sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Very windy today (ssw winds at 28 mph now) and was like that when I shot these. Fortunately, the house made somewhat of a wind break. I had my ring lite flash set with lamps at top and bottom and did use both at 1/8 power. Got to practice and learned how to set each lamp individually, but the 1/8th on both worked best for these. Hot spots on bee, but satisfied with progress. Still thinking of how I might add diffuser to ring lite. Comments welcomed.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Wow Susan! Very nice. I would say your lighting looks pretty good. Nice and even across the pictures. Very well done.
Erv

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Thanks so much Erv. For true 1:1 macro, you are so close to the subject (for me, about 6" ) that the light needs to be diffused to keep from getting hot spots. My new macro ring lite connects at the end of the lens so the flash is right on my subject. I'm having to learn to tone it down some, but still liking it much better than my home made diffuser with my regular speedlite flash. I'm having fun and that's what counts.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Susan lighting looks really good. I was concerned that the ring might produce flat subjects. Perhaps a touch but nothing I don't think can be addressed with adjusting the bottom flash output or a DIY diffuser. Shot with the wasp is a tough one to pull off regardless of illumination source. Two very different surfaces, textured vs glossy smooth, and opposite ends of the color spectrum. Initial thought is to rotate the ring to the left-right orientation and vary output. Hot spot you noted on the wasp is minimal and a tough one to control due to exoskeleton sheen.

Really impressed with the details you can see using the flash. Did you notice the sepals between the petals?

I have an idea for a diffuser prototype. I'm going to trace the outer ring shape (hole in center for lens)of the flash on a piece cardboard. Cut slots for the flash housings and tape parchment paper or paper towel over the openings. If the weather cooperates I'll field test it this weekend. If it works I'll make a more robust mount, i.e. piece of 1/4" plastic or aluminum. Will keep you advised of my progress.

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Thanks William. Great minds think alike. :lol: I've been working on a similar diffuser this evening and we will have to compare notes. I scrapbook and make cards so am using some of my crafting supplies. We'll come up with something, I'm sure. I certainly am enjoying the ease of using this flash... one happy camper, so far.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Not too shabby, my Dear.

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Hey William. I used a transparent piece of plastic used for making quilting templates as a base for my layer of paper towel. I used a circle cutter and cut the piece of plastic at 4-1/8" (outer diameter of ring) and then cut a 2-5/8" circle out of the center of that, leaving inner diameter of ring and leaving the correct opening for the lens. I then traced that onto a layer of paper towel and hand cut that out to fit the lamps. I have craft score-tape that is 1/8" wide and double-sided and I used it at each end of the half-circle to adhere to the flash. Took these 2 pictures of a 3" glass-domed paperweight on my desk just now. I expected the flash to bounce back off the glass dome, but it didn't. First image taken at 1:1 true-life macro and really has no hot spots. The pyrite in the globe is supposed to shine like gold, so it looks pretty accurate. The second shot I took close to a 1:3 shot according to my lens. Since I was backed further away, the double half-circles really reflected in the dome. Don't know how it is going to work out but will play with it some tomorrow. Might work for 1:1 ratio, otherwise, I certainly wouldn't want the other reflection in my pictures.

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Awwwww Douglass, you are just too sweet. Thank you!

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Susan - That was a quick update, thanks! Initial results at 1:1 look good. There is a metallic sheen hot spot in the lower left corner but I think even a Speedlite-difusser combo would reflect hot off that angle. Interesting subject matter, the clear globe makes for some subtle distortions. A clear half dome might be fun to play with.

1:3 shot, I think any direct flash is going to bounce back like that only it would be a rectangular reflection not circular. Only way to stop a reflection like that is to have the illumination come from the side, almost perpendicular to the dome. Even then with the raised glass sides you might get odd reflections bouncing around inside the dome.

Started my tracing tonight but decided I'll just take the flash to work tomorrow and xerox a dozen or so templates. I may want to try different materials for my mount and don't want to trace the ring over and over.

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

The metallic hot spot reflects like that, even without the flash, so I'm pretty satisfied with the flash on that one. Of course you're right about the reflection on the 2nd image. Would just be a different reflection, same as in spider's eyes with the different DIY diffusers used. I think I've worked on this too long today/tonight and it's time to quit and go to bed. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!

Oh yes, I did notice the sepals between the petals. I just didn't remember that was their name... had to google it. :)

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Really nice, Susan. I'm glad to see you're getting the hang of it. Keep posting and I hope the winds die down for you.

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Thanks CCG... will do!

tinusbum Loc: east texas

you did great! susan,the wind ruins a lot of my shots

sford122 Loc: Amarillo TX

Thanks Tom. Yep. Most of the time for me it's a mediocre shot or don't shoot at all. I just have to go for it and accept the consequences. Winds right now 21 mph and I just came in from trying again. Oh well...