photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

These are hand held shots using Canon's 5d2 w/100mm macro lens. My feeling won't get hurt, so give me your honest opinions.

I've learnt more from criticisms than I ever have from praise.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Hard to tell. Try re posting with the "store original" checked so that we can enlarge them & provide better critique.

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

Sorry, still a little unsure as to posting on this site.

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LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

My comments are directed at composition/aesthetics-- rather than technical.
The first: it could just be a personal preference, but the "top looking down" approach rarely works unless you are really focusing on a select part of the flower, i.e a petal or two or the stamen/pistils.
The second: the large OoF petal in the foreground blocks what could be an interesting study of the stamen & pistils.
The third: it's too busy. I find myself wanting either a single bloom or more of the whole shrub. White flowers difficult without dramatic lighting.
Hope this helps…and is not too harsh.

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

Harsh, no. Accurate, yes. Was your comments of any help, absolutely, tho I freely admit I was I was more concerned with the technical. Thanks,

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I concur with Allen on the aesthetic aspects. Wondering why the high ISO that used. Many of us here on the "True Macro" forum use additional lighting which allows us to use smaller apertures and higher shutter durations.

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

I misspoke on the top two photos........Same camera but I was using a 50mm f/1.4 with a 2.5 Canon extension tube using direct sunlight. Using the tube, I shot at f/20 @ 1/125" and had to bump ISO to 6400!!
The third was shot with a M14 ring flash in TTL and still had to boost the ISO to 1000!!
I just acquired both flash and tubes so I'm not sure what I'm doing............yet!
Thoughts?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I use Nikon and almost all of my shots are done with either a ring light or a soft box equipped speed light. Mostly the ring light though. I shoot entirely in manual. Mode, focus flash, etc... My ring light has different power levels that I utilize. Mostly set my aperture to F11 thru F22, shutter on sync speed (1/250th) & power level at 1/2 to 1/4....ISO is never more than ISO 400, more often ISO 200...After I take a preliminary shot, I adjust the aperture & power level as needed...Try it & see if it helps...

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

Thanks, will try it
:) :)

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here is Exif info of your image #3:
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Image Date: 2015-05-02
Focal Length: 100mm
Aperture: ƒ/32.0
Exposure Time: 0.025 s (1/40)
ISO equiv: 3200
Exposure Bias: -0.33 EV
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes

Your camera settings are fighting each other! Here are a few pointers:
1.) Shoot MANUAL camera settings! You make all of the decision.
2.) Select aperture f/16. Any smaller and diffusion will hurt your resolution (http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-59819-1.html );
3.) Select ISO 200 (or 400 if speedlight is underpowered);
4.) Select shutter duration of 1/200-sec, which will sync with your shutter, and help eliminate camera movement (ambient light);
5.) Set Exposure bias to zero, as you will adjust speedlight output to control exposure.
6.) Set speedlight output to Manual, and start with 1/4 power output. This you will adjust based on subject distance from ringflash, and color contrast (light/dark) of subject.
7.) Can you diffuse your speedlight lenses?

Practice, adjust speedlight output, take a few notes.

Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ringflash

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Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

I wonder how much you could have captured with a tripod? :thumbup: :thumbup:

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

I agree but the use of a tripod was forbidden.


:shock:

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

Douglas,

Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. :-D

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

To understand the small minds of persons in charge would be a thesis for Steven Hawkings. A true pro will find a way. Good images.