Awakening
Explanation
What makes this image work is the way the light reveals texture without overpowering the scene.
The subject already had a strong presence, so the goal was simply to bring it forward.
By placing both lights behind the subject, the edges and fine details start to glow, creating micro contrast that gives it a more dimensional feel.
The moss in the foreground catches just enough light to guide the eye into the frame, while the soft background keeps everything calm and balanced.
The subject already had a strong presence, so the goal was simply to bring it forward.
By placing both lights behind the subject, the edges and fine details start to glow, creating micro contrast that gives it a more dimensional feel.
The moss in the foreground catches just enough light to guide the eye into the frame, while the soft background keeps everything calm and balanced.
Gear Used
– amaran Ace 25c + Grid (x2)
Settings
SETTINGS
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF 100mm Macro
Aperture: f/3.2
Shutter speed: 1/80s
ISO: 400
Focus stacking: 30 images
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF 100mm Macro
Aperture: f/3.2
Shutter speed: 1/80s
ISO: 400
Focus stacking: 30 images
Breakdown
I found the subject while shooting in the forest and immediately noticed how unique it looked.
Since rain was coming, I set up quickly and decided to stay even when it started pouring.
I positioned the camera at the same level as the subject to keep a more immersive perspective and separated it from the background.
To take control of the scene, I underexposed by about 2 to 3 stops, creating space to shape the light.
I placed two Ace 25c lights behind the subject.
The left light was used to catch a bit of the moss in front, creating a subtle diagonal line that helps guide the eye into the frame.
Because of the rain, I didn’t set up a second tripod and held one of the lights by hand while capturing the focus stack.
I captured around 60 bracketed images at f/3.2 and stacked them in post to keep the subject sharp while maintaining a soft background.
Since rain was coming, I set up quickly and decided to stay even when it started pouring.
I positioned the camera at the same level as the subject to keep a more immersive perspective and separated it from the background.
To take control of the scene, I underexposed by about 2 to 3 stops, creating space to shape the light.
I placed two Ace 25c lights behind the subject.
The left light was used to catch a bit of the moss in front, creating a subtle diagonal line that helps guide the eye into the frame.
Because of the rain, I didn’t set up a second tripod and held one of the lights by hand while capturing the focus stack.
I captured around 60 bracketed images at f/3.2 and stacked them in post to keep the subject sharp while maintaining a soft background.
Quick Tip
If you’re holding a light during a focus stack, keep it as steady as possible… even small shifts can break the blend in post.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the conditions aren’t perfect… but those are often the moments where the most interesting images happen.
