Home made macro studio... with a bit of c&c

elven

I've been frustrated a lot recently because I love doing my macro shots when I get in from work and there's a beautiful patch of sunlight that comes in the bedroom window. But recently, it's been pretty dull, so I went and got myself a clip on spot-lamp (only 5 euro!) and a wee tiny baby tripod. Except on Friday night, there was the sunlight, and I shot merrily away for a good hour or so. Unfortunately I didn't notice that most of the shots were ruined by a bit bit of flare coming in the top of the frame. Anyway, I thought I'd post my results, and also a wee pic of the setup too.

Here's the gear (tubes, baby tripod, black card, and highly technical leaf holding device):

(see larger here)

Here's the only one I salvaged from the shots with sunlight:

(large)

And here's one taken with the spot-lamp, it really is best to view it full size though:

(larger)

I wanted to get some black velvet to stick on the vardboard to try and absorb light because the board still reflects it quite a lot and ends up looking grey - but there was none in the fabric shop today. I may have to track down a black velvet dress in a charity shop instead!

I just thought it might be of interest to someone, and if anyone has any comments or suggestions they are very welcome

masteroftherealm

Ooooooo I love them shots!!!!!!!

AlisonB

These are gorgeous Elven. I wouldn't have a clue how to approach a shot like this. Very well done.

rymus

amazing.. well done. Getting a macro lens myself next week. Hugely excited about finally being able to attempt proper macro.

311

Great shot ,really in the structure of the plant ,the light is beautiful.

Brian.

elven

Thanks for the compliments people. Much appreciated!

Does anyone else have the inclination to do a mini studio at home? I could only find a screw in spot bulb, and the clip base is a bayonet, so I couldn't direct the light very well - and also anything I bring near it is likely to burn. Would a halogen desk lamp be bright enough do you think?

I've also seen some other people's kit, like this guy here, that might be of interest to anyone thinking about it too.

mtracey

wow, they're great. I've tried to do some indoor macro before without much success.

where did you buy the holding device ?

CONMIKE12

Lovely shots elven,great colour ,texture and lighting...... very well done.

Roen

If you do an awful lot of macro consider getting a ring flash for your macro lens. They also provide weird eye catch lights in portraits. Probably would want to be a macro nut or doing medical or scientific work though to justify the price.

Morlar

Is that the actual dof on the 2nd leaf one or was that photoshopped that way ? Looks cool either way - cool effect - and great to see how it was all put together.

elven

It's real DOF. There's only a certain amount of ps I'd do

TBH I wouldn't really go for a rightflash, because I don't want flat, even lighting, and I tend to shoot mostly with the light behindthe subject to give it some glow. I might actually want to consider a macro lens first anyway, if I had that kind of cash! My extension tubes have served me well enough for about 5 years now anyway...

Dundhoone

Could you tell us a bit more about the extension tubes?
Do you use them with a prime lens, a 50mm or similar? Does it have to be an expensive ultra sharp jobbie ??
You just add different combos of tubes to achieve the level of magnification you want??
Do you end up taking the photo with the lens right up close to the subject - i suppose what im asking here is would the tubes be any good for taking macros of insects where you would want to be up too close so as not to disturb em?

I'd love to take some macro shots - just not sure what kit to go for. You get fantastic results with your mini-macro studio!

elven

I use the tubes with my wee canon 50mm f1.8. It's a set of three, and with the thinnest one, I shoot from about 10cm away (I think). When I've got all three stacked up together I'm only a couple cm away, and as you can see from the pictures above I filled the frame with half of that leaf. But - I'm pretty sure if I use the 80-200 I don't have to get so close. I can't say for sure, would have to give it a try and take note of the magnification and focal distance - or maybe there's something already out there, will have a google.

Edit: I found some helpful links on the tubes that also have details of the maths...

http://www.oncloserinspection.com/Photomacrography/Articles/Extubes/extubes.htm

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Tips/ExtensionTube.htm

http://kenmcvayphoto.clymbers.com/articles/extensiontubes.html

eas

very nice elven - inspiring!