Easy project for wind control
May 4, 2020 20:17:52 #
This time of year the "spring ephemerals" are blooming in the woods, tiny flowers that come and go quickly. They are difficult to photograph because they are on such thin stems that the slightest breeze sets them trembling. They are almost never completely still. I came up with a solution this year that works really well.
You will need a clear plastic package of some sort, bubble wrap, cellophane tape, and a pair of scissors.
First, find some sort of clear container. I had an old clear dome from a seeding tray laying around that I wasn't using and that did the trick. Its dimensions are 10" X 20" by 8" deep, which worked well for most of the plants I am shooting. Taller plants are going to require a deeper container. Look at packaging you may have around the house that might be suitable. Salad greens come in a clear plastic container at the supermarket, for example, and store bought cakes often have a clear cover on them. Why clear? To let in as much light as possible.
Next, cut a hole in the top of your container slightly bigger than the lens hood on the lens you will be using. I used the lens hood from my 100 mm macro lens as a template. Be careful cutting plastic, as that can be hazardous. I poked a hole with the point of a pair of scissors, worked the scissors into the hole and then tried to cut an oval. You will do a much better job than I did. Why oval? So that you can change the angle of the lens for each shot you are taking, as needed. A round hole would force you to only shoot directly down. An oval hole let's you move the lens. That is also the reason for positioning the hole toward one end of the container, so that as desired you can shoot at a shallower angle down the length of your container.
Now, fashion a square flexible gasket from bubble wrap with a hole that fits tightly on the lens hood. This keeps stray wind from sneaking in between the lens and the hole in the container.
The last step is to cut out strips of bubble wrap and tape them to the container to act as "skirts." They will conform to irregular ground, while not damaging nearby delicate plants, and keep the wind from getting in through any gaps between the container and the ground.
Here is what mine looked like when I was done:
You will need a clear plastic package of some sort, bubble wrap, cellophane tape, and a pair of scissors.
First, find some sort of clear container. I had an old clear dome from a seeding tray laying around that I wasn't using and that did the trick. Its dimensions are 10" X 20" by 8" deep, which worked well for most of the plants I am shooting. Taller plants are going to require a deeper container. Look at packaging you may have around the house that might be suitable. Salad greens come in a clear plastic container at the supermarket, for example, and store bought cakes often have a clear cover on them. Why clear? To let in as much light as possible.
Next, cut a hole in the top of your container slightly bigger than the lens hood on the lens you will be using. I used the lens hood from my 100 mm macro lens as a template. Be careful cutting plastic, as that can be hazardous. I poked a hole with the point of a pair of scissors, worked the scissors into the hole and then tried to cut an oval. You will do a much better job than I did. Why oval? So that you can change the angle of the lens for each shot you are taking, as needed. A round hole would force you to only shoot directly down. An oval hole let's you move the lens. That is also the reason for positioning the hole toward one end of the container, so that as desired you can shoot at a shallower angle down the length of your container.
Now, fashion a square flexible gasket from bubble wrap with a hole that fits tightly on the lens hood. This keeps stray wind from sneaking in between the lens and the hole in the container.
The last step is to cut out strips of bubble wrap and tape them to the container to act as "skirts." They will conform to irregular ground, while not damaging nearby delicate plants, and keep the wind from getting in through any gaps between the container and the ground.
Here is what mine looked like when I was done:
May 4, 2020 20:29:00 #
OK, so it doesn't look like much, but it works great. Here it is in action.
May 4, 2020 20:31:13 #
Here I am using a portable LED panel and an umbrella to soften the direct sunlight with my contraption.
I have given it rough use outside for three days and it hasn't fallen apart! Most importantly, even in a stiff wind the plants were completely still.
Mike
I have given it rough use outside for three days and it hasn't fallen apart! Most importantly, even in a stiff wind the plants were completely still.
Mike
May 4, 2020 20:53:13 #
Good thinking! I fight the wind when shooting flowers all the time. I can see patent written all over that.
May 4, 2020 21:07:19 #
You're a genius, Mike! I can't wait to try out your new invention, and it just so happens I've got all the supplies on hand! Fighting the wind is a real problem.
May 4, 2020 21:14:05 #
May 4, 2020 21:21:55 #
May 4, 2020 22:33:29 #
May 4, 2020 22:39:44 #
May 4, 2020 22:59:24 #
Jim-Pops wrote:
Exceptional composition to include its environment.👍
Thanks, Jim.
Mike
May 4, 2020 23:00:47 #
BassmanBruce wrote:
Excellent and thanks for posting this. 
Thanks, Bruce. I should have quoted Bob Seger in my title - "Against the wind."
Mike
May 4, 2020 23:03:05 #
kpmac wrote:
Good thinking! I fight the wind when shooting flowers all the time. I can see patent written all over that.
Thanks. I will need a taller container as the season goes along, but this is a good start. Already I am running into some Dicentra plants - Dutchman's breeches and Squirrel corn - that are 8" or more taller.
Mike
May 4, 2020 23:03:29 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
You're a genius, Mike! I can't wait to try out your new invention, and it just so happens I've got all the supplies on hand! Fighting the wind is a real problem.
Very good!
Mike
May 4, 2020 23:35:24 #
That’s really creative, Gary. Anything that helps control breezes around delicate flowers is a good thing.
May 5, 2020 00:15:16 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
That’s really creative, Gary. Anything that helps control breezes around delicate flowers is a good thing.
I am thinking that you confused me with Sippyjug, Carol, which I will take as a compliment!
Mike
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