View Full Version : Softer, maybe better?
phishphorphun
09-09-2005, 1:55 PM
Hey freinds, need your oppinion. As I continue practicing with my new 60mm macro lens, I have also started to lower the power on my SB800 to create a softer, lower exposed image. Combining the lower light source with a little higher f/stop, I feel like I enjoy the results and dof that I am getting. However I think I may be sacrificing the detail results that come with stronger light.
This is an example of what I am starting to enjoy. It is not competition material by any means. But I would appreciate your input and suggestions and if I should continue in this direction.
http://aquatic-photography.com/gallery/files/6/1/1/33bLwandaScript090905.jpg
Schnauzer
09-09-2005, 2:02 PM
Since I know very little about the fish from Afrika . Is that the true color of the fish Bobby . In your older pictures the colors seemed much more vivid . Or maybe it is that particular fishes colors are different from what I remember .
phishphorphun
09-09-2005, 2:11 PM
Ron, I have several different peacocks that have the colored shoulders. This is the Lwanda that is very distinguishable by the bright blue flaring in the dorsal and caudal. Yes, it could be the one you may be thinking of. I have toned down the light power in this shot so there may be less highlights in the blues.
Go here (http://aquatic-photography.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=2240&c=31) to see the same fish I captured a few days ago with the brighter light.
t_chelle16
09-09-2005, 2:54 PM
I like this one better than the one you linked to because it seems more natural. The other one looks like it has a spot light on it.
This shot looks a little noisy under the mouth, especially for being 200 ISO, but I think that might just be artifacts from this site's storage (I've noticed that when I store images here, they have a huge amount of jpeg artifacts that aren't there on the original).
-Chelle
phishphorphun
09-09-2005, 3:01 PM
I like this one better than the one you linked to because it seems more natural. The other one looks like it has a spot light on it.
This shot looks a little noisy under the mouth, especially for being 200 ISO, but I think that might just be artifacts from this site's storage (I've noticed that when I store images here, they have a huge amount of jpeg artifacts that aren't there on the original).
-Chelle
Thanks Chelle. That is what I am after. A more natural appearance, including the mood of the underwater. Agree about the Jpeg artifacts. Ever since we changed services, my photos aren't as good stored here.
bobby, technically this shot is excellent. the lighting is natural looking. the exposure is good and the lighting is nice and even. i think you are heading in the right direction.
phishphorphun
09-09-2005, 5:50 PM
bobby, technically this shot is excellent. the lighting is natural looking. the exposure is good and the lighting is nice and even. i think you are heading in the right direction.
Thanks Hir0. I think I may have been striving to get every scale on the fish super exposed before. I'll try and get a better overall total composition now.
BTW, did you notice I was able to plug the new lens into the script all by myself :question: :-o Even took care of the overlapping with the Tamron 28-75mm. :-o :-o
yah, i noticed it was there - but i forgot about the whol script thing. good job lol.
benny
09-09-2005, 10:12 PM
Bobby,
Interesting development there. If you want more vivid (or less waxy colors) on that fish, you can try using a circular polariser. Not a prefer method by most aquatic photographers for 2 reasons. The first being you lose 2 stop of light (which is within you control through the SB800) and the second being that you must have absolutely good quality glass (preferably float glass) to prevent unatural sphere of discoloration. The effect of using a Circular Polariser will be most apparent in the upper to mid section of the body.
On a separate note, the background vies for attention with your subject. When this happens, you normally have room for a smaller apperture. Alternatively, try bringing your flash closer towards you and tilt it with a smaller angle of incline.
I'm sure the two comments will keep you busy for weeks, but the results may be pleasantly surprising. Have fun!
Cheers,
phishphorphun
09-09-2005, 11:40 PM
Benny, thanks for a LOT to think about. I think I can work on the second point you mentioned by just stop using the bounce setup. Directing the flash into the tank at angles will be a fairly easy practice.
However, using the circular polariser is something I never considered and am very curious to see if it is the alternative I am looking for.
Your advice and suggestions are extremely helpful...as usual.
benny
09-09-2005, 11:45 PM
Your are most welcome Bobby.
I would suggest starting with a smaller aperture to work on the background first. And the develop/refine the technique from there by controlling the light.
Cheers,
phishphorphun
09-10-2005, 3:58 AM
This is one of my first attempts of getting the color more vivid without being too waxy and washed since Benny's suggestion. Any improvement :question:
Shot with SB800 angled from the front top straight down at 1/8 power in commander mode. Diffusing with the slide out diffuser in the unit and no paper diffuser.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/phishphorphun/34cLwandaScript091005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/phishphorphun/34bLwandaScript091005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/phishphorphun/34aLwandaScript091005.jpg
Oops Bobby. I think you misinterpreted me. To lose that waxy effect, use the circular polariser and diffuse the light.
To get a less distracting background, ensure you use a small aperture and minimise the flash hitting the back wall. From your pictures, I suspect you can easily use 1/800 secs with an aperture of 14 and still get the same exposure, but with a blured and less distracting background, provided you have a high speed flash sync. Otherwise, I believe then you set the shutter to max sync speed, you can still push the aperture to 20 or 25 easily if it's available on your lens. Try it and see if you can see any difference.
Cheers,
RazorBlade
09-12-2005, 8:28 AM
Agreed with Benny on the background & subject (fish) competing for attention. Going to F14 or above would allow in less light, hence the background tends to get darker.
Alternatively, adjust ur flash setup. Try 'blocking' some of the flash's light / bounched light from reaching the background ... but still illuminate the fish. Haha, it's tough - I'm still trying at my side too.
Also, I noticed a 'soft white' layer over some of the photos. I am wondering if it's the angle of the fish / flash / camera, or could it be the light boucing off the glass (happens to some of my photos too). CAN be adjusted in post-processing.
Last but not least - nice fish! Very cooperative with the poses too. :-D