LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Yesterday's discussion on diffraction and ideal aperture got me out in the freezing cold today and back to the little dried conehead. The first shots at f16, ISO 200, and 1/200 were way too underexposed. I ended up at f16, ISO 400, 1/200, but also with the flash bumped from 1/128 to 1/32 AND the retractable little flip-down plastic piece retracted. There was a constant strong wind so any serious attempt at the sway-your-body focus technigue was out of the question. HOWEVER, what got my attention as I kept changing the flash and camera settings to allow in more light was how the left side of the photo was more illuminated that the right because the flash head was located over and to the left of the end of the lens (just a little to the left). I actually like the effect, but imagine it might not be best in many cases. So I moved the flash to directly above the middle of the end of the lens, and it changed the way the shot was lit significantly. So today's question to the mentors is, what are your thoughts/experiences on the position of the flash diffuser in relation to the end of the lens.

PS. I was using only a 36mm extension tube.

Flash to left of lens


Flash centered above end of lens

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

For me it depends on the subject. The second one has more detail but is very flat. I put mine 45 degree to the side and aimed down 45 degrees. When I photographed some butterflies I moved it higher. After I take the first image I look at the shadows and adjust from there. But normally no adjustment is necessary.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Generally, I try to mimic the position of the sun, but it really depends on the subject. I move between directly over to 45 degree over.
Nothing like getting a definitive answer, eh?
;-)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I'm a dead center kind of guy, nothing artsy fartsy about my approach to macro with lighting. I change aperture if I want to get artsy. I want the subject well light evenly. In my opinion the second photo is best by far

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

I also try to put the flash on the opposite side as the sun. That way the sun acts as a fill light.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I should mention I also love to shoot with full cloud cover, this way giving me the most control over the light.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

In practice, I rarely change my configuration. When I first started, I had (because of the design of my bracket) my diffusion placed on the left side and horizontal to the lens axis. I ordered a couple of those adapters like Blurreyed uses and haven't really deviated from diffusion over the top. Frankly, most of the time with small stuff, I haven't noticed that it matters. However, I rarely have a strong sun anyway. As fstop noted, that is preferable.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

I prefer over the top as well. For me macro is about detail and overhead seems to do this the best. John is spot on commenting that this form of illumination can produce flat looking subjects. Often this can be corrected in post by adding contrast and graduated filtering.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here is my field macro-photography set-up, which basically does not change.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Douglas, do have a dedicated macro unit, ie. camera, flash that you leave together? If not, how important is getting the diffuser head in the exact position? Others? J. R.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Not Douglas, here... but no I don't leave my whole rig set up for macro-- I don't have enough duplication to do that. However, my diffused flash + bracket assembly remains intact-- so I just have to add the camera, adjust to default settings & I'm ready to go. My set-up is very similar to the Douglas posted above. I pretty much copied what I saw on here using stuff I already had with the exception of a ball joint assembly.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Not sure if this thread is reaching its practical end, but once again, thanks to everyone for contributing helpful ideas and insights. Wm

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I leave my D5200 in this set-up, as I have other camera bodies for more traditional photography. There is nothing scientific nor 'sacred' about my softbox positioning. It is convenient, and it works. Some macro-photographers prefer directly over lens; others more to the side.

Here is a macro-photography class using near-identical DIY softboxes on speedlights, attached directly off the hotshoe.

(Download)

Nass Loc: England

Top one is more dramatic/artsy but I prefer the bottom because I can actually see it all.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Johan! Nice of you to grace us with your attention. I too, like the corner to corner detail.
Positioning diffuser head between the two examples would be my preference.

I see a few new images and text: http://extreme-macro.co.uk Well done.