RRS flash bracket test part II (dragonfly)

Xti + MPE-65mm macro lens (at 2x) + MT-24EX macro flash.

Really Right Stuff flash bracket with an extender on the B flash positioned close to the top of the lens, pointed down to act as a fill flash for the background. The A flash head is at the top of the lens and pointed directly at the dragonfly. The flash cycle time was very fast, so the flash duration was short. I'm still getting some minor reflections in the wing and on the dragon's head. I'll shift the angle of the main flash for the next session. What I like about this setup is that the dragon isn't against a completely black background -and the foreground illumination is good all the way up to 4x.

Post processing: Opened image in Elements 5 editor as shot (no changes in RAW conversion). Used Noiseware Professional to remove sensor noise. Increased shadows, decreased highlights, and increased midtone contrast all by 5%. Use the auto sharpen function to sharpen the images, rubbed out dust spots with the spot healing brush, and save the image as a high quality jpg.

1x.

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incredible detail! ill have to say the 3x one is best.

I like the second one from the top. great detail on his whole body.

Stunning detail as always John

Jay Lowery wrote in post #3930565
incredible detail! ill have to say the 3x one is best.

Thanks!

Peepaw wrote in post #3930648
I like the second one from the top. great detail on his whole body.

I like the way the fill flash brings out the fine details across the top of the critter as well.

Attic wrote in post #3930668
Stunning detail as always John

Thanks Alby!

Excellent shots, the 2nd pic is my favourite, like the compo

hidden forms wrote in post #3933701
Excellent shots, the 2nd pic is my favourite, like the compo

Thanks! If I can find a way to angle the main flash a little I might be able to get shots like that without any glare on the wing...