close up photography & double exposure

Since the depth of field is so extremely shallow in close-up photography has anyone tired to overlay double exposures taken at the front and back of subject? Would this work?

I just photo’d a 1 cm flower with dew drops and I could not see any difference between F11 and F22. I’m always trying to find the limits and at the same time hope that I never get there.

Jeff Seldomridge
Curtis, Washington

It can work quite well. For complex subjects, like the one posted, you might need something like Helicon Focus to do the blending for you. Just overlaying them won't work very well.

PS CS4 has a new image stacking for DOF. But Helicon Focus still is a better program.
Mark

If your camera allows you to do double exposure (Nikon, Pentax) allow for it, then you can do some in camera. This would not allow for a shot that is sharp throughout, it would be for a more 'artistic' look. I will often do one shot at a small aperture (say f22) and then another with a different point of focus with the lens wide open (or nearly wide open). The results can be A LOT of fun.

Attached is one example...

If you are looking for maximum DOF, with sharp throughout (or at least most of the way through the shot) then Helicon focus is definitely one of your best choices.

Nathan

Thanks everyone for the tip on Helicon Focus, I downloaded it and will try it out this weekend.

Thanks Nathan for the alternate idea of nesting a focus area inside a larger object. More food for thought!! If I only didn't have to work!!

Jeff