Black and white Camelia

[blacknstormy]

[img]http://www.fototime.com/19FCD9FB6030554/standard.jpg[img]

Sorry for the previous posts - now I know how to embed the photos in the forum page :) This is a shot taken in the dark, while holding a camera in one hand behind the camelia, and the camera in the other. It's only my first try, so any suggestions would be appreciated

Rel

[eland]

Hi,
I guess you mean "While holding a LIGHT behind the camelia and the camera in the other. "
That is the hard way, and that considered, your result is pretty darn good.
I'm keen to check your other shots as you are clearly trying very hard and you will definitely succeed.
This image suffers from two main points that need attention. 1. It is not terribly sharp. Camera Shake ???
2. Half the picture area is very poorly lit.

Perhaps a few technical tips might help you on your way.
a. Working close-up and not using flash, you are in danger of getting Camera Shake, and unsharp pics result from the slow shutter speed.
Cure: Have the camera on a tripod for steadiness if you are unable to obtain a fast shutter speed.
Also fire the camera with a cable or infra-red beam.

b. You obviously didn't want frontal lighting and that is fine, but you then have other problems to solve.
If the light at the side of the flower is to be flash how are you going to fire it ?
Cure: Off the camera flash can be fired by cable attached to the camera or if it has a slave function,
a flash on the camera, but not pointing at the subject
can fire the other flash or flashes.
You can have more than one slave flash. Small ones are not that expensive and can be any brand at all.
They don't have to be made by Canon. Some sell around $50 and they work fine.

If you are not using flash, and as you are working in Black & White any reading lamps will do the job.
In fact with digital cameras they can take care of White Balance even if you decide to work in color..

You are getting into the field of close-up photography and it is most satisfying but it does place extra demands upon you as a photographer.

The main points that need your attention are
1. Light. Source & Direction.
2. Depth of Field on the subject.
3. Camera Shake.
4. Suitable background.

You can experiment using one reading lamp or flash on one side and a light colored reflector, even newspaper, on the other. Try it. You'll be amazed.

Try to have the light or lights standing so you don't have to hold them. Set it all up like a miniature studio even if you are working outdoors.

Close-up photography is a fascinating and rewarding
field. The digital camera is marvelous for this as you can check your results immediately and remedy faults.

Keep going. You are on your way.
We'll be watching for more of your images soon.

Kind regards and have fun

PS. Don't do what I did when I started doing close-ups of flowers.
I worked with reading lamps and I fiddled around a long time with the lights and getting the camera set up.

Before I clicked my first picture, the flower was cooked
and shriveled up. End of session ! !

eland

[blacknstormy]

Thank you so much for your reply Eland :) I guess I was just 'mucking around' at the time, and really didn't put all that much thought into what I was doing, and just kind of liked the result ......

The comments on the lighting are fantastic - I just got into 'trouble' for trying to unplug our reading lamp that is being used by my partner in order to try out your suggestions .... I'll just have to wait my turn.

I've just posted another photo, which I know is slightly out of focus (camera shake again :( ) but am interested to hear what you think.

Again thank you for your help - I'm having a ball and can only get better :) (I hope !!) lol

Cheers
Rel

[eland]

Hi Rel

Thank you for your reply.
Good that your partner is interested in the lighting too.
Lighting can make or break a photo.

I'll certainly check your latest post.
Incidentally a good and inexpensive brand of Slave Flash is STARBLITZ.
I have 4 of them and they are really handy.
Good for doing copy work too. And no direct connection to the camera. In fact no wires at all.
And with flash, camera shake should be a thing of the past.
Kindest regards :-)
eland