How to Shoot for Focus Stacking

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Be sure to have a tripod.

   You can do it handheld, but there won't be nearly the precision that you want.
   
   Alternatively, you can use a focusing rail or something like a Gorillapod with 'socks' on its 'feet'.
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   Step 2: Be sure the subject is very stable.

   It is next to impossible to shoot macro, let alone use a focusing rail if the subject is moving around. , As with all macro photography, you need a strong light. , It is best to have a certain order of focus.
   
   Front to back or back to front. ,, For the purposes of this article, the front.
   
   Take the photograph. , Take the photograph. , Take the photograph.
   
   Obviously, this will differ greatly from snapping a panorama type image to a macro image. ,, Some are:
   Adobe Photoshop (Commercial) Photoshop Lightroom Photoshop CS CombineZP (Freeware)
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   Step 3: Have a source of light.

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   Step 4: Set up your macro shot.

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   Step 5: Determine how much/how many shots you want to take and the area of focus.

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   Step 6: Focus where you will start the stack at.

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   Step 7: Move slightly past the first point of focus.

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   Step 8: Take another shot just a little further back.

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   Step 9: Continue until you have all of the images that you need.

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    Step 10: Offload them off to the computer and open the program that you will use to stack them in.

Detailed Guide

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