Photographer Jacek Hensoldt’s work focuses on “the little wonderful things that we usually don’t notice.” To seize the hidden complexity of the macro world, he makes use of a strong approach that brings out excessive particulars in tiny topics: focus stacking.
What is focus stacking?
Focus stacking is extensively utilized in excessive close-up images and includes taking a number of photos at completely different focus factors, that are then merged right into a single picture in post-processing, producing excessive sharpness and element all through the body.
Hensoldt utilized this system to seize Parasite – a picture that was chosen as a Finalist in Close Up Photographer of the Year’s ‘Death & Decay’ problem.
The picture reveals extraordinary element in a cluster of protect bug eggs parasited by the wasp Trissolcus semistriatus – with one grownup already emerged and others growing contained in the remaining eggs.
Article continues beneath
Finalist ‘Parasite’
Hensoldt says, “This is a cluster of shield bug eggs parasitised by the wasp Trissolcus semistriatus. The females lay their eggs inside the host eggs, where the larvae feed on the contents – the death of one becoming the prerequisite for the life of another.
“Through the translucent eggshells, the tiny heads of the developing wasps are already visible; in some, you can even distinguish compound eyes and antennae. One adult has already emerged but seemed in no hurry to leave without its siblings, which allowed me to photograph the scene at a relaxed pace.
“The adult wasps are only 0.9–1.3mm long and completely harmless to humans. What fascinates me most is how symmetrically the eggs are arranged. The final image is a focus stack of 32 frames merged in Helicon Focus.”
The CUPOTY competition
The main Close Up Photographer of the Year competition invites photographers from all levels and corners of the globe to showcase their finest close-up work, captured with any camera, camera phone, or even microscope.
Next to this annual competition, the CUPOTY runs themed challenges with a specific theme, like ‘Death & Decay’. For more information and to discover more winning images, visit the CUPOTY website.
You would possibly like…
If you’re into macro images, examine our information to the best camera for macro photography and best macro lenses. We also have supporting tutorials like how to use natural lighting effects to introduce drama to your macro photography scenes, or 4 macro hacks for your camera, lens and phone.
Looking for competitions to enter? Here are 10 global photo contests now open for entries from April to July.