Technique

The technique behind extreme magnification differs greatly from “normal” photography. For optical reasons, depth of field decreases as magnification increases: the higher the magnification, the thinner the zone that is rendered sharp. In microscopy, the specimen is placed between two glass slides because the plane of focus is only as “thick” as the gap between them. Everything in front of and behind the slides is already out of focus.

To render a three-dimensional subject sharp at high magnification, the planes of focus must be photographed precisely one after another. They are often only a few micrometres thick. Special software then combines the sharp areas of often hundreds of single exposures into one image that is sharp throughout.

For my images I use a wide range of microscope optics, as well as enlarger lenses, close-up lenses and common macro lenses. Which optics I use depends on the subject and the magnification.

All images are taken with a 42-megapixel full-frame camera; currently a Sony α7R III. I am happy to answer questions about my equipment and will also try to answer other questions about macro photography. Please refrain from general questions that can easily be answered with a search engine. I am glad to help, but I do not offer workshops.