Box Copy). part of the subject is sharp). A
But this is also a challenging consequence of a small aperture is
area of photography to tackle – of course a slower shutter speed, to
any deficiencies in composition, allow enough light to reach the
exposure or focus (particularly sensor for an adequate exposure.
depth of field) will be immediately This in turn can lead to camera
apparent. Potentially it is not only shake or blur from subject
the subject that becomes magnified movement during the exposure. In
but also all the flaws in our the digital era an increase in ISO can
technique as well! Shooting only help to negate these problems – a
close up and macro photographs higher ISO allowing for a faster
for six months is a great way to shutter speed (and thankfully the

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