subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 24 August 2019 41
Why it works
An LED device shouldn’t simply be regarded as
a method of generating supplementary light to
create a faster, more practical shutter speed,
or to aid the selection of a smaller aperture.
Used well, a small LED light, like the Rotolight
NEO 2, can be a powerful and creative tool. By
adjusting the light’s output, colour temperature
and position, you can quickly and easily alter
and enhance a close-up photo. In this instance,
using a continuous light source was less
intrusive than fl ash, and my subject wasn’t
disturbed at all while I took photographs
nearby. I could preview the light’s effect prior
to taking the shot, ensuring that I positioned
the light correctly to achieve the result I wanted
fi rst time. I often favour backlighting, as it really
emphasises shape and form and highlights fi ne
detail. Here, it has really helped to make the
insect ‘pop’ from its background, while the
intricacy of the subject’s wings is showcased.mounted and it is a bi-colour design,
meaning you can adjust its colour range
between 3150K and 6300K without
adding a gel or fi lter. While it is impossible
to truly replicate the warmth, beauty
and drama of natural light, you can get
surprisingly close using LED light, and
the ability to dial-in the light’s colour
temperature helps to create more natural-
looking and pleasing close-ups.The drama of backlighting
The device can be used as a fl ash too,
with high-speed sync capabilities of up to
1/8000sec. However, my requirements are
often quite modest. Many of my insect
photos are taken early in the morning
or late in the evening when subjects are
cooler and therefore less active. This gives
me a greater degree of control and allows
me to set up a tripod for precise framing
and focus. Once your camera is fi xed, you
have the ability to detach the LED from
the hotshoe and position it freely by hand
to create the exact look you are after.
In my opinion, this is hugely desirable.
Although camera-mounted light (fl ash or
LED) can really help lift the subject from
its background, it does have a tendency to
be a fl at, shadowless light type. However,
moving the light source to the side of, or
behind, the subject can prove far more
interesting, highlighting shape, form and
exquisite detail – for example, the tiny
hairs on a butterfl y’s body or the barbs on
a dragonfl y’s legs. Personally, I love the
drama of backlighting, particularly in
combination with translucent subjects
such as insect wings, petals or leaves.
When positioning the light, keep it just out
of frame and be careful not to create fl are.
The NEO 2 allows you to quickly alter the
output of its brightness by turning a knob
on the back of the device, but when
handholding it in place, you can also
simply position it closer or further away
from your subject to alter the light’s
intensity and eff ect. The creative
options are almost limitless.LED lights like
the NEO 2 can be
a powerful and
creative tool – as
this image of a
green lacewing
demonstrates
Nikon D850, 200mm,
1/40sec at f/14, ISO 800IN ASSOCIATION WITH