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Embarking on the Macro Expedition: Mastering Focus Techniques with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II

Embarking on a macro photography journey with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II not only offers a gateway to the unseen intricacies of the natural world but also demands a blend of technical prowess and creative insight. This comprehensive exploration delves into optimising focus stacking and bracketing functionalities, culminating in the nuanced art of post-processing to weave singular shots into captivating visual stories.

Lighting: The Beacon of Macro Photography

Adequate lighting is fundamental in macro photography, providing clarity and depth to subjects that often go unnoticed. Utilising a flashlight alongside a diffuser is essential for distributing light evenly across the scene, a practice that becomes critical when employing the OM-1 Mark II’s focus stacking at speeds of up to 120fps. At such speeds, employing a potent speedlight is indispensable to ensure consistent illumination across all shots, highlighting every detail in its natural splendour.

Focus Stacking: Crafting Layers of Precision

The process of focus stacking on the OM-1 Mark II is a meticulous orchestration of multiple images at varying focus points, harmoniously merged into a single, sharply detailed photograph. Accessing this feature involves:

1. Navigating to Camera2 in the menu,

2. Selecting Computational Modes, then choosing Focus Stacking,

3. Here, you can set the desired focus differential and the number of images up to 15.

This technique is invaluable for capturing the essence of moving or static subjects with depth and detail. It allows photographers to experiment with depth of field and focus to reveal the hidden beauty of their subjects.

THE PHOTO OF THIS MOTH IS A HANDHELD, FOCUS STACK OF 10 SHOTS 

THE PHOTO OF THIS BEETLE IS A HANDHELD, FOCUS STACK OF 15 SHOTS 

Focus Bracketing: A Canvas of Creativity

Focus bracketing unfolds a realm of artistic possibilities, offering up to 999 shots for dynamic and complex compositions. To utilize this feature:

1. Go to Camera2, select the 3rd option (Bracketing), and activate Focus BKT,

2. This enables you to capture a broad spectrum of shots and adjust differential points from 1 to 10 based on the subject.

From personal experience, while the system permits up to 999 shots, practical usage seldom exceeds 200, providing a vast range of focus points for detailed exploration in post-processing.

THE PHOTO OF THIS HARVESTMAN IS A HANDHELD, FOCUS BRACKETING OF 40 SHOTS 

THE PHOTO OF THIS GRASSHOPPER IS A HANDHELD, FOCUS BRACKETING OF 84 SHOTS 

THE PHOTO OF THIS BEETLE IS A HANDHELD, FOCUS BRACKETING OF 26 SHOTS 

Post-Processing: Weaving the Final Image

The transition from capture to final image involves a significant step: post-processing. Adobe Photoshop, while popular for merging stacks, may require substantial computing power for processing large sets of images smoothly. For dedicated macro photographers, specialized software like Helicon Focus or Zerene Stacker offers optimized solutions for image stacking, featuring interfaces and controls tailored for macro editing. These programs streamline the process, providing precision and ease in merging shots into a singular, detailed composition.

From Capture to Composition: The Macro Photographer's Journey

Navigating through the macro world with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II transcends mere photography; it becomes an expedition into the profound beauty of the minute. Each step, from meticulously setting up lighting and configuring camera settings for focus stacking or bracketing, to the refined process of stacking images in post-processing, is laden with potential for discovery and innovation.

Having the capacity to shoot up to 999 shots in focus bracketing offers unparalleled depth in capturing dynamic scenes, yet the practicality often aligns with a much smaller set, as personal experience caps this number at around 200. This pragmatic approach ensures each moment is captured with the utmost clarity and depth.

The journey doesn’t end at capture; it extends into the realm of post-processing, where tools like Adobe Photoshop, Helicon Focus, or Zerene Stacker become essential in transforming a series of images into a coherent, stunning visual narrative. This blending of technical skill and creative vision invites viewers to pause and appreciate the intricacies and beauty of the macro world, presented through the lens of the photographer.

Thus, macro photography with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is not merely about capturing images; it’s about unearthing a hidden world, one shot at a time. Through understanding and leveraging the camera’s advanced features, coupled with the artful application of post-processing techniques, photographers can unlock new dimensions of creativity, presenting the unseen in a light that captivates and inspires.

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Here you will find an ever increasing range of articles covering technique and tips on using our cameras and lenses.

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