New Diffuser
Oct 24, 2012 18:32:44 #
Mount manual flash and new homemade diffuser.
Got to try out on one spider today. A marked improvement over the eye reflection. Still not right, will make the diffuser wider at the end and add plastic sheeting over paper towel. A cleaner look I think. Looks like you guys are having fun without me
1st photo/new flash and diffuser
2nd photo/what I've been using, pop up with homemade diffuser
Got to try out on one spider today. A marked improvement over the eye reflection. Still not right, will make the diffuser wider at the end and add plastic sheeting over paper towel. A cleaner look I think. Looks like you guys are having fun without me
1st photo/new flash and diffuser
2nd photo/what I've been using, pop up with homemade diffuser
Oct 24, 2012 18:41:41 #
fstop22 wrote:
Looks good. I may re-think my lighting and try the pop-up as it seems to work for you and affords some portability. My biggest challenge: finding enough creatures to practice my focusing which seems to need the most workMount manual flash and new homemade diffuser.
Got to try out on one spider today. A marked improvement over the eye reflection. Still not right, will make the diffuser wider at the end and add plastic sheeting over paper towel. A cleaner look I think. Looks like you guys are having fun without me
1st photo/new flash and diffuser
2nd photo/what I've been using, pop up with homemade diffuser
Got to try out on one spider today. A marked improvement over the eye reflection. Still not right, will make the diffuser wider at the end and add plastic sheeting over paper towel. A cleaner look I think. Looks like you guys are having fun without me
1st photo/new flash and diffuser
2nd photo/what I've been using, pop up with homemade diffuser
Oct 24, 2012 18:49:39 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I'm actually switching over to the mount flash as in the first photo. I'm looking for a cleaner reflection in the spiders eyes. Notice the clean sharp flash reflection in the first photo? In the second shot with me pop up the reflection is a little harsh. Don;t get me wrong I love just the pop up but want to refine the reflection. For any other type of macro pop up is much lighter in weight. First thing I noticed was the increase in weight and the camera being a little top heavy. Harder to focus and nail the shot. I'm thinking my dew soaked insects in the morning will look better also with the mounted flash.Looks good. I may re-think my lighting and try the pop-up as it seems to work for you and affords some portability. My biggest challenge: finding enough creatures to practice my focusing which seems to need the most work
Oct 24, 2012 19:20:02 #
fstop22 wrote:
Have you tried an off-camera set-up with a flash bracket? I purchased a sync cord several weeks ago-- but with the cool, rainy weather, I haven't been able to practice a lot.I'm actually switching over to the mount flash as ... (show quote)
Oct 24, 2012 19:43:03 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Not yet, just tried the flash out today for the first time. I've looked at the flash brackets with the flash on a ball head that can be positioned at the end of the lens. I'm working on a homemade diffuser to get the soft clean reflection in the spider's eye like Thomas Shahan's photos.I'm thinking getting the flash down near the camera on a bracket will help balance it out. The flash on top makes it top heavy as I'm not use to them. I only made a few shots with the new flash but missed half on focus. Will have a learning curve for sure.Have you tried an off-camera set-up with a flash bracket? I purchased a sync cord several weeks ago-- but with the cool, rainy weather, I haven't been able to practice a lot.
Oct 24, 2012 20:58:08 #
Yes it is a cleaner looking flash reflection off the eyes it looks like your heading in the right direction, I'm glad it's working out for you
Oct 24, 2012 21:27:50 #
Honestly, I don't believe the spiders will mind, either way. :D
Nice photos...and I do like the 1st one a bit more. It's a crisper catchlight. :)
Nice photos...and I do like the 1st one a bit more. It's a crisper catchlight. :)
Oct 25, 2012 02:02:22 #
Oct 25, 2012 06:25:56 #
At the moment it is cold and frosty, but I'll just hang out and enjoy with a degree of :mrgreen: envy all the fantastic images of Jumping Spiders!! :thumbup:
Question - With a head on shot can you ever get rid of some sort of reflection? Wouldn't a shot slightly to the side still give detail and eliminate the reflection? Just a thought.
Richard
Question - With a head on shot can you ever get rid of some sort of reflection? Wouldn't a shot slightly to the side still give detail and eliminate the reflection? Just a thought.
Richard
Oct 25, 2012 07:07:22 #
richardh76 wrote:
It's the head on, face to face that are the money shots. I have plenty of angled and side shots and they just don't hold a candle to the cute, hairy, eyelash full face shots. I have more material to build a shorter and wider at the end diffuser. If I get these perfected I'll go to print and add to my wildlife stock.With a head on shot can you ever get rid of some sort of reflection? Wouldn't a shot slightly to the side still give detail and eliminate the reflection?
Oct 25, 2012 07:23:25 #
I agree about the new flash and diffuser being better. The whole image seems sharper. Nice shot.
Oct 25, 2012 09:02:03 #
The new setup does look like it's accomplishing what you wanted & the results look great...I'm jealous as I haven't seen any jumpers at all around here in awhile...I did get another Lester Dine ring light recently though. Won it on eBay for $25...That makes 4 ring lights & an O flash...3 of the ring lights are Lester Dine models (the power supply on one doesn't work) 2 have Nikon feet & one has a standard foot (single pin). The other ring light is a Soligor...Shame I can't find any jumpers to try the new one out on...Can you send some to me?
Oct 25, 2012 09:56:15 #
Terrific photos Fstop....it's great that you and most of us are always trying to improve.
Steve
Steve
Oct 25, 2012 12:11:47 #
I was 5 yrs old when my mom had me begin doing the supper dishes, not the first of chores, with many more to follow. I was standing on a stool and the hot soapy water was running down my arms. After I was finished see came and inspected the dishes and silverware. Unfortunately I had three items that didn't pass inspection. Everything went back in the sink and my mothers words still ring today, Son, if your gonna do something, do it right. Thank goodness I learned thru life not to hold family and friends to the straight and narrow path of perfection, but sometimes I just can't help myself. If I can do better, I'm gonna try.
Oct 25, 2012 15:16:44 #
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