Suggestions for macro flower photography: i have played with photography for many decades but only as an enthusiastic amateur photography. Now at age 90 , i can no longer carry my...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Check out Infrared Photography section of our forum.

Suggestions for macro flower photography.

Mar 31, 2019 13:43:58 #

britrecko

i have played with photography for many decades but only as an enthusiastic amateur photography.
Now at age 90 , i can no longer carry my canon D60 and lenses in the field.

I want to start creating macro abstract flower images.

i have a sigma 50 mm 2.8 macro lens for starters but i am asking for suggestions for a clamp for the flower preferably with the other end of the clamp attaching to a portable light weight table or better yet perhaps to my sturdy camera tripod.
Adorama used to sell such a clamp but it is no longer available.
i am on a limited budget and will consider used equipment but where to purchase such items.
All suggestions welcomed and appreciated.

Mar 31, 2019 13:57:51 #

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I asked more or less same question for outdoor macros. Lots of helpful hints suited for indoors, too: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-550263-1.html

Mar 31, 2019 14:17:37 #

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Check with kpmac.

Check out Professional and Advanced Portraiture section of our forum.

Mar 31, 2019 14:26:16 #

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

britrecko wrote:

i have played with photography for many decades bu... (show quote)

Welcome to UHH. I will paste the response I gave to the same question just now in an other thread.

BlueMorel wrote:

I enjoy taking closeup shots of wildflowers in my area, but the breeze is often a problem. Anyone have a tip on immobilizing the blooms in situ so I can get better focus? 50 mm f1.8 lens on my Canon Rebel t2i + tripod. I generally shoot in AV mode with wide aperture, medium ISO., shallow DOF.

Breeze is always a problem!

I initially thought that the Plamp was gimmicky, too expensive, I could make my own, etc. and have used many of the various home made solutions people are talking about here. But the Plamp does the job like nothing else, it is light and easy to carry and quick to set up. I find it amazingly useful.

I am really conscientious about not damaging the plants I am photographing and the Plamp is the one method that reliably holds without damaging the plants. That is a subject that doesn't get discussed enough - the damage to wildlife done by photographers. Wildlife photographer Paul Bertner talks about the horrors he has seen and explains his Ethical EXIF concept here:

https://petapixel.com/2018/07/16/ethical-exif-ee-for-wildlife-photos/

In my experience it is difficult and often impossible to block the wind. A large structure, like a house, makes a fairly good windbreak, but that is difficult to carry on the trail all day.

Mike

Mar 31, 2019 19:33:11 #

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

As far as flower photography is concerned, the past master on this forum is Old Hippie. I can't think of a better person to assist you!

Apr 1, 2019 06:03:02 #

chippy65 Loc: Cambridge

DWU2 wrote:

As far as flower photography is concerned, the past master on this forum is Old Hippie. I can't think of a better person to assist you!

another low cost alternative would be a laboratory retort clamp arm, also the flexi pipe used by machinists to supply cutting fluid, articulates like a scorpion's tail

Apr 1, 2019 06:49:33 #

PhotoNat Loc: Santa Maria, CA

I attended a studio photo class given by my Community Ed photo instructor, and he showed us a plant clamp he had made with simple items. I have wracking my brain trying to remember what he used. I was just looking online, and did however find and uploaded a couple things that I think you could glue( hot glue, epoxy, or super glue) together to make it work.

Since I like to take flower closeups, I need to do that myself, and may buy them tomorrow.
I work in a local Ace hardware store( we may have the Orchid clips there).

Hope that helps.
PhotoNat

Check out People Photography section of our forum.

Apr 1, 2019 11:47:37 #

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Check out the Wimberly Plamp. It may be just what you need. I have one and carry it with me whenever I'm looking for flowers to photograph.

https://www.amazon.com/WIMBERLEY-PP-200-Wimberley-Plamp-II/dp/B00SCXUZM0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=welby+plamp&qid=1554133526&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Apr 1, 2019 13:12:02 #

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Look at this one. I use them and they work as intended.

https://www.amazon.com/Fovitec-StudioPRO-Photography-Accessories-Equipment/dp/B00IO8LIQK/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_0_39?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00IO8LIQK&pd_rd_r=eefa3791-7628-4194-beae-df5ebeb32359&pd_rd_w=KKovx&pd_rd_wg=YRTiA&pf_rd_p=9ce2a148-6af9-48d3-9a5d-657a16ef4457&pf_rd_r=GXE1RWJ4J1RJJMCYG0H1&psc=1&refRID=GXE1RWJ4J1RJJMCYG0H1

Apr 1, 2019 13:50:41 #

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I think I read this on UHH so I tried it and it works. Start with a 1/4" steel rod cut to length-you'll decide what length is optimal as you continue to use it. Two alligator clips connected back to back and some pipe cleaners. Push the rod in the ground attach the alligator clip to the rod, insert the pipe cleaner into the other clip. Wrap the end of the pipe cleaner loosely around the flower stem and your in business. Total cost +/- $15.00.

Apr 1, 2019 15:26:47 #

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Regarding the Wimberly Plamp, I would recommend also getting their Plamp Stick and connecting to it rather than to your tripod.

Check out Underwater Photography Forum section of our forum.

Apr 1, 2019 20:54:14 #

Sentinel4

Try B&H for a plamp. Good luck and never stop shooting.

Apr 1, 2019 22:21:48 #

britrecko

Thank you.
i have just chosen Plamp2.
Hopefully someday i can upload an image

Apr 1, 2019 22:22:27 #

britrecko

Thank you. Plamp 2 just ordered.

Apr 6, 2019 19:02:33 #

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

jackm1943 wrote:

Regarding the Wimberly Plamp, I would recommend also getting their Plamp Stick and connecting to it rather than to your tripod.

I like the stick, so that I can move around and not move the flower.

If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.

Main Photography Discussion

Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections

UglyHedgehog.com - Forum