By using the macro stacking over a shorter focal range, but still taking focal points that are much deeper than what the normal depth of field would be so close, the photos today have more depth and look much more natural.
I downloaded Photoshop CS 6 beta this morning while I was taking the roof off the house at the other end of the property. I haven’t tested it other than saving these files, because the new camera raw allowed me to adjust blacks, whites, shadows and highlights separately, which gave me much more control over the images before I brought them into Photoshop. Actually, I didn’t make any adjustments on the photos in photoshop other than adding my name.
Off Center & Not Even 
Fascinating stuff! I’m hoping my pear trees will be out very, very soon. 🙂
-Looking at these images I have the impression that ‘helical’ or what its name is does add a little ( or even more ) tonal contrast to the image as well. That tonal should be adjustable.
Harry
Helicon doesn’t add contrast — it doesn’t like a large range or light and dark, so the exposure needs to be done manually to control for hot spots and black shadows. All the photos today where done in harsh NM sun with glaring highlights and strong shadows. The photos are toned down from their actual contrast.
-Regarding the suspected added tonal contrast I referred to Amaryllis First Bloom and the daffodil 🙂
That is more true in those two photos because of the large range from light to dark. Helicon complained about both of those photos.