Check out Street Photography section of our forum.
Yet Another Go Hand-held Wth my MP-E 65
May 7, 2016 12:54:34 #
As advised by my new friends on this forum I bought myself a bracket to offset my flash and had another go at handheld with the MP-E 65. After three miserable attempts the sun finally came out today and I managed to get two shots Im happy to share (please go easy on me).
Not photographing the whole insect is intentional, what I love about macro is bringing out the amazing detail, especially in the eyes.
As always advice and points to improve on will be gratefully received.
Not photographing the whole insect is intentional, what I love about macro is bringing out the amazing detail, especially in the eyes.
As always advice and points to improve on will be gratefully received.
May 7, 2016 12:58:26 #
May 7, 2016 13:36:55 #
Check out Traditional Street and Architectural Photography section of our forum.
May 7, 2016 14:19:37 #
We want to assist you in improving your macro illumination. Please post a photo of your camera/lens/speedlight set-up.
Exif info image #1:
Camera Model: Canon EOS 6D
Lens: MP-E65mm
Image Date: 2016-05-07
Focal Length: 65mm
Aperture: /14.0
Exposure Time: 0.0056 s (1/180-sec)
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes
Exif info image #1:
Camera Model: Canon EOS 6D
Lens: MP-E65mm
Image Date: 2016-05-07
Focal Length: 65mm
Aperture: /14.0
Exposure Time: 0.0056 s (1/180-sec)
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes
May 7, 2016 15:34:15 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thanks Douglass, I'll get that done tomorrow, it's nearly 9pm here and non-hobby duties call :-)We want to assist you in improving your macro illumination. Please post a photo of your camera/lens/speedlight set-up.
May 7, 2016 22:56:20 #
May 8, 2016 06:02:22 #
Ive attaches three pics of my setup, hope you find them useful.
I found the whole thing a bit heavy and cumbersome. The first picture was taken with the bracket connected to the camera and my home-made diffuser. The second was with the bracket connected to the lens shoe without the diffuser.
It didnt help that both insects were on a wall between six and ten inches from the floor so I was lying on my side while taking the pictures. Half the shots were completely black, while trying to get the focus right, I kept hitting the flash or defuser on the wall leaving it pointing in the wrong direction.
Its another sunny day here in Wales so hopefully Ill find a subject willing to pose in a more easily accessible position :-)
As always any hints or tips will be gratefully received.
I found the whole thing a bit heavy and cumbersome. The first picture was taken with the bracket connected to the camera and my home-made diffuser. The second was with the bracket connected to the lens shoe without the diffuser.
It didnt help that both insects were on a wall between six and ten inches from the floor so I was lying on my side while taking the pictures. Half the shots were completely black, while trying to get the focus right, I kept hitting the flash or defuser on the wall leaving it pointing in the wrong direction.
Its another sunny day here in Wales so hopefully Ill find a subject willing to pose in a more easily accessible position :-)
As always any hints or tips will be gratefully received.
May 8, 2016 06:07:23 #
napabob wrote:
nice job!.............as another who uses it, your doing fine
Thanks for the kind words napabob and for the thumbs up LoneRangeFinder & Photog21
May 8, 2016 20:27:21 #
A few hints about using your Canon 430 EX2 Speedlight for macro-photography:
1.) ALWAYS deploy the drop-down diffuser in front of the flash lens. This will also automatically program your speedlight to widest coverage;
2.) Set your speedlight to manual output, and start at 1/4 to 1/8 power, then adjust as needed (more for dark / less for light colored subjects);
3.) If possible, place an internal white cloth diffuser between drop-down diffuser and external face diffuser. (This is built into the commercial 6x8-inch diffusers).
1.) ALWAYS deploy the drop-down diffuser in front of the flash lens. This will also automatically program your speedlight to widest coverage;
2.) Set your speedlight to manual output, and start at 1/4 to 1/8 power, then adjust as needed (more for dark / less for light colored subjects);
3.) If possible, place an internal white cloth diffuser between drop-down diffuser and external face diffuser. (This is built into the commercial 6x8-inch diffusers).
FotoDiox 6x8 softbox diffuser
May 8, 2016 20:32:58 #
If I had to use your bracket, I would try mounting the ballhead/speedlight under the top bracket connect. It is too far away from your subject, and pointed incorrectly (light will not bend in your diffuser, no matter how you angle the diffuser face). With your 65-mm lens at 1:1 magnification, your subject is about 4-inches in front of your lens. At 2:1 mag, even closer.
May 9, 2016 06:40:39 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thanks Douglass, Ive ordered myself a diffuser and will try re-configuring the bracket/flash setup. Much appreciatedIf I had to use your bracket, I would try mounting the ballhead/speedlight under the top bracket connect. It is too far away from your subject, and pointed incorrectly (light will not bend in your diffuser, no matter how you angle the diffuser face). With your 65-mm lens at 1:1 magnification, your subject is about 4-inches in front of your lens. At 2:1 mag, even closer.
Check out Panorama section of our forum.
May 9, 2016 10:15:46 #
May 10, 2016 02:01:12 #
PaulBa wrote:
Your diffuser will most likely arrived folded, and will need a little help to fully expand to proper operating position. Ive ordered a diffuser and will try re-configuring the bracket/flash setup.
Read more here, especially near the end of thread: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-184699-1.html
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out Digital Artistry section of our forum.