Macro Lighting and Diffusion

Macro Lighting

A considerable amount of my work-time is spent researching macro photographic technique and equipment on the internet. Recently, I have been looking in particular, at the lighting set-ups other photographers use. I’ve found a useful thread on FredMiranda, ‘Post Your Set Up! where many people have shown their set-ups with their resulting images.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/780820/0

It’s important to diffuse the light, from the sun or flash, to achieve successful images. In the past, I‘ve tried, with limited success, to diffuse sunlight with a round, flat diffuser. It is difficult to keep that kind of diffuser in place either by holding (not enough hands) or on a stand which all too easily gets blown over with the slightest puff of wind. This summer, I tried using a white umbrella on a stand instead. I think it’s made a big difference to my images and I’m very pleased with the results.

Macro Lighting

The equipment I bought cheaply on Ebay broke so I’ve just invested in a better quality Lastolite umbrella and Manfrotto MN-026 adapter with which to attach the umbrella to the lightstand. I stabilize the stand with a beanbag on the base.

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lastolite-80cm-translucent-white-umbrella/p12391

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-mn026-lite-tite-swivel-and-umbrella-adaptor/p1005217?cm_mmc

six-spot_burnet_moth_web2

Recently emerged Six-spot Burnet moth, Zygaena filipendulae stephensi, resting on its chrysalis case, where it is expanding its wings in preparation for its first flight.

Forester Moth - Adscita statices

Green Forester moth, Adiscita statices, on Scabious.

 

431_whitehalkhill_51_pnt_16_s_u_srn_pfo_web2

Chalkhill Blue butterfly, Polyommatus cordon, on grass.

 

423-friston_46_pnt_16_s_u_srn_pfo_web2

Chalkhill Blue butterfly, Polyommatus cordon, on grass.

 

Honeybee - Apis mellifera

Honeybee – Apis mellifera, on Scabious.

I used fill-flash for the images with scabious and natural light only for the rest.

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