Macro - Light issue (Pls advise)

[Numnumball]

Hi Big Bros/Sis out there,
I relatively new to Macro photography;

Currently using D300 + 105VR +SB900 with demb flip it pro.

Can't achieve still the desired balanced not so harsh flash effect on my subjects (flora/bus mostly) after 5-6 sessions of macro shooting.. quite at a loss nw..:dunno:

What other options should i consider?

1. Flash brackets to achieve dual effect? Currently using Manfrotto CF 055CX3 and 488rc2, think my ballhead not ideal for flash brackets..

2. Any add ons i should get for my SB900 to get that soft soft appealing flash effect on my subjects?

Really thinking of getting the R1C1 with the hope of eliminating my lighting issue once and for all.. :bsmilie: but dun wan to act on impulse.. $$$$

Pls advise

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Numnumball]

An example of my problem :

Shadows quite harsh evidently beneath the mating hoverfiles, how to eliminate/soften them? :dunno:

Thanks!

 

[J-Chan]

since you're using the D300, you can just use your SB900 off cam and have the built-in flash act as the commander.. prob try to get the flash as close to the lens axis as possible, that would change the direction of light, since if you place it on the hotshoe its pretty much coming from above your subjects..

alternatively, if its possible with your working distance and/or subjects, try to bring the flash as close as possible to the subjects.. your apparent light source size would increase, thus softening the shadows.. of cos all this is assuming you have a free hand to play around with the flash.. brackets wise, maybe you can consider this http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/07.html scroll to the bottom of the page..

 

[J-Chan]

or get a ringflash adaptor for your SB900, something like the Rayflash or Orbis.. see which suits your needs and budget..

 

[Numnumball]

since you're using the D300, you can just use your SB900 off cam and have the built-in flash act as the commander.. prob try to get the flash as close to the lens axis as possible, that would change the direction of light, since if you place it on the hotshoe its pretty much coming from above your subjects..

alternatively, if its possible with your working distance and/or subjects, try to bring the flash as close as possible to the subjects.. your apparent light source size would increase, thus softening the shadows.. of cos all this is assuming you have a free hand to play around with the flash.. brackets wise, maybe you can consider this http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/07.html scroll to the bottom of the page..

Thanks dude, much appreciated for ur advice.

Will try out the method u recommend above, free hand is the only option i have nw.. haa..

beos unfortunately i am using Manfrotto 488rc2, ballhead not compatible with macro add ons bracket..:sweat: unless i change to a better tripod head like Markins with clamp on capability :think:

Cheers

 

[Numnumball]

or get a ringflash adaptor for your SB900, something like the Rayflash or Orbis.. see which suits your needs and budget..

Hmm.. can give it some thought on the above :think:

Thanks again!

 

[aaSKaa]

a normal flash and a macro lens and a torch..... nothing fancy..... its all abt the right technique not any fancy equipment.

Not forgeting Handheld.

 

[aaSKaa]

An example of my problem :

Shadows quite harsh evidently beneath the mating hoverfiles, how to eliminate/soften them? :dunno:

Thanks!

The problem : Not enuff embient light and your flash is too strong.

1) Use a fill in torch light
2) Reduce power of the flash.

Dont think too much. just keep shooting. and play ard with ur settings.

whatever tools you have now is sufficient to have great pictures.

 

[Numnumball]

The problem : Not enuff embient light and your flash is too strong.

1) Use a fill in torch light
2) Reduce power of the flash.

Dont think too much. just keep shooting. and play ard with ur settings.

whatever tools you have now is sufficient to have great pictures.

Thanks for the tips bro, ur words are encouraging..

 

[Numnumball]

a normal flash and a macro lens and a torch..... nothing fancy..... its all abt the right technique not any fancy equipment.

Not forgeting Handheld.

Agreed, technique supercedes equipment.
Handheld skills still need alot of polishing up or me.