About the Image(s)
For this month’s image, I chose this one of an Opilion. This is a curious creature because, at first sight, you might think it is a spider, but in reality, it isn’t. Its body is oval or round because its two body segments are fused into one. They don’t have glands that produce silk or venom, so they are harmless. They only have two eyes, whereas spiders have eight. They feed on organic material, small insects, and fungi.
I took thirty focus-stacking images to capture all the details. Because of its long legs, the subject covers quite a wide area, requiring a greater depth of field to keep everything in focus.
I first let the camera stack all the images, and it produced a nice, detailed result. However, I noticed some blur in an area around one of the front legs. So, I decided to do the exercise manually in Photoshop: I took all the individual images, aligned them, and stacked them again. I got a new image that, in my opinion, has less blur in that area than the one produced by the camera.
I have attached the three images to make the comparison easier. The two final images have been edited using the same settings to keep the comparison as consistent as possible.
The image was taken this week in my flower garden, handheld and using natural light.
EXIF data:
Shutter speed: 1/160 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 1600
Camera: Canon R6 III
Lens: Canon 100mm macro lens with extension tubes
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Maria, I have never seen this creature. You did a very good job with focus stacking. You always find cooperative critters. I count 10 legs. The Opiliones are an order of arachnids (they belong to the same group as the spiders), colloquially known as harvestmen, harvesters, daddy long legs, or granddaddy long legs. Over 6,650 species of harvestmen have been discovered worldwide. Posted: 10/03/2026 20:13:52
Maria Mazo
Hi Isaac, thank you very much for enlightening me! I've found them quite easily around the house and in the garden, so I think they like it here. They have eight legs, but I believe the two front appendages aren't actually legs; perhaps they're part of the mouth? Posted: 10/23/2026 14:30:11
Richard Goldenberg
Hi Maria - Like Isaac, I have never seen this very interesting little creature. I'm impressed you managed to stack 30 images taken handheld! I've just begun to experiment with stacking and even with fewer images am struggling with doing it with images taken handheld. I've been meaning to "break out the tripod," but haven't gotten around to it yet. Anyway, the detail on the center of your creature and the spikes on the legs is remarkable! Posted: 10/05/2026 13:01:38
Maria Mazo
Hi Richard, thank you for your comment! They really do have incredibly long legs! I initially started with a stack of ten images, but it wasn't enough to get all the legs in focus with sufficient detail. In the end, I took 30 images for the stack, which allowed me to capture all the legs in detail. Posted: 10/23/2026 14:34:05
Julia Tanner
Maria, great methodical approach that shows your dedication to producing the very best from your photos. Excellent detail, and the opilion stands out well against the plush green foliage blur. I'm at the beginning of my own macro journey, and in-camera focus stacking is on the list. This image is inspiring. Posted: 10/07/2026 13:00:40
Maria Mazo
Hi Julia, thank you for your nice comment, im glad that you find my work inspiring Posted: 10/25/2026 13:38:04
Maria Small
Maria, once again, your image leaves me dumbfounded, not because I am dumb (ha! ha! ha!), but beyond impressed with your mastery of using focus stacking not only in camera but in Photoshop as well. And you must have x-ray vision to see the minutest details in your images and make them stand out. And to top it all, you're able to capture this tiny creature in such a fetching pose, displaying its long, hairy legs against a soft and luminous green background. Posted: 10/08/2026 17:59:37
Maria Mazo
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your kind words about my work! I used to have eagle-eyed vision, but not anymore. Now I have to concentrate hard to see these little creatures!
Focus stacking in camera is a great feature for capturing much more detailed images. I'm still a long way from mastering it, but the more I practise, the better results I'm getting. Posted: 10/25/2026 13:44:50
Adrian Binney
Maria - yet another fabulous macro shot of an interesting creature and thank you for the info. Your garden seems a treasure-trove for your photography!
Lovely sharp shot as usual and thank you for the others. Posted: 10/16/2026 17:15:52
Maria Mazo
Hi Adrian,
Thank you for your kind comment! Having a garden that attracts little creatures is very convenient, as I don't have to travel far to find some lovely models to photograph. Posted: 10/25/2026 13:52:40
