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Posts for: deer2ker
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Feb 26, 2017 10:51:42   #
canon Lee wrote:
Lens; 100mm macro. Its not so much the lens but the lighting of metallic shinny instruments. There is a learning curve for this type of photography. Product photography requires studio lighting, soft boxes, booms, etc.

Good thing this won't be for public purchase - this is just for me however, if it turns out good, I will enlarge and put in my coffee shop. You are right about the shine of the metal on the instrument, it's all about the focal point, composition and does it draw the viewers eye to the end result in a positive way. I am fascinated with macro & close-ups. Bringing out the uniqueness of the mundane is fun for me!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:46:25   #
Marionsho wrote:
Shooting in color is the only way to go. I made the mistake in a photo class when I shoot a landscape picture in B and W and the instructor pointed out that if I had shot it in color, I would have the color channels to work with. Have fun.

I was so tempted to shoot in b&w when I first got my camera but it didn't look so hot. I was a photography student in the 80's and never got out of the b&w developing stage (changed my major to business) so I assumed I could just start shooting in it when I got my camera lol. Times and technology have changed and so must I - gotta learn Lightroom!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:41:50   #
cthahn wrote:
A 35mm is not a good lens? Who told you that? You are talking to the wrong people. Take pictures with what you have. Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice. My two main lenses are a Nikon 35mm, f1.8 and a 105mm, f2.8, and am considering a Zeiss 50mm, 1.2 or 1.4.

I don't think anyone said it wasn't a good lens but maybe for the subject I am shooting. It is a GREAT lens but I just got it and haven't stuck it on there and practiced like I should lol. I would love the 105mm but the price is a little out of my way for now and I have been really impressed with not only the macro but the portrait capabilities of the Tokina 100mm. A friend of mine has it and the portraits he takes are amazing! (and half the price of the Nikon) I can only use the manual focus with my camera but that is okay with me as I try to manual almost everything except quick shots. When I get proficient with my close-up shots, I will reward myself with this one!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:33:34   #
Gene51 wrote:
The 35mm F1.8 does not offer the max magnification that the 55-200 does - .16x vs 23x or .29x with the non-VR version. So if you want to get in really close, the 35mm would not be as good as the zooms. With only a 7 blade iris, the bokeh is green-edged and nasty looking. I would suggest using the 55-200 - it is more than sharp enough, particularly in the center and when used wide open, it will give you greater working distance, and unless you need to go to 1:1, will give you plenty of magnification. The 18-55 on the other hand offers a magnification of .36x, enough to almost fill the frame with a compact flash card. It has great bokeh, is almost as sharp as the 55-200, provides excellent sharpness at F8 or smaller, and is a nice alternative to using the 35mm as well. The down side is that you give up some on the working distance. The maximum aperture of the 35 may help a little at or close to the minimum focus distance to give you shallower depth of field if that is what you want, but other than that, there is no clear advantage to using the 35mm over the 55-200. But since you have them already why not try some test shots with all three and see which ones you like best.
The 35mm F1.8 does not offer the max magnification... (show quote)


Thank you so much - I think you are right. I was very happy with the handheld photos I took using my cheap 55-200 kit and some closeup pics I took of my dog with the 18-55 so as you say, I need to get a feel for all three of my lenses in different settings and exposures. I am going to try to duplicate what I think his studio will give me as far as light and practice practice practice before I go. Appreciate your time in explaining what you think I can accomplish!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:28:39   #
wingclui44 wrote:
You didn't said how do you plan to take picture of the instruments, the whole view or part of them. in other word, if it's the whole body of the instrument or certain part of the instrument? How big is the instrument? For both, you don't need macro lens. You already got the lenses you need. Any of you lenses can do the job, it all depends on how you chose the shooting composition and distance. you may get a couple very cheap portable spot light from local hardware store.

Sorry about that - important. I would like show a part of the instrument close up but large enough to know what the instrument is, does that make sense? In other words, the background would be mostly the instrument (depending on which one) but the focal point would be the recognized part of the instrument. I am focusing on wind instruments, guitars, banjo, etc.. Thank you so much for your advice!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:21:24   #
waegwan wrote:
I agree with the 35mm and a speed light but I would add some reflectors, buy some cheap ones if you can if not make something out of some old white sheets or white pillow cases. The tripod and long exposures as was recommended is good too but you will be surprised what the reflectors might do for you.

This is something I haven't experimented with yet. I know a lot of people use them in portrait work but didn't think of it for what I am doing (although it seems to be common sense) Thank you! I need to practice this and my long exposure I think before I go.
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Feb 26, 2017 10:18:40   #
jerryc41 wrote:
It sounds like you have a good project. As for bothering your friend, if that's how you're starting this shoot, it will not go well. He's either letting you photograph his instruments, or he's not. Make sure he understands that your shoot will take time.

As for shooting itself, good composition and close-ups will produce good results. Experiment and keep shooting.

Lol, my friend is great but it's me that doesn't want to impose. He is a very busy guy and his time is more valuable than mine ;) I may wait until he goes on tour this next month and practice, practice, practice until then (you know how you get an idea in your head and you're impatient to start? I need to be more patient) And you are right about the composition - that is my main focus right now (and lighting) in my pics - it drives me crazy when I have a good shot but terrible composition
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Feb 26, 2017 10:13:14   #
Peekayoh wrote:
Definitely use the 35mm.
If possible work with natural diffuse light to avoid specular reflections.
Use a tripod and delayed shutter so that longer exposures are possible without raising the ISO.
Use flash if necessary but only bounced flash otherwise specular highlights will abound.
A cheap reversing ring will get you close ups for next to nothing until you can afford the Macro lens.
Always shoot in colour and convert to B&W in post. Setting the camera to B&W gives you a JPEG which loses a lot of the tonalty essential for a good B&W.
Definitely use the 35mm. br If possible work with ... (show quote)

Thank you - I really love the sharpness I get with my 35mm but really haven't practiced with it as much as I should - will definitely be using a tripod and planning on bringing some diffusers and will look at the reversing ring as you suggest. Thank you for your tip on shooting in color, I will do so!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:10:21   #
picsman wrote:
If you don't have speed lights or strobes I hope his studio has big windows and you get plenty of light. Otherwise work lights or LED versions are a cheap option that might work for you if the natural light isn't sufficient. A tripod and longer exposures might also work in natural light. Increasing ISO will help as well.

This is a recording studio so no window light at all. I will take your suggestion and take some different lights in with me. I have a really good table top tripod that I plan on bringing and the longer exposure is something I have not worked with very much but am going to practice today at home before I go. Thank you so much!
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Feb 26, 2017 10:07:39   #
erinjay64 wrote:
The Tokina should work well. Let us know how it performs.



I am going to practice a little more with the lens I have but this is my number 1 next purchase!
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Feb 25, 2017 20:30:55   #
briace wrote:
thanks deer2ker canon 70d i use a lot of vintage manual prime lens mate + i have a sigma art lens 18 - 35mm i use quite a lot + canons own STM lens do a great job for me - all my shots are manual i never use photoshop or light room just me and the camera - i always say its not the camera or the lens that makes a great picture it's the person taking the shot
thanks deer2ker canon 70d img src="https://static... (show quote)

You are so right. I don't have a problem with people using pp but I do think the more practiced and determined you are, the less you need to depend on those. I am just now getting back to my photography after 30+years and have forgotten a lot so am using auto and manual to get my practice in composition. Hopefully will be able to really get in and experiment more - will get there!
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Feb 25, 2017 19:34:02   #
Pipkin Photography wrote:
Thank you! Migratory season is right around the corner. You probably remember Ft. DeSoto. That is where the action REALLY gets kicking!!

Yes I do, unfortunately I was too busy in the tourist business and left my photography behind when I lived there...ashamed...so many opportunities missed.
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Feb 25, 2017 19:29:32   #
Ooooh, love the Heron pics good job!
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Feb 25, 2017 19:23:39   #
Welcome Greg - those are really nice shots! What lake is that, Harrison Bay?
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Feb 25, 2017 19:21:42   #
Beautiful Greg! I especially love the females and their subtle coloring.
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