EDITING SOFTWARE

I do all my editing in 1 program: Affinity . Everything I need for editing is in this software. Including focus stacking. Why Affinity? It's free. It's perfect. I did a Creative Session with Affinity which you can find below. I walk you through my editing process. Also below you'll find my free guide to focus stacking with 7 tips and tricks. Want more info? Consider a workshop with me.

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Affinity

I’ve relied on Affinity as my all-in-one macro photo editor from day one, every shot gets stacked and polished there. Back in 2018, I needed editing software that could also stack images. Photoshop could, but it was clunky and pricey. A quick ‘Photoshop alternatives’ search led me to Affinity: a one-time 35 euro buy in a subscription-crazed world? Sold!

V1 hooked me instantly. I started tagging my work with #madeinaffinity, and Affinity’s team spotted my work. They reached out to buy it. I remember thinking it was a joke. This was back when I had only a handful of followers. But it was for real… and an incredible important moment in my creative journey as a photographer. It gave me a confidence boost like anything for which I will always be grateful.

When V2 came out, it was an instant upgrade to support the team that fueled my creativity. Then in 2024, Canva acquired them, sparking brief uncertainty. But they pulled me in to beta-test their ambitious new universal Affinity app (Photo + Designer + Publisher in one). It was a lot of fun to contribute to their big launch.

So….yeah, I’m completely biased when it comes to Affinity. So don’t take it from me, but try the free version yourself: it handles all your macro focus stacking and editing needs perfectly!

Topaz

Yes, I do all my editing in one program. But for the final touch I do use an extra program. Specifically for big prints.

It’s Topaz AI. This program brings sharpness to the next level. I used to use macros and all kind of tricks to get a bit of extra natural looking clarity. But it doesn’t come close to what Topaz does. Especially for big prints in musea you want things to look crisp and perfect. I bought it before it turned into a subscription-model.

It is pricy, but it’s excellent at what it does.

Download my free guide to handheld focus stacking

7 tips to start focus stacking in the field with living insects that are always free to go where ever they want.