David Terao
July 2026 - Nigella
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
I was inspired by last month's nigella image from Maria to go out and shoot a nigella myself. But instead of using a Helios with a reversed, front-lens element, I used a Lensbaby Soft Focus lens (much easier to use). I "aperture-stacked" several images taken with the soft-focus lens at different apertures from f/2.5 to f/8.0 using close-up lenses and a tripod. In Photoshop, I stacked the images and used layer masks to brush in the effect I was trying to achieve. More specifically, the final image background used the layer that was shot using a wide aperture to get a soft, blurry effect, and the pistil and stamen were brushed in using the layer that was shot using a narrow aperture to get them in sharp focus. I also used Lightroom to crop and adjust the final tonality.
10 comments posted
This is a lovely image David. The soft focused petals and background really show off the tack sharp center. The long stamens really grab you and draw you in.
Your hard work with stacking multiple images paid off in my opinion. Very nice! Posted: 07/03/2026 20:26:13
Your hard work with stacking multiple images paid off in my opinion. Very nice! Posted: 07/03/2026 20:26:13
Thank you, Denise. I love the soft blur from the Lensbaby Soft Focus lens, but I don't like it all over the image. Posted: 07/03/2026 20:57:38
The unique shape of this flower, with the shape of the pistil and surrounding stamens, makes for a beautiful photo! Lighting is soft and the hit of lavender in the center and on the petals compliments the greens and whites. I am curious if you could have gotten the same effect with less post processing, using focus bracketing with your 100mm macro wide open, then just focus stacking the initial images to get the stamens and pistil in sharp focus but leaving the blurred background. I have considered investing in a Lensbaby but keep talking myself out of it. Thanks. Posted: 07/06/2026 12:23:46
Thank you, Mark. To answer your question, I really don't know if I could get the same effect if I used a regular 100mm macro lens shot at different apertures. I just like the soft blur from the Lensbaby Soft Focus lens at its widest aperture, and when shot at smaller apertures, it gets quite sharp. But, I've never tried using this technique with my Canon macro lens. Posted: 07/06/2026 16:50:49
I like the effects of the Lensbaby soft focus lens but I agree that it would be nice to see a little more focus on the lovely petals. Very dreamy. Posted: 07/10/2026 15:54:49
Thank you, Janet. I could try bringing a little more detail into the petals without distracting from the stamen and pistils. Let's see what might come up.
Posted: 07/10/2026 16:00:55
Posted: 07/10/2026 16:00:55
Hi David,
What a lovely image of the Nigella!
I really like the soft, dreamy feeling that the Lensbaby has created. It beautifully isolates the stems and allows me to focus on the elegant shapes and delicate details of the flower. The selective focus gives the image a very artistic quality.
I've been experimenting with focus stacking using my Helios lens, but I discovered that although the camera takes the ten shots automatically, they all have the same focus point because the lens is manual focus. It's a bit of a pity, as being able to gain a little more depth of field without losing the beautiful Helios bokeh would produce a wonderful result.
I think the only way to achieve that is to mount the camera on a tripod and manually adjust the focus slightly between each exposure before stacking the images afterwards. I'm not completely sure, but that seems to be the most likely solution. If you've had any experience with this, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Posted: 07/15/2026 07:41:38
What a lovely image of the Nigella!
I really like the soft, dreamy feeling that the Lensbaby has created. It beautifully isolates the stems and allows me to focus on the elegant shapes and delicate details of the flower. The selective focus gives the image a very artistic quality.
I've been experimenting with focus stacking using my Helios lens, but I discovered that although the camera takes the ten shots automatically, they all have the same focus point because the lens is manual focus. It's a bit of a pity, as being able to gain a little more depth of field without losing the beautiful Helios bokeh would produce a wonderful result.
I think the only way to achieve that is to mount the camera on a tripod and manually adjust the focus slightly between each exposure before stacking the images afterwards. I'm not completely sure, but that seems to be the most likely solution. If you've had any experience with this, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Posted: 07/15/2026 07:41:38
What I've learned about focus stacking is that it varies considerably depending on the brand of camera, especially when using manual focus lenses. The basic technique is as you described: use a tripod, manually focus on your point of focus taking a series of images usually starting from the front to the back, and stacking the series of images in a software (e.g., Photoshop, Helicon Focus, etc.). I've also learned that Canon cameras probably have the worst manual, focus-stacking capability because Canon makes it so difficult to select manually an exact point of focus. You can't just touch the screen to select a focus point as with most other camera brands. Canon just doesn't make it easy to use manual focus lenses. Posted: 07/15/2026 11:17:51
There's little I can add to what has already been said. Great lighting and background. Lens Baby has that unique look that only Lens Baby will give you without a lot of work. Lens Baby is probably the only lens I use without a tripod. Nice shot. Posted: 07/21/2026 01:36:28
Thanks, Dick. Now that you mention it, I also tend to use Lensbaby lenses without a tripod...except for their soft-focus lens. Posted: 07/21/2026 11:15:17