Focus Stacking made simple! Using CASTEL M out in the field with Robert Thompson Photography

Join world-renowned macro photographer and natural history expert Robert Thompson of Ireland as he explores how the ground-breaking CASTEL-M Focusing Rail helps him make better macro photography. Robert will be sharing his experiences from the field and his technical assessment of how the mechanical micro-stepping focus has improved his workflow versus traditional rails. He will also detail the advantages this new focusing rail provides, complete with examples. Robert will also cover the basic focus bracketing principle he uses in order to get the best out of the CASTEL-M. He will also talk about how vital stability is when using focus stacking methods in the field And most delightfully, you will experience a lovingly narrated gallery of imagery while Robert speaks of their subjects and creation methods. [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:03:54]: Robert's experience with the CASTEL-M [00:12:38]: The advantages of the Pro-75 tripod [00:14:56]: Using the mini legs for close-up photography [00:19:41]: Advantages of the CASTEL-M over conventional rail design [00:23:56]: Key component parts of the rail [00:28:34]: Who the CASTEL-M design is for [00:32:18]: Incremental settings breakdown [00:36:00]: Focus bracketing principles [00:40:08]: Challenges of Focus Stacking [00:40:39]: Importance of Overcast Light [00:41:03]: Manual Camera Settings [00:41:45]: Image Quality and Aperture [00:42:15]: Preferred Aperture Settings [00:42:46]: Use of Focus Wheel Rotation [00:43:10]: Advantages of Using a Rail [00:45:14]: Popular Stacking Software [00:46:06]: Comparison of Stacking Programs [01:19:41]: Introduction to Bellows and NOVOFLEX [01:20:09]: Castbal Pro Bellows Integration [01:20:46]: Importance of Flat-Field Macro Lenses [01:21:30]: Rear Bellows Focus and Lens Setup [01:22:08]: Advantages of Stable Lens in Product Photography [01:22:59]: Details in Slime Mold Photography [01:23:34]: Magnification and Novoflex Equipment [01:24:11]: Tiny Glass Snails and Fungi Development [01:25:02]: Challenges in Focus Stacking [01:26:36]: Fine Detail in Slime Molds and Fungi [01:59:37]: Using preset balances [02:00:24]: Challenges with changing light [02:01:03]: Changes in Ireland's climate [02:01:29]: Difficulty with getting snow [02:02:09]: Using different lenses [02:02:55]: Preferences for lens color balance [02:03:32]: Proper orientation of enlarging lens [02:04:07]: Appreciation for the presentation [02:05:00]: Impression of a new photography rail [02:06:15]: Recommendations for additional resources More info: Robert's website: https://www.robertthompsonphotography.com/ Book: Close-up and Macro Photography: Its Art and Fieldcraft Techniques https://www.robertthompsonphotography.com/robert-thompson-publications/close-up-and-macro-its-art-and-fieldcraft-techniques.php Robert's Articles: https://www.robertthompsonphotography.com/novoflex-folder/novoflex.php Products Mentioned in this webinar: NOVOFLEX CASTEL-M FOCUSING RAIL RACK (CASTEL-M) https://novoflexus.com/novoflex-castel-m-focusing-rail-rack-castel-m/ TRIOPOD PRO75 https://novoflexus.com/tripods/triopod-pro75/ MAGICBALL BALLHEAD https://novoflexus.com/magicball-ballhead/ Q=BASE II - AUTOMATIC QUICK RELEASE BASE WITHOUT PLATE https://novoflexus.com/q-base-ii-automatic-quick-release-base-without-plate/ AUTO MACRO BELLOWS https://novoflexus.com/macro/auto-macro-bellows/ MACRO EXTENSION ROD SUPPORT SYSTEM https://novoflexus.com/macro-extension-rod-support-system/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVOFLEX/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novoflex/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NovoflexUS #novoflex #macro #photography