News – Stewart Wood https://stewartwood.com See The Unseen! Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:52:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://stewartwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-SW-logo114-100x100.png News – Stewart Wood https://stewartwood.com 32 32 Welcome to the Macro Photography Community: A Place to Connect, Share & Grow https://stewartwood.com/welcome-to-the-macro-photography-community-a-place-to-connect-share-grow/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:42:56 +0000 https://stewartwood.com/?p=57921

If you’re passionate about the small world, tiny details, textures, insects, fungi, and all things macro, then I’ve built something just for you.

Over the years, I’ve met so many incredible photographers, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros, all drawn to the fascinating world of macro. But what I’ve always felt was missing is a dedicated space, a real community where macro lovers can come together, share ideas, get feedback, and just enjoy the craft without the noise and distractions of typical social media.

That’s exactly why I created the Macro Photography Community on the Skool platform.

🧭 What Makes This Community Different?

Unlike Facebook groups or Instagram comment threads, this is a structured, focused, and ad-free environment. No algorithms, no boosted posts, and no toxic replies, just photographers helping photographers.

Inside the community, you’ll find:

🧠 Learn from others’ experience and knowledge

🎥 LIVE Zoom Meetings (Q&A , Critique , Tips & Techniques, Gear/Kit)

🤝 Meet Ups

🙋‍♂️ Advice

🤔 Monthly challenges and creative project ideas

📷 Gear tips and setup advice

✏️ Editing discussions and feedback

🤗 A supportive community to share your work and ask questions

No fluff. No spam. No self-promotion. Just real photographers helping each other grow.

This isn’t about posting your best photo and chasing likes; it’s about connecting with others, improving your skills, and staying inspired.

🔧 Who Is It For?

Everyone.

Whether you’re just starting out and trying to get your first insect in focus, or you’ve been focus stacking jumpers for years, you’re welcome here. The beauty of macro is that there are so many different ways to do it, and we all learn something from each other.

🎉 And Yes, It’s Free!

The community is completely free to join. I cover all the costs!

If you’re ready to join a group of like-minded creatives, learn something new, and share your love for the tiny world, you’re invited.

I’d love to see you inside.

Stewart

Join Now!
]]> NOT MY SON – A CINEMATIC MASH-UP OF ALIEN AND JUMPING SPIDER PHOTOGRAPHY https://stewartwood.com/not-my-son-a-cinematic-mash-up-of-alien-and-jumping-spider-photography/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:14:13 +0000 https://stewartwood.com/?p=57779

MACRO ARACHNIDS ON A DEW DROP BRIDGE

Introduction:

I have a deep fascination with both jumping spiders and the Alien franchise, so when I started experimenting with toy photography back in December, I knew I had to merge the two into a single, cinematic image. The goal was to create an authentic, story-driven shot that would blend the eerie atmosphere of Aliens with the intricate beauty of macro photography. The idea, a jumping spider coming out of an Alien egg, was given to me by my daughter.

PLANNING AND LIGHTING SETUP​

To achieve the right look, I started by analyzing a scene from Aliens—specifically, one set inside the Xenomorph hive. I took a screenshot and used Photoshop’s eyedropper tool to extract the HSB color values from the original film. This allowed me to accurately replicate the color scheme using my RGB LED lights, ensuring the lighting felt true to the movie’s signature style.

Once I had my reference, I moved on to setting up the composition. The toy is “Big Chap” from Neca. The scene required both the alien figure and the egg to be in the frame while maintaining sharp focus on both subjects, this was achieved using a Platypod eXtreme with an Elbow and a Mini Super Clamp to hold the alien figure in place. After finalizing their positions, I began lighting the scene:

1. Background Light – A bright blue LED was placed behind a metal sheet with perforations, creating a textured, diffused effect similar to the hive’s eerie glow.

2. Main Key Light – A mid-blue LED positioned to the left of the scene served as the primary illumination, shaping the form of the alien and enhancing the three-dimensional look.

3. Accent Light – A low-intensity red LED was added to introduce subtle red highlights, providing depth and a cinematic contrast to the cool blue tones.

CAMERA SETTINGS AND CHALLENGES

 For my initial exposure settings, I started with:
• Aperture: f/10
• ISO: 200
• Shutter Speed: 1.3 sec (to accommodate the smoke effects)

However, I quickly realized the biggest challenge—the jumping spider. Unlike a static figurine, a live spider is constantly moving, making it nearly impossible to capture it perfectly positioned, looking at the camera, and staying still for a long exposure.

To freeze the spider’s motion, I introduced an off-camera flash set to 1/32 power and positioned off to the right using a Platypod eXtreme and Elbow. However, this introduced a new issue—the flash made the alien look more like a toy than a cinematic creature. At this point, I decided that a composite approach would be the best solution.

BUILDING THE COMPOSITE: THREE KEY IMAGES

To achieve a seamless final image, I broke the shot into three separate elements: –

  1. The Alien Figure – Photographed using my carefully planned lighting and fog setup.
  2. The Jumping Spider – Captured separately with an orange-gelled flash to enhance its visibilit and contrast against the alien.
  3. The Smoke Effect – Shot as an independent layer to allow for precise blending in post-processing.

For the fog effects, I used the Telesin C40 fog machine, which worked beautifully to create the atmospheric mist that added a sense of depth and realism to the shot.

CAPTURING THE SPIDER

Once I was happy with the composition and lighting, it was time to introduce the jumping spider. The initial test shots were promising, but the spider appeared too small in the frame. To correct this, I moved the entire setup closer to the camera to create a more immersive, in-your-face perspective.

For the spider’s capture, I:
• Adjusted the flash power to 1/128 to reduce harshness.
• Used an orange gel on the flash, which brightened the spider while also enhancing the wet/slim look of the alien due to the hard light reflection.
• Patiently waited for the perfect moment when the spider naturally moved into the desired position—then fired the shot.

The result? The spider appears to be emerging from the alien egg, while the Xenomorph looms over it, inspecting the tiny intruder—exactly the storytelling moment I envisioned.

Final Image Capture Settings
• Shutter Speed: 2 sec
• Aperture: f/10
• ISO: 80

Once the spider shot was complete, I took photos of the alien and smoke, deciding that one image would be enough for the alien and smoke together, I also refocussed on the alien teeth.

With the raw images successfully captured, it was time to move on to post-processing.

POST-PROCESSING IN ADOBE LIGHTROOM & PHOTOSHOP

All selected images were imported into Adobe Lightroom, where I:
• Applied one of my custom macro presets to ensure a consistent tonal look.
• Made basic exposure and contrast adjustments before exporting the shots into Photoshop for compositing.

In Photoshop, I:

• Upscaled the spider by duplicating its layer, enlarging it, and masking it seamlessly into the scene.

• Removed unwanted elements such as toy-like surface imperfections, fluff, and dust partic using the Remove Tool.

• Enhanced the alien’s head details to ensure it had a cinematic presence.

To give the image a true widescreen feel, I cropped it to a 21:9 aspect ratio. Using Photoshop’s Generative Fill, I extended the background where needed—this worked particularly well in out-of- focus areas, seamlessly expanding the environment.

For final color grading, I:

• Used the Channel Mixer and Color Balance to tweak the hues for a more theatrical feel.

• Applied selective sharpening to the spider and alien’s head, ensuring the key focal points were crisp.

• Added 3% noise and grain to give the image a cinematic, film-like texture.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This project was an exciting fusion of macro photography and toy photography, blending practical effects, lighting techniques, and composite work to bring my Alien/Jumping Spider mash-up to life.

It also wouldn’t have been possible without the right gear—including Platypod equipment, which provided the stability and flexibility needed to shoot at such a low-angle perspective whilst accommodating off-camera lighting and fog effects.

From concept to execution, Not My Son was a challenging but rewarding project, and I hope it inspires others to think outside the box—merging genres, experimenting with practical effects and bringing creative visions to life through photography.

]]> THIRST QUENCHING CAPTURE https://stewartwood.com/thirst-quenching-capture/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:32:52 +0000 https://stewartwood.com/?p=57765

THIRST QUENCHING CAPTURE

Introduction:

When Platypod invited me to participate in their food photography challenge, my first thought was, ‘What should I photograph?’ As a macro photographer, I knew this project would take me a bit out of my comfort zone. To keep things focused, I set a few ground rules: stay on a low budget, make no new gear purchases, and work only with the equipment I already had—which, luckily, is primarily for macro photography. As it turns out, macro gear can be quite effective for food and product photography, which gave me a great starting point.

I decided to capture an iconic image featuring a small, classic glass bottle of Coca-Cola. My goal was to create a striking, backlit shot of the bottle against a colored background for a dramatic effect.

Setting Up the Scene

The first step was finding the right Coke bottle. A quick trip to Tesco, and I had my subject in hand. Next, I needed a backdrop. I chose black and red paper from a local shop and settled on red to complement the iconic color of the Coca-Cola brand.

To set up the background, I used a Platypod eXtreme paired with a Platypod Elbow and a Platypod Mini Super Clamp to hold the paper in place, mimicking a seamless portrait studio setup. This setup helped keep the focus on the bottle, creating a clean, professional look.

Lighting the Bottle

For ambient lighting, I positioned two Soonwell MT1 LED strip lights—one on each side of the bottle—to add a subtle, even glow across the scene. Then, for a more focused highlight on the front of the bottle, I attached a Godox MF12 flash to the top of the left LED light using a Platypod Elbow, setting it to a low power to avoid overpowering the image.

To achieve a dynamic backlight effect, I inserted another MF12 flash through the paper backdrop and held it in place with another Platypod eXtreme. To blend with the red paper, I fitted this flash with a red gel, creating a cohesive and intense color scheme reflective of the Coca-Cola brand.

Adding the Final Touches

To introduce an element of movement and texture, I used a Nano Face Mist Sprayer from Amazon, a tool I often use for creating water droplets in macro photography. This sprayer added a subtle, misty effect that gave the photo a fresh, frosty look.

For the camera setup, I used a Canon EOS R paired with a Laowa 90mm f/2.8 macro lens, triggering the Godox MF12 flashes with a Godox trigger. In a playful nod to my macro photography specialty, I added one of my pet jumping spiders on top of the bottle—an unexpected detail that adds personality and a bit of humor to the final shot.

Post-Processing

The final stage was a light retouch in Adobe Photoshop, where I boosted the colors and contrast to make the image pop while removing minor distractions to maintain the clean, polished look I wanted.

Conclusion

This project was both a challenge and a delight. Experimenting with lighting techniques and creative effects took me outside my usual comfort zone, but I am thrilled with the result. The iconic Coca-Cola bottle, enhanced by rich color, dramatic lighting, and a touch of whimsy, turned out to be a striking image that beautifully captures the spirit of the brand. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

]]> MACRO ARACHNIDS ON A DEW DROP BRIDGE https://stewartwood.com/macro-arachnids-on-a-dew-drop-bridge/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:42:31 +0000 https://stewartwood.com/?p=57738

MACRO ARACHNIDS ON A DEW DROP BRIDGE

Introduction:

In the world of macro photography, there are few subjects as captivating and intricate as the jumping spider. These tiny arachnids possess an undeniable charm with their large eyes and agile movements. Add to this scene a blade of grass adorned with delicate dewdrops refracting the image of a nearby flower, and you have a mesmerizing microcosm waiting to be captured through the lens. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of photographing a jumping spider in such a setting, while also highlighting the use of Platypod gear to enhance your overall photography experience.

The Idea:

I’m always captivated by the work of my good friend Don Komarechka and with having a new pet jumping spider, I wanted to create something extra special. My goal was to create an image of my jumping spider crossing a blade of grass ‘bridge’ with a flower refracting in the water drops. This kind of shot would be extremely difficult if not impossible to shoot in the wild, getting all of the elements together that make up this shot would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, let alone the fact that this species of jumping spider isn’t found in the wild here in the UK. With that being said, let’s shoot this scene indoors at my macro studio.

Understanding the Scene:

Before delving into the technical aspects of photography, it’s essential to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the scene you’re about to capture. Picture a solitary blade of grass adorned with tiny dewdrops, each acting as a miniature lens, refracting the surrounding world. In the background, a vibrant flower adds a splash of color to the backdrop, its image distorted yet recognizable in the dew-kissed droplets. And there, perched delicately atop the blade of grass, is the star of our show – a jumping spider, poised for its moment in the spotlight.

Gear Preparation:

To effectively capture such a scene, proper gear is essential. For macro photography enthusiasts, a reliable camera body equipped with a macro lens is the obvious choice. For this image, I’m using my trusty old Canon EOS R with the Laowa 100mm 2 X macro lens and for lighting, I’m using the Godox MF12 Twin macro light (with a custom-made diffuser). However, when setting up the scene, Platypod gear proves invaluable. The Platypod eXtreme is a compact and versatile tool designed to provide a stable platform for the scene or even your camera. The combination of the Platypod Extreme, Elbows and Mini Super Clamps is perfect for setting up complex scenes like this one.

We’ll use three Platypod eXtremes. Two for the grass and one for the background. You can use one Platypod eXtreme but it will get fiddly trying to fit everything in place. We’ll place the grass between two Platypod eXtremes using the elbows and mini super clamps. The third Platypod eXtreme will hold the flower and the background card (which is used to prevent the ‘black’ gaps that can happen between the flower’s petals). Once the scene is set we can add water drops to it using a syringe or water mister.

Composition and Framing:

With your gear in place, it’s time to frame the shot. Position your camera at a low angle, allowing you to capture the jumping spider on the dew-covered grass blade and refracted flower. Consider the rule of thirds, placing the spider slightly off-center to add visual interest to the composition. Pay attention to the leading lines formed by the blade of grass, guiding the viewer’s gaze towards the focal point of the image – the spider.

Patience and Persistence:

Photographing small creatures like jumping spiders requires patience and persistence. These agile arachnids may dart away at the slightest disturbance, so take your time to observe their behavior and anticipate their movements. Be prepared to spend some time waiting for the perfect moment to capture the shot. Remember, the best images often come to those who are willing to invest the time and effort to get them. We want to to wait for the jumping spider to walk from one end of the grass to the other, if the spider takes too long you may need to add more water drops as they will dry up over time.

Final Thoughts:

In the world of macro photography, capturing the intricate beauty of nature’s microcosm requires both skill and creativity. By combining the right gear with patience and a keen eye for composition, you can create stunning images that showcase the enchanting world of jumping spiders and dew-kissed blades of grass. And with tools like Platypod gear at your disposal, you can take your photography to new heights – or in this case, new lows – exploring perspectives and angles that were once out of reach. So grab your camera and immerse yourself in the magic of macro photography. Who knows what wonders you might discover just beyond the blade of grass?

]]> Exciting News: My Website Just Got a Major Upgrade! https://stewartwood.com/exciting-news-my-website-just-got-a-major-upgrade/ https://stewartwood.com/exciting-news-my-website-just-got-a-major-upgrade/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:27:27 +0000 https://stewartwood.com/?p=57549

Exciting News: My Website Just Got a Major Upgrade!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news—my website has undergone a complete overhaul! After months of planning, designing, and refining, the new and improved Stewart Wood Photography website is now live. This update is more than just a fresh look; it’s packed with new features and improvements designed to provide a better experience for you.

What’s New?

Sleek New Design:
The new design offers a modern, clean look that reflects my passion for macro and wildlife photography. Navigation is now smoother than ever, making it easy for you to explore my portfolio, YouTube videos, and upcoming projects.

Enhanced Performance:
With the new update, the website now loads faster and performs better on both desktop and mobile devices. I’ve optimised everything so you can spend more time enjoying content and less time waiting for pages to load.

Simplified User Experience:
I’ve streamlined the user experience by simplifying the navigation and making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Whether you’re browsing my latest macro photography projects, reading tips and tutorials, or exploring YouTube videos, everything is now easier to access.

What’s Coming Soon?

While I’m incredibly proud of the improvements made, this is just the beginning. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

Online Photography Courses:

Soon, you’ll be able to purchase lifetime access to comprehensive macro and wildlife editing courses. Each course will be updated regularly to keep you learning and growing.

Exclusive Editing Tutorials:

I’ll be launching a monthly subscription plan where you can watch exclusive editing tutorials. These videos will show the behind-the-scenes editing process of my “hero” images featured in my YouTube videos.

Integrated User Experience:

In the future, I’ll be merging the course and shop sections into a single account page for a seamless user experience.

Why the Update?

This website update marks a new chapter for Stewart Wood Photography. With my recent expansion into wildlife photography and growing interest in sharing editing techniques, I wanted to create a space that could support these new offerings. This website is now fully equipped to host detailed tutorials, engaging content, and upcoming courses that I believe you’ll love.

Let me know what you think! Your feedback is invaluable as I continue to make improvements and add new features.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I can’t wait to share more exciting projects and content with you soon!

— Stewart

]]> https://stewartwood.com/exciting-news-my-website-just-got-a-major-upgrade/feed/ 0