Helicon Focus

Pescadaro Beach , California

There is only one way I am aware of (without using swings and tilts on a view camera) to handle depth of field issues like the image posted today. This image was blended from 6 separate high resolution (60MP) images in Helicon Focus Software. Each image had a different point of focus from near to far.

When capturing you would find the farthest and nearest point of focus and simply 'bracket' the focus from one to the other. Load these images in Helicon Focus and it resolves focus and returns an image sharp from front to back.

Give it a try - works well..

PS: Thanks to Dr. Mark Dubovoy for teaching me this workflow. 

Death Valley

Death Valley, January 2011

'How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains'....John Muir

Death Valley seems rather quiet this time of year. Not sure why as the weather is great - around 68 degrees.

Up early yesterday to catch a sunrise out at Zabriske Point. The 'Point' just might be one of the best places to catch a sunrise - afternoon sunset was at Dante's View.

As mentioned yesterday I am road testing a new camera, the Alpa SW. The Alpa is a Swiss made, view camera style, lightweight camera. Basically it is a body, lens and digital back. No mirrors or zoom lens to deal with - just a high quality view camera lens, and I am out with a Schneider 48MM 5.6.

Basically I wanted to drop the amount of weight in my backpack and the Alpa , for me, is the perfect choice. The camera rides around my neck on the very well made  Alpa neckstrap and I carry my tripod. In my Scottie Vest are spare batteries and a few filters - no backpack - no weight....Amazing

Int he future will probably add another lens and a few accessories that will need a small backpack but still my guess is that I save minimum 10-15 pounds.

More on the Alpa tomorrow...