Your tank is absolutely beautiful !! Really enjoying this thread and your pictures are awesome looking forward to seeing each day you post.
Project 365 - My Reef Journal - One Photograph Per Day
- Build Thread
- Thread starter urbaneks
- Start date
- Tagged users None
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
Project 365 - January 5th, 2016
Once again, thanks to those that have viewed, liked and commented so far. 5 days in to Project 365 and I'm still motivated. I have to admit the encouraging comments help keep me rolling. To this point the hardest part of this project is only posting one photo a day.
Here is the 5th entry into Project 365.
For today, I'd like to post about a new photography technique that I was just introduced to called Focus Stacking. Here is the quick definition from Wikipedia.
In other words, you take multiple photos of the same subject, each time you move your auto focus to a new region of the subject. Once completed, you use software, in my case Photoshop to merge the photographs, taking only the in focus region of each photograph. What you are left with is a subject with extreme detail across the entire subject rather than just a small section.
Now I've only attempted two focus stacks. What I know at this point is I have a lot to learn on refining the technique but after one go at it, here are the things that I took away from the process.
1) Shut your pumps down so the lighting stays consistent on the subject with each shot you take.
2) A tripod is a must since you need the same composition of the subject.
3) Lock the exposure settings so you are getting the same exposure with each shot
The photo merge process through Photoshop is automated, quick and easy. Google it and you will get several quick tutorials.
The image below is the result of my 2nd attempt at focus staking. This was originally shot as 5 separate images that were photomerged to give me one image with a much higher depth of focus. I'm not here to say focus stacking is better than single shots, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve with the shot. Again, I need some practice at the technique but not bad for my first attempt. Looking forward to a future attempt on some SPS!
That's it for today! 5 down 360 to go!
Project 365 - 1/5/16 - Focus Stack of Lobo Coral
Once again, thanks to those that have viewed, liked and commented so far. 5 days in to Project 365 and I'm still motivated. I have to admit the encouraging comments help keep me rolling. To this point the hardest part of this project is only posting one photo a day.
Here is the 5th entry into Project 365.
For today, I'd like to post about a new photography technique that I was just introduced to called Focus Stacking. Here is the quick definition from Wikipedia.
Focus stacking is a digital image processing technique which combines multiple images taken at different focus distances to give a resulting image with a greater depth of field.
In other words, you take multiple photos of the same subject, each time you move your auto focus to a new region of the subject. Once completed, you use software, in my case Photoshop to merge the photographs, taking only the in focus region of each photograph. What you are left with is a subject with extreme detail across the entire subject rather than just a small section.
Now I've only attempted two focus stacks. What I know at this point is I have a lot to learn on refining the technique but after one go at it, here are the things that I took away from the process.
1) Shut your pumps down so the lighting stays consistent on the subject with each shot you take.
2) A tripod is a must since you need the same composition of the subject.
3) Lock the exposure settings so you are getting the same exposure with each shot
The photo merge process through Photoshop is automated, quick and easy. Google it and you will get several quick tutorials.
The image below is the result of my 2nd attempt at focus staking. This was originally shot as 5 separate images that were photomerged to give me one image with a much higher depth of focus. I'm not here to say focus stacking is better than single shots, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve with the shot. Again, I need some practice at the technique but not bad for my first attempt. Looking forward to a future attempt on some SPS!
That's it for today! 5 down 360 to go!
Project 365 - 1/5/16 - Focus Stack of Lobo Coral
revhtree
Owner Administrator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Reef Squad
Partner Member 2024
Excellence Award
RGB
Photo of the Month
Article Contributor
R2R TV Featured
Hospitality Award
Article Administrator
Black Friday Sponsor
Partner Sponsor 2023
Industry Professional
My Aquarium Showcase
- Joined
- May 8, 2006
- Messages
- 47,780
- Reaction score
- 87,338
Project 365 - January 5th, 2016
Once again, thanks to those that have viewed, liked and commented so far. 5 days in to Project 365 and I'm still motivated. I have to admit the encouraging comments help keep me rolling. To this point the hardest part of this project is only posting one photo a day.
Here is the 5th entry into Project 365.
For today, I'd like to post about a new photography technique that I was just introduced to called Focus Stacking. Here is the quick definition from Wikipedia.
Focus stacking is a digital image processing technique which combines multiple images taken at different focus distances to give a resulting image with a greater depth of field.
In other words, you take multiple photos of the same subject, each time you move your auto focus to a new region of the subject. Once completed, you use software, in my case Photoshop to merge the photographs, taking only the in focus region of each photograph. What you are left with is a subject with extreme detail across the entire subject rather than just a small section.
Now I've only attempted two focus stacks. What I know at this point is I have a lot to learn on refining the technique but after one go at it, here are the things that I took away from the process.
1) Shut your pumps down so the lighting stays consistent on the subject with each shot you take.
2) A tripod is a must since you need the same composition of the subject.
3) Lock the exposure settings so you are getting the same exposure with each shot
The photo merge process through Photoshop is automated, quick and easy. Google it and you will get several quick tutorials.
The image below is the result of my 2nd attempt at focus staking. This was originally shot as 5 separate images that were photomerged to give me one image with a much higher depth of focus. I'm not here to say focus stacking is better than single shots, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve with the shot. Again, I need some practice at the technique but not bad for my first attempt. Looking forward to a future attempt on some SPS!
That's it for today! 5 down 360 to go!
Project 365 - 1/5/16 - Focus Stack of Lobo Coral
Good info and awesome photo! Keep it up!
Flashy Fins
Active Member
Fantastic! I've attempted 365 photo projects in the past and always lost interest halfway through, if not sooner. Never thought to focus on just my tank, though - that sounds far more fun! Looking forward to seeing this thread progress.
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
drstratton - Thanks for the kind words and following along. Much appreciated.
Chrisfish - Much like the poster above, I really appreciate your kind words and checking in.
Reeflogic - Thank you so much.
Thank you sir!
Flashy Fins - Thanks for the view and comment. I hope to be able to stay motivated. As mentioned in an earlier post, this will be a true test for me.
Sps Dream - Thank you for the view and subscription. I hope I don't disappoint.
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
Project 365 - January 6th, 2016
Here is the 6th entry into Project 365
Once again, thank you to all those who have viewed, commented and liked my journal. I really started this project for myself without thinking about the positive comments that might come with the posts. As the comments have come in, it has not just motivated me on the photography but in my reef as well. For that I thank you.
I'm just letting the inhabitants guide me into what to post next. When I had the camera out, my Geometric Pygmy Hawk graced me with his presence. For those of you that have or have had this fish, you know what I'm talking about. These are the type of fish that you might see once a day. I think that attribute about them is one of the reasons why I like this guy so much. There is just something about their secretive nature that I'm drawn to. Not all of my fish have names but this guys has one. The wife named him Waldo, he's red and white and hard to find. Where is Waldo?
Project 365 - 1/6/16 - Geometric Pygmy Hawk
Thanks for looking.
That's it for today! 6 down 359 to go!
Here is the 6th entry into Project 365
Once again, thank you to all those who have viewed, commented and liked my journal. I really started this project for myself without thinking about the positive comments that might come with the posts. As the comments have come in, it has not just motivated me on the photography but in my reef as well. For that I thank you.
I'm just letting the inhabitants guide me into what to post next. When I had the camera out, my Geometric Pygmy Hawk graced me with his presence. For those of you that have or have had this fish, you know what I'm talking about. These are the type of fish that you might see once a day. I think that attribute about them is one of the reasons why I like this guy so much. There is just something about their secretive nature that I'm drawn to. Not all of my fish have names but this guys has one. The wife named him Waldo, he's red and white and hard to find. Where is Waldo?
Project 365 - 1/6/16 - Geometric Pygmy Hawk
Thanks for looking.
That's it for today! 6 down 359 to go!
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
Great pics! Gorgeous tank and fun idea. I'll be watching
Hatfielj - thanks, thanks and thanks.
Yea, that was a popular set of books at our house as well. Thanks for looking.
melev
Avid Hobbyist
Nice job on this thread so far. I once tried to take on the Image 365 challenge myself, but I didn't last past 13 days. So selfishly I'm hoping you accomplish it since that means I'll get to see all your pretty pictures and descriptions.
steve&mari
Blessed Reefer
Totally agree with everyone your tanks amazing and your photography skills are beautiful. Little late joining the party but definitely following from now on. Keep the tips and shots coming.
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
Nice job on this thread so far. I once tried to take on the Image 365 challenge myself, but I didn't last past 13 days. So selfishly I'm hoping you accomplish it since that means I'll get to see all your pretty pictures and descriptions.
Melev - 13 days aint bad. That's 6 more days than where I'm at now.
Hoping I can stay focused! Thanks for the nice words on the photography. steve&mari - You are not late at all, I'm only 7 days in with 300+ more to go. Thanks for the encouragement and for tuning in.
Last edited:
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
Project 365 - January 7th, 2016
Here is the 7th entry into Project 365
I'm posting this photo tonight in hopes of showing some of the diversity in the aquarium. In this shot you can see acropora, montipora, seriatopora, LPS and even a gorgonian.. I'm an SPS guy at heart but I can't help adding LPS or softies in little nooks and crannies where I can't get SPS to take off. Couple that with my inability to get rid of corals I purchased way back when and I have a pretty mixed reef.
The dominating corals in this shot are the ORA Green Slimer and the Strawberry Fields tabling acro. For a reference point, the Green Slimer is ~14" tall and the Strawberry Fields is ~12" across. That may help with the scale of the photo a bit. This picture was taken late in the light cycle after the T5's were off for the night. This is an LED only shot, a bit dark but I thought it had some nice contrast to it.
Project 365 - 1/7/16 - Strawberry Fields Acro with ORA Green Slimer
Thanks for looking.
7 down 358 to go!
Here is the 7th entry into Project 365
I'm posting this photo tonight in hopes of showing some of the diversity in the aquarium. In this shot you can see acropora, montipora, seriatopora, LPS and even a gorgonian.. I'm an SPS guy at heart but I can't help adding LPS or softies in little nooks and crannies where I can't get SPS to take off. Couple that with my inability to get rid of corals I purchased way back when and I have a pretty mixed reef.
The dominating corals in this shot are the ORA Green Slimer and the Strawberry Fields tabling acro. For a reference point, the Green Slimer is ~14" tall and the Strawberry Fields is ~12" across. That may help with the scale of the photo a bit. This picture was taken late in the light cycle after the T5's were off for the night. This is an LED only shot, a bit dark but I thought it had some nice contrast to it.
Project 365 - 1/7/16 - Strawberry Fields Acro with ORA Green Slimer
7 down 358 to go!
OP
OP
urbaneks
Well-Known Member
drstratton - a dslr is a must have reefing tool.
tristanfish - thanks so much
drstratton
Valuable Member
I just need my husband to understand that!drstratton - a dslr is a must have reefing tool.
Similar threads
