More backyard macros

[astro_south (Andrew)]

Here are some backyard macros taken within the last month (in my backyard and a mates backyard). The last shot is a full res crop of the hopper's eye. Isn't nature amazing

[Dennis]

Hi Andrew

What a stunning portfolio, the scale and detail is quite extraordinary, not to mention the acres of depth of field. Hmm, leaves the 70-200 for dead doesn’t it.

The full size eye detail is simply breathtaking – top stuff.

Cheers

Dennis

[astro_south (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Andrew
What a stunning portfolio, the scale and detail is quite extraordinary, not to mention the acres of depth of field.

thanks Dennis.

Should mention that they were taken with a Canon 100mm f2.8 on a 400D body. DOF comes from stopping down and using a flash (in this case a 580EXII). I need to get a proper flash bracket and off camera shoe that locates the flash closer to the lens and the subject - although I am a fan of natural light photography, the flash certainly makes it easier to get the shot in with flighty critters

[joshman (Josh)]

they are fantastic, this lens will definitely end up on my must buy list!

[ving (David)]

yeah, you need the flash dont ya? faster shutter and therefore less blur.

very nice closeups andrew lovely and sharp

[Dennis]

Okay you macro gurus, I’ve just seen a ring flash that fits at the front of the lens (don’t worry, I’m not buying one – too exe!) and was wondering is this the best way to use flash for macro work?

My initial thought is that yes, it gets the flash tube(s) close too the subject, the camera body/lens doesn’t block the light and the output is in-line and not at a steep angle, but, would the subject not appear too flat, just like looking at a full Moon with the front-on illumination?

Cheers

Dennis

[acropolite (Phil)]

Nice buggage Andrew, I like the second one best, his face seems friendly.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Dennis

Okay you macro gurus, I’ve just seen a ring flash that fits at the front of the lens (don’t worry, I’m not buying one – too exe!) and was wondering is this the best way to use flash for macro work?

My initial thought is that yes, it gets the flash tube(s) close too the subject, the camera body/lens doesn’t block the light and the output is in-line and not at a steep angle, but, would the subject not appear too flat, just like looking at a full Moon with the front-on illumination?

Cheers

Dennis

I'll stand corrected by someone with direct experience of using a ring flash (because I don't have it!), but your concern is exactly what I experience with my USB microscope. It has 4 LEDs surrounding the lens to illuminate the subject, and it does make it appear flat. I would like to be able to turn them off on one side to provide some depth.

I suspect there could be something to you suspicions!

Al.
Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Lovely photos, Andrew! Well executed!

Al.

[astro_south (Andrew)]

Thanks for the feedback guys

Originally Posted by acropolite

Nice buggage Andrew, I like the second one best, his face seems friendly.

He might look friendly, but as far as I can make out he is a wood weevil.


Dennis, in regard to flashes, I think you are right that the subject would look a little flat, but I think the key is to get a nice even illumination so that it doesn't look like a flash has been used. My flash attached to the camera is up high and therefore I an always going to have subject shadows. I have seen some unusual arrangements of flashes on the web - including diffusers made from milk bottles (yet to try this myself) to dedicated soft boxes.

In some shots the shadows probably add to the subject and the way you light the subject is completely up to the photographer. My preference would be for natural light, but given the tolerances of depth of field, the gust of wind that blows up as you attain focus, and the jumpy critters that never sit still, I have got way more keepers from using the flash.


oh, and thanks for the feedback guys - much appreciated

[Dennis]

Thanks Al and Andrew for the flash feedback. I noticed the Canon unit does allow you to turn off 1 side of the 2 bulb ring flash, to provide depth and shadows.

Cheers

Dennis