|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 26, 2012 21:54:53 GMT
I shot this recently and several people commented that it looks like a 'textbook illustration'. I can see what they mean, but it's just the very soft light (studio flash) that I used, which tends to even out any inequalities in lighting. Shot indoors in the studio with a single flash head to the right with a softbox diffuser. On the left was a speedlight with a diffuser. I was aiming for a very gentle soft light. I stacked the shot to get everything in focus. I used a bought flower as I wanted a perfect specimen. Canon 5D, Sigma 105mm macro. It gives a rather 'flat' but graphic look. Or do you disagree. Please do.   Iris #1 by macro meister @ www.robmarshall.net, on Flickr |
|
|
|
Post by nickjohnson on Aug 26, 2012 22:11:49 GMT
Rob, Very nice work. I see you and your new lens are getting on well! IMHO the most obvious reason for the “illustration” look is the white – or near white – background. Makes it look like the subject is painted onto a piece of paper. |
|
|
|
Post by rasbury on Aug 26, 2012 22:59:54 GMT
This is a beautiful photo.It's one of the reasons that I want a focus rail and Helicon Focus.And if this was a text book illustration,I have to say that you can draw pretty good too.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisc on Aug 27, 2012 0:04:29 GMT
Has a very Audobon feel to it.
|
|
|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 27, 2012 3:27:29 GMT
It's one of the reasons that I want a focus rail and Helicon Focus. I have a rail, but I haven't used it yet. I normally just rely on manual changes in focusing. |
|
|
|
Post by chrisc on Aug 27, 2012 3:41:02 GMT
Could you or would you do a step by step tutorial on focus stacking? It intrigues me but I can't seem to get all of it in my head.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stevewebb on Aug 27, 2012 6:25:44 GMT
It does have a painterly feel to it.
Lovely composition too.
|
|
|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 27, 2012 11:14:09 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by nickjohnson on Aug 27, 2012 11:17:22 GMT
It's one of the reasons that I want a focus rail and Helicon Focus. I have a rail, but I haven't used it yet. I normally just rely on manual changes in focusing. Rob, at the risk of things getting a bit anorakish, I'd like details of any focus rack you've found useful. I've been “looking” for some time – but am no closer to a purchase than I ever was since none of the sales info I’ve seen gives any indication of real world use. Ta muchly. |
|
|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 27, 2012 11:48:49 GMT
I have a rail, but I haven't used it yet. I normally just rely on manual changes in focusing. Rob, at the risk of things getting a bit anorakish, I'd like details of any focus rack you've found useful. I've been “looking” for some time – but am no closer to a purchase than I ever was since none of the sales info I’ve seen gives any indication of real world use. Ta muchly. |
|
|
|
Post by Kit on Aug 27, 2012 22:58:33 GMT
Beautifully done. The lighting is perfect for an illustrative shot. Could easily be used for a plant id book.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisc on Aug 28, 2012 12:15:15 GMT
If one does the 30 day Helicon trial, does one get all the pieces and parts to reallly try it out successfully? I have to tidy up my studio area first and have all my own pieces and parts ready before I order.
|
|
|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 28, 2012 17:34:50 GMT
If one does the 30 day Helicon trial, does one get all the pieces and parts to reallly try it out successfully? I have to tidy up my studio area first and have all my own pieces and parts ready before I order. As I recall you get the full functionality but you might get a watermark pasted in the corner of the shot. Give it a trial first. Give me a shout if you get stuck with anything. I must warn you though - macro can get very addictive... |
|
|
|
Post by Kit on Aug 30, 2012 5:21:01 GMT
Rob - re the slidy rail thing - do we really need a 4 way slider or will a 2 way work ok for macro?
|
|
|
|
Post by macromeister on Aug 30, 2012 5:49:37 GMT
Rob - re the slidy rail thing - do we really need a 4 way slider or will a 2 way work ok for macro? You know, I always thought a 4-way was something to do with that gentle English practice of wife-swapping... A 4-way will move from left to right (2 ways) and front to rear (another 2). For most shots to be stacked you will be going from front to rear, because.... because... I don't know why  it's just the way most shots are structured. However, if you had an object with a focus point that went away from the focal plane of the camera lens from left to right or right to left, then you would need a rail that could be adjusted from side to side. I think that's right... see image of rail www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MC4YDQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 |
|
