Extreme Close-Up Photography and Focus Stacking

This practical book explains what is meant by macro photography and how to get even closer to your subject: not just a close-up of a butterfly, but details of the eye and wing scales. The techniques described explore ways to photograph virtually any creature, whether terrestrial, marine or from freshwater. All the key elements to achieve extreme close-ups are built in a clear way, for both outdoor and studio use, and special attention is given to focus stacking, with both software and further enhancements covered. Topics covered include an explanation of the equipment and techniques needed to gain extreme close-ups; advice on different lighting and support equipment, including the practicalities of tanks and aquatic organisms; suggestions on how to achieve sharpness, detail and ultimate depth of field; and coverage of all aspects of focus stacking with ideas for improvement. Step-by-step examples cover a wide range of wildlife. Superbly illustrated with 219 colour photographs.

Julian Cremona is a naturalist, photographer, teacher and explorer. Head of Dale Fort Field Centre for many years, he still runs workshops on macro-photography for the Field Studies Council.