Rose, image stack

This rose is a result in some experimenting with image stacking and B/W conversion. Using Helicon Soft to process 20 images, I then ran the result thru NIK's software to enhance petal texture, sharpness and NIK's Silver Efex Pro B/W conversion. I also ran the stacked image color version with PS rough pastel filter, that can be viewed in the Photo Art Gallery at... http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=157796

canon 7D
canon 100mm macro f2.8L
canon speedlite 580EX II
F/13. 8 s. ISO 160
tripod, cable

I gotta tell ya, i like the colored one Craig. This is nice also, but the colored one for me. And, wow, alot of 'hard' work also. I like your desired result though, in both pictures.

I think I like the colored one better as well.

It's the color one for me, too, Craig. Wow what a job you undertook to accomplish this amazing image! The detail is incredible. In the color version I really can appreciate the subtle color variations and the glow of the light much better than in the bw version. Impressive experiment and a fine result with both the bw conversion and the color image.

Excellent work, Craig. I see what everyone says about the color one, but I really like the texture in this B&W version. So how did you determine how many shots to take to stack? How much did you change your focus each time? Seems like something I need to investigate.

Well done.

David, image stacking is still pretty new too me so I am experimenting. From what I read at the Helicon Soft site, successive shots should overlap and for the software to work it is better to take too many shots then less for good results. I found shooting my 7D in live mode, and using the toggle button to move the small rectangular focusing target or "magnifying frame" from point (starting with closest and working to the back of the subject,) to point works best. Once the magnifying frame is placed over what looks like the next plane to shoot I press the magnify button once or twice to zoom in and manually focus for the next shot. Just continue until you have moved thru the subject front to back. I just purchased the Helicon software (available on 30 day trial also,) and it took 2.5 min for it to process the 20 images into one. I have an electronic rail on order to refine the technique. With it the distance between shots (ex. .05mm) is selected and the shots are then taken automatically while "riding the rail."
Hope this helps, Craig

Beautiful shot Craig. I like both versions. Thanks for explaining how your technique on how you created this image. The all around sharpness is just amazing.