Any tips on snowflake macros?

[Travis F]

I have been trying to get a decent shot of a snowflake/s, but haven't been able to get anything decent. I am wondering if anyone has any tips.

I am using a 20D with Sigma EX 150 with or without 2x converter and a Sigma EF 500 Super DG on a bracket, if that helps with giving tips.

Thanks in advance,
Travis

[AirBrontosaurus]

What isn't decent about them? Could you post some examples?

[Travis F]

What isn't decent about them? Could you post some examples?

I would but they are REALLY bad. I seem to be having a problem isolating one or two flakes. The flash just blows everything out too much.

I don't really want to post a shot at this point. But let me look..........

Heck, I just checked and I formatted the card that I attempted the shots on. Lucky me:D !

Travis

[AirBrontosaurus]

Hm... Maybe some FEC is in order? If everything is blown out, try dialing down the flash exposure by a stop, maybe?

[Travis F]

Hm... Maybe some FEC is in order? If everything is blown out, try dialing down the flash exposure by a stop, maybe?


Yeah.. I have tried that, it didn't seem to work:( . I think my problem might be that I am trying to shoot a snowflake on snow (if that makes sense).

Should I grab a flake and put it on a black background for contrast? I am trying to shoot white on white.. and getting more peeved every time I try!

LOL

The best shot I have to date; I still wouldn't post in here. So any help or advice is appreciated and encouraged!

Travis

[AirBrontosaurus]

Are you shooting E-TTL or manual?

If I were you, I'd set your lens to f/8, ISO100, 1/250th, and then manually set your flash at about 1/4 power and go from there. That way, you can dial in the proper exposure you want.

Also, make sure you shoot in RAW. Since you are having trouble getting the exposure right, RAW will give you the most leeway with the exposure in PP.

[bandit 1]

Hiya Travis,

I posted a link to this great site all to do with Snowflakes a while back, have a look at this.

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photo2/photo2.htm

Hope this is of some help to you?

Cheers for now
Mark

[racketman]

good luck, look fwd to seeing some - not much chance of practicing around here, wouldnt be a bad April so far.

[prairiefoto]

go over to pixel-shooter.com forum and search for snowflakes. There is a person on the forum that has posted some amazing snowflake pics and has included a picture and description of her setup...essentially a reversed 24mm lens on several extension tubes.

[Mazu]

I shot these without flash because snow reflects light so well causing over exposure quite easily.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=275591

Bright daylight is enough with snow. Also you wont find photogenic flakes just anytime, weather has to be cold enough and snow should be fresh. Mine were shot just after snowing and temperature was about -15C. I hope these help a little!

edit: Didn´t notice that this was a resurrected thread, have you had better luck with flakes already?

[Travis F]

I shot these without flash because snow reflects light so well causing over exposure quite easily.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=275591

Bright daylight is enough with snow. Also you wont find photogenic flakes just anytime, weather has to be cold enough and snow should be fresh. Mine were shot just after snowing and temperature was about -15C. I hope these help a little!

edit: Didn´t notice that this was a resurrected thread, have you had better luck with flakes already?


Awesome shots in your post. That is exactly what I was trying to get. Very nice job!

I haven't had a chance to get out and try to shoot flakes again. It has been very cold here lately (-20degF) and everytime we get a fresh snow I don't feel much like going outside.

Next week is supposed to be a little warmer, so maybe I can try again then.

Thanks for the link to your images. I really like them.

Travis