Focus Stacking Is it Bad For Your Creativity

Focus Stacking Is Great. But Is It Killing Creativity? Do we rely too much on science to solve creative problems? Is front-to-back sharpness a technical problem or a creative choice? In this video, I will give you my views.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction Is Focus Stacking Bad For Your Creativity.
02:00 Is Focus Stacking Killing Creativity
07:00 Sharp Background v Soft Background
14:40 Is Focus Stacking Really That Bad?
16:40 A Burst of Colour in a Green World - simplify your photographs
If you can’t ween yourself off Focus Stacking then at least watch my Videos on how to Focus Stack!
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[@johncoombes6231]

Once again Brian, great video it is true that things can get far to technical when focus stacking and you have shown us to get the item focused correctly and back your own skill as a photographer if it goes wrong then try again. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Thanks John, keep it simple and enjoy your photography, rely on your creativity and less on the science.

[@lonewolfphotography01]

Thank you so much for this video Brian, a great subject to discuss. I have never stacked any image or photograph in any way , I prefer to make the camera work ( and the lens) and create art . I'm glad you coverd this as art / photographs are what the artist intends and if some areas are softer or blurred then you are definitely drawn into the intended subject.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Thanks Geoff, felt a bit odd making this video as sometimes I Focus Stack, but only when it’s an important part of the photograph. Glad you agree, and thanks for watching

[@StuartChapman193]

Enjoyed this one Brian, think to much is made of having everything pin sharp and more important to get subject sharp. A lot of images just look far to static, slight movement or blur adds to the image in many instances.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Thanks Stewart, exactly more creativity less perfection!

[@NaturePhotoStudios]

I remember when HDR was the rage and everyone overcooked their images to the point of absurdity.
Focus stacking has its place in moderation. I use it mainly for macro shots when I need to show more of the subject in focus but other times not using it adds some mystery and wonder to a macro image.
Focus stacking is a tool like any other in your photography arsenal. It’s nice sometimes to keep it in the tool pouch and do something different.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Exactly. Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in the technical side of photography, we miss out the creative bit. Of course you are right for macro focus stacking is wonderful. I use focus stack but as you say in moderation is best. Maybe I should do a video on HDR at some point. I just don’t use it much.

[@NaturePhotoStudios]

@@BrianNorthmorePhotography
Instead of HDR which I don’t think is as bad as it was, I think exposure blending is the new HDR.

[@martingoff-jones2184]

Thanks for a really interesting and thought provoking video Brian. I’m currently in the act of inspecting the depth of field for my lenses at various different f-stops & focal lengths, so I have a much better idea about what to use and when. As you say, all too often now other videos encourage you to get everything pin sharp all the way through a photo, your video is a breath of fresh air.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Thanks Martin. It’s good to understand the limitations of your equipment because then you make informed decisions on what to use and when. Thanks for watching

[@imagseer]

Interesting video again Brian. I've always thought focus stacking was 'intended' for macro photography. Haven't they had a focus stacking app on iPhone since around 2015? Android too? So the AI aspect of keeping everything sharp was already familiar to those who migrated to DSLRs. But it's rubbish if you have anything moving in the subject area. Interestingly those of us who wear glasses are used to a blur around the outside of our main area of vision, so to us it is normal and natural whereas everything sharp is kind of fake. It's a probably just fad to stack everything, like HDR was.

[@BrianNorthmorePhotography]

Indeed. It had its place, but it shouldn’t be used before other options are explored, to easy to take the technical way out and miss out on the creative side. I don’t think it’s a fad it’s here to stay. For close up and macro it’s a game changer. Thanks for watching