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This is an example of Synthetic Depth of Field (SDOF). Three images with bracketed focus points are combined using Helicon Focus software. There are a number of ways to combine image for extended depth of field: Helicon Focus is the simplest. Most of the research and development in SDOF is in the micro photography field, where depth of field is very shallow.
I think more cameras should include including options for bracketing focus in the same way they bracket exposure. I’m working on my handheld SDOF technique, but it’s tough to hold steady and change focus, especially with a tight macro shot.
Workflow for dealing with groups of files that will be combined into a single image is a hassle. Adobe Bridge has a cool stacking feature that I use for files that will be merged in one way or another.
This car is a Hot Wheels 1970 AMC Javlin SST; a replica of the first car I ever owned. I bought my hot rod in 1984 when I was 15 years old. It was a sweet ride with mag wheels and a big V8.
Picture of the week Dec 3 2007
I shot this Image at Photoshop world in Vegas as part of my hand held HDR experiment. My Canon 1D Mark III can shoot a very fast burst of 3 exposure bracketed files. I like to use the Live View function, because it locks up the mirror allowing for the most speed with the least shake. Photoshop aligns the 3 images when I merge them to HDR. Handheld HDR, it’s cool!
I highly recommend taking the time for an occasional “photo trek.” My friend Sunny Reynolds was working as fine art and commercial photographer when I met her 15 years ago. She started traveling to exotic places more and more often. Soon, her photographer friends began to notice what a good time she was having and how incredible her images were. They wanted in on the action, so she started taking photographers and adventuresome souls along for these treks. She soon turned it into a full time business and now just treks and does an occasional gallery show.
My wife and I had the privilege of doing the Costa Rica Trek and we loved it. I made some really incredible images and had the time of my life. We traveled all over Costa Rica in a van with a small group of seven like minded people, out for adventure. Sunny is a special lady with a unique talent for finding great places. Check out the links to info on her treks and some of her image galleries and her book on Boats.
Chile Info / Gallery
Costa Rica Info / Gallery
Galapagos Islands Info / Gallery
Guatemala Info / Gallery
India Info / Gallery
Morocco Info / Gallery
Peru Info / Gallery
Tanzania Info / Gallery
B&H is an excellent place to purchase digital photography and Video equipment. They have it all!