5D Mk IV – EF 100mm Macro – Macro Twin-Lite Flash – 1/200, f/2.8, ISO 100

Took lots of photos today but settled on one picture (okay, 4). It was not as nice of a day as yesterday – about 48 degrees and really windy. By chance, I happened to see this little bee on a dead plant so decided to try and get it. I slapped on the 100mm Macro lens and the Macro Twin-Lite flash. The problem, I discovered, was the wind was pushing this plant around so fast – it was oscillating faster than a jitterbug at a 1950’s dance hall (no pun intended). So I focused and snapped 4 times fast. In post processing, I discovered that not one of the pics had the eyes in focus, but varying other body parts were.

So this was a 4 image focus stack. However, it is the first focus stack I’ve done handheld, and not mounted to the tripod. The eyes aren’t in focus, but it’s the first bug pic of the year. Once again, I did this in Photoshop. Without a doubt, Photoshop is a superior product when it comes to this workflow! I’m looking forward to warmer weather and I can stay outside comfortably for those all important Photos of the Day!