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PROJECT 1
VIDEO ALSO ONLINE
http://bit.ly/pp_154_1MACRO 1 REFLECTORS
Diffuse the sunlight
Direct sunlight can be a problem. As shown
above, it causes high contrast with bright
highlights and deep shadows. Delicate, soft
light is often better, as it reveals the form and
colour of a subject. With macros, we don’t
have to wait for a cloud, or shoot in the shade
- we can make our own. A 5-in-1 reflector is
ideal. By holding the diffusion panel between
sun and subject – as shown in the main
image – we can diffuse the sunlight while
not blocking it, resulting in soft illumination.
Kit needed: Macro lens, diffusion
panel or white umbrella
Exposure: 1/30 sec, f/11, ISO400
MACRO 2 GET FLASH
Off-camera flash
A flash is a great extra to your kitbag.
When shooting macro you want to stick
to narrower apertures to maximize DoF- usually between f/11 and f/22 is ideal. This
requires more light, which the flash provides.
But it’s not just about light, the flash also lets
us get creative with the direction. By using a
remote trigger (or a sync cable), we can
place it behind our subject for elegant
backlighting through a leaf like this. For
best results, keep the flash power fairly
low to harmonize with the ambient light.
Kit needed: Speedlight, wireless
triggers, macro lens, tripod, light stand
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/16, ISO250