Iris photography is a personalized photographic service based on macro images of the eye. The photographer captures the iris surrounding the pupil, recording its patterns and colors, then processes the image to create an artwork.
The fine patterns of the iris are unique to each individual. These images can serve as personal keepsakes, or combine the irises of couples, family members or friends in a single composition. Alongside wall art, some providers offer acrylic display pieces, necklaces, bracelets and illuminated lightboxes.
After recently encountering this photographic service in Hong Kong, we revisited our archive of customer photographs and confirmed that the LS18 macro focusing rail had already been used for iris photography some time ago.
The photographs were supplied by a customer who had ordered the LS18 on several occasions. They show a tabletop setup comprising a camera, lighting and a head support, with the LS18 mounted beneath the camera. A close-up view of an iris is visible on the camera screen.
The product shown is an earlier LS18, with a red micrometer knob and a crank handle that did not yet use a folding design. These photographs had been retained as a record of customer use. Reviewing them alongside information on iris photography has clarified their specific application.
Iris photography typically uses a macro lens. At close range, depth of field is shallow, and small changes in the camera’s front-to-back position affect focus. Fine adjustment of the distance between the camera and the eye is an important part of recording clear detail.
Turning the LS18’s knob moves the camera forward or backward along the rail, allowing the photographer to observe the image while making fine positional adjustments. In this customer’s setup, it provides front-to-back camera positioning.
With their high-precision adjustment capabilities, SWEBO products have been used in professional photography, laboratories and other fields.