is it necessary to use a softbox when shooting macro ?

picard · 25th of April 2010 (Sun)

is it necessary to use a softbox when shooting macro ?

When is the softbox used during the day ?

What flash setting should the 430 EX II be calibrate to ?

LordV · 25th of April 2010 (Sun)

I'll try to answer your questions

#1 - not a necessity, depends on what type of shot you want to achieve but a naked flash as the main light source gives a high contrast image similar to shooting in bright sunlight with lots of specular reflections

#2 If you are using flash as the main light source and doing shooting at 1:1 or higher magnification then yes. A bit more debatable for lower magnification shots or just using the flash for a fill effect (ie most of the light is natural). Odd as it may seem , in strong sun I often try to shade subjects so that the flash is the major light source, with a good diffuser the result is much softer light.

#3 I just use the flash in ETTL mode for both full flash shots (camera in manual 1/200th ISO 100, say F11) or Tv or Av shots. You need to get used to adjusting FEC though in scenes where the brightness/darkenss will fool the exposure. eg small subject against a dark or no close background needs negative FEC and vice versa for a subject on a bright /light background.

Brian v.

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25th of April 2010 (Sun)	#1
picard Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,960	is it necessary to use a softbox when shooting macro ? is it necessary to use a softbox when shooting macro ? When is the softbox used during the day ? What flash setting should the 430 EX II be calibrate to ?

25th of April 2010 (Sun)	#2
LordV Macro Photo-Lord of the Year 2006 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Worthing UK Posts: 45,972 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: is it necessary to use a softbox when shooting macro ? I'll try to answer your questions #1 - not a necessity, depends on what type of shot you want to achieve but a naked flash as the main light source gives a high contrast image similar to shooting in bright sunlight with lots of specular reflections #2 If you are using flash as the main light source and doing shooting at 1:1 or higher magnification then yes. A bit more debatable for lower magnification shots or just using the flash for a fill effect (ie most of the light is natural). Odd as it may seem , in strong sun I often try to shade subjects so that the flash is the major light source, with a good diffuser the result is much softer light. #3 I just use the flash in ETTL mode for both full flash shots (camera in manual 1/200th ISO 100, say F11) or Tv or Av shots. You need to get used to adjusting FEC though in scenes where the brightness/darkenss will fool the exposure. eg small subject against a dark or no close background needs negative FEC and vice versa for a subject on a bright /light background. Brian v. __________________ http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/ http://www.lordv.smugmug.com/ Macro Hints and tips http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=807056 Canon 20D, Canon 40D, Canon 5D mk2, Sigma 105mm EX macro, Tamron 90mm macro, Canon MPE-65,18-55 kit lens X2, canon 200mm F2.8 L, Tamron 28-70mm xrdi, Other assorted bits