Flash for macro

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Archive 2010 · Flash for macro

raven4ns
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p.1 #1 · Flash for macro

Hello,
I have a Canon 100mm macro as well as Kenko non-digital extension tubes I used for macro with my film cameras. Last week I bought my first digital camera, a 1Ds mkII, and want to try some flower macros with it. When I shot film I always used available light but am now considering using a flash. Is anyone using a flash with an off-camera cord or do you use ring lights or Canon's double flash outfit?
I'm looking at trying to do macro without a tripod even though I have a Manfrotto 055 with the pro pan/tilt head. Any suggestions would be most welcome, thank you.

Tim

Feb 05, 2010 at 01:19 AM

LordV
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p.1 #2 · Flash for macro

Think you will find there is a mix here of people using normal flashes on brackets and using macro-flashes both have their pros and cons. Having said that I think the best "whole flower" macro shots I've seen are nearly always done with natural light maybe using reflectors etc. Obviously flash has an advantage in helping to stop motion blur of camera or subject.
Brian v.

Feb 05, 2010 at 07:45 AM

holgerc
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p.1 #3 · Flash for macro

For flower Macros i recommend shooting with natural light and/or reflektors. You are able to keep the flower in position with clips and have the time for slow shutter speed.

If you going to shoot moving subject's without perfekt weather or small critters at 1:1 and up, then use flash ( with the known problems ) .

ym2c

holger

Feb 05, 2010 at 08:18 AM

coder
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p.1 #4 · Flash for macro

I shoot flowers mostly with natural light.

When I do use a flash it's the Canon 580EX with off shoe cord and I hold and direct the flash where I want it to go. Camera on tripod usually.

Feb 05, 2010 at 11:22 AM

raven4ns
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p.1 #5 · Flash for macro

Thank you everyone. I do have small reflectors but was wondering if I should add a flash, not that macro will be a large part of my photography. Your advice will be heeded as well as much appreciated, thank you again.

Tim

Feb 05, 2010 at 11:58 PM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #6 · Flash for macro

The convention for flowers is to use natural light, preferably "bright overcast". With the magnification being low to moderate that is probably the best default.

With the higher magnifications required by arthropods, especially at low ISOs with film, flash is really the practical default, to freeze movement and give DOF. When following mobile subjects the best option is lighting attached to the camera. A ring flash has it advantages but a pair of flashguns, main and fill, generally gives the best results. Care to avoid dark backgrounds, due to steep fall-off behind the subject, should always be taken and can be ovecome by shooting with (close) foliage filling the background.

Edited on Feb 07, 2010 at 08:57 AM · View previous versions

Feb 06, 2010 at 06:40 PM

melkor
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p.1 #7 · Flash for macro

Go natural light. Flash will kill the flowers imho.

Dave

Feb 07, 2010 at 02:34 AM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #8 · Flash for macro

melkor wrote:
Go natural light. Flash will kill the flowers imho.

Much can be done with diffused flash. However, there is room for some experimentation with polarised flash. It remains that ambient-lit backgrounds should be the default.

Feb 07, 2010 at 09:00 AM

rxoyhyyynywx
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p.1 #9 · Flash for macro

I was thinking about polarised flash last night, has anyone used it (with a filter) for shiny bug or wet leaf/flower surfaces on here? Would like to see some comparisons...

Feb 07, 2010 at 09:31 PM

coder
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p.1 #10 · Flash for macro

Found this on google for you about polarization rxoyhyyynywx:
http://www.naturescapes.net/042004/wh0404.htm

Feb 07, 2010 at 10:32 PM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #11 · Flash for macro

Take a look:

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9022

and this:

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=52562&highlight=polarizer+film#52562

Feb 08, 2010 at 06:52 AM

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