A Guide to Focus Stacking eBook:
How to Focus Bracket and Photo Stack for macro photography:
​​​​
​
This 40-page eBook is a practical guide to focus bracketing and photo stacking, whether you're working outdoors or in the studio with stationary macro subjects like fungi, flowers, ferns, jewelry, and other captivating details. (This is not a guide for fast moving subjects such as insects.)
It offers clear, straightforward advice on common challenges with focus bracketing and stacking, including managing depth of field, troubleshooting failed stacks, and improving your technique in the field.
Below is the table of contents, outlining exactly what this eBook covers.
​​​​
eBook format: Downloadable PDF file (Size 60.5 MB)
​
For the best eBook experience, desktop, laptop and tablet viewing is recommended. Mobile devices may show some colour banding in gradient backgrounds due to mobile PDF viewers and displays.
Contents:
1: Introduction to Focusing
This chapter explains why precise focusing is crucial in macro photography. It covers the common challenges you’ll face, like limited depth of field, and offers practical solutions to overcome them.
​
2: Understanding Depth of Field
Depth of field is a key concept in macro photography and a major reason why focus bracketing is often necessary. This chapter breaks down how aperture, focal length, and magnification all affect depth of field, helping you understand the technical side of macro work.
​
3: Guide to Focus Bracketing
A step-by-step guide to focus bracketing, covering manual techniques using your lens’s focus ring, bracketing with a focus rail, and automated methods. You’ll also learn how to determine the right number of shots and what settings to check before you start.
​
4: Focus Stacking
This chapter introduces the post-processing side of macro photography, focus stacking. It walks you through combining your images using software like Photoshop and Helicon Focus.
​
5: Common Problems and Solutions
From subject movement and stacking errors to haloing and lighting challenges, this chapter addresses the most frequent issues macro photographers face. It also touches briefly on the role of artificial lighting in achieving sharp results.
​
6: Conclusion & A Note from the Author
Final thoughts and encouragement from the author to wrap up your learning journey.
​​​​​​
​
Important Information:​
I kindly ask that you do not share this eBook with others, redistribute or resell in anyway. Each purchase is for personal use only.
​
All charges are processed in GBP (£). Please note that VAT may be added at your country’s standard rate during checkout.
​
If you are purchasing from outside the UK, your payment may be converted to your local currency by your bank or card
provider, and you may incur a small foreign transaction fee depending on their terms.
​
Due to the nature of digital products, all sales are final and non-refundable. If you experience any issues with your download or have questions, please contact me at courtneyvictoriaphotography@gmail.com or use the contact form here:
Looking to put your bracketing and stacking knowledge into practise?​​​​
​
Consider joining me on a macro workshop! There are currently spaces still available for my 2025 Autumn Fungi Workshops. You can find more details on my workshops page.
