Macro and Off Camera Flash

[Alpha_7]

Hey All,

I've been pretty quiet of late, but I thought it was about time I share a few images. I got a new 90mm macro from Santa (thanks Katie) and it's got me out exploring some new styles of photography. These two shots are two I liked from playing with off camera flash (in manual), manual focus and manual exposure. It was a bit tricky working all the elements together, and certainly not good camera technique doing 1 hand for flash, 1 for the camera but I'd be keen to here your thoughts.


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[ATJ]

Craig,
Both images work for me. You have done very well with the lighting and it is not harsh at all (which is usually the problem with unprotected flash).

For the first image I find the foreground out-of-focus leaves a bit distracting, although they do add some framing. Of course, they need to be there to balance the ones on the other side, so I'm not sure what to suggest.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks for the feedback ATJ, especially given I've enjoyed your macro work for so long, it's pretty daunting having seen how good members shots are here, to even try to get similar results. Flash wise I was using the Lightsphere with the cup/lid attachment so that was giving me a somewhat softer light source plus it was frequently just out of frame to provide the biggest relative size to the subject.

I agree with you about the foreground leaves, I tried coming from a higher angle but I lost the interest on the new bud, but I did have less foreground distractions.

[ATJ]

Flash wise I was using the Lightsphere with the cup/lid attachment so that was giving me a somewhat softer light source plus it was frequently just out of frame to provide the biggest relative size to the subject.

You have started very well, then. What you have done is exactly why the lighting looks so good. All you need to do now is bribe Katie to hold the flash for you or build something that will hold it.

[Darxtorm]

These are on full manual? You're an impressive fellow!

Initially I enjoyed #1 more, but the longer I look at it, the more I like #2 with its organic but uniform 'stripey' pattern in the leaves. Lovely lines

Perhaps you need some kind of 'steadycam' type brace to hold your flash out beside/in front of you... You'd look a bit like the Terminator tho (terminator of poor light?)

[Greg B]

Both of those shots look great Craig, and my favourite is #2.

In relation to holding the flash, I found that my old Velbon tripod - which
is completely useless as a tripod - can actually be useful as a stand for the flash.

That black thingy that came with the flash (specifically the nikon AS-19)
has a 1/4" screw thread on the base and three cold shoes on the top
and works very nicely on top of your old relatively wobbly tripod.

[ATJ]

In relation to holding the flash, I found that my old Velbon tripod - which
is completely useless as a tripod - can actually be useful as a stand for the flash.

Greg, that works well for static subjects (and I have an old Velbon that use for that, too), but can be a problem when tracking insects and spiders. I find attaching it to the camera and then putting the whole lot on a monopod (to help support the weight) makes it more maneuverable.