A few wildflower macros

[FlyingSquirrel]

As I typically do, I have been focusing more on the "logistics" of my photography, equipment, documents, etc, and less on the actual enjoyment and creation of the photos. I intend to turn this ratio around and actually get back to why I'm doing it all (taking and sharing pics). Anyway, I was going to post these photos a few months ago but forgot to.

These are a couple wildflower macros from July. In my macro shots, I typically strive for as clean and smooth of a bg as I can get. I like to have the subject pop, with no distractions behind. Getting these kind of shots can sometimes be very time consuming and frustrating, but I think it's worth the result. For these shots, the tools and techniques used were:

Canon 7D
Sigma 150mm macro
Tripod
Ballhead
Macro rail
Diffusers and/or Reflectors
Wireless remote
Mirror Lockup

C&C appreciated.

1. Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed)



2. Cytisus sp. (ID not certain)

[ShaneS]

Lovely shots Matt. The plain background that you patiently searched out has certainly paid off in these shots and while both beautiful they are very different in good ways.

I really like the graphic nature of the first shot and all of the detail that is shown in the structure of the bloom. In the second, there is a lovely softness that matches the flowers perfectly. Nice work!

[Wavelength]

Both are awesome!!!!

[deetheturk]

Stunning images Matt,are the stacked?

Cheers David

[Mike Buckley]

I was going to post these photos a few months ago but forgot to.

No more holding out on us.

I really like the graphic nature of the first shot and all of the detail that is shown in the structure of the bloom. In the second, there is a lovely softness that matches the flowers perfectly. Nice work!

Exactly my thoughts. I was trying to decide which one I like the best. Once I realized that they are so different and that each style is executed so well, I decided that there is no reason to feel compelled to select one over the other.

[picsfrommt]

The backgrounds on both shots are nice. As you say, they make the subjects pop out.

One trick a friend told me about is to carry a few pieces of various colored cloths with you. Just hold the cloth behind the flower and presto, a very uncluttered background. If the wind conditions permit a longer exposure (1/4 to 1/2 second) you can move the cloth to avoid picking up any of the cloth's texture. I haven't tried it yet, but next wildflower season I plan on using it.

But I do have to say, at least with the two shots you posted, the out of focus patterns you have in the background are really nice. Better I think than you'd get with a featureless cloth background.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thank you all very much for the kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. David, these shots are not focus stacked. Craig, welcome to the forum. I have heard of a similar trick to the cloth bg that you noted; basically the one I read about was actually an out of focus bg printed on cardstock. That way you have some varied tones and patterns, but it stays blurry looking (obviously you'd want it well outside of the DOF just to be sure it looks natural). In fact, I should probably give that a try.... Thanks again everyone.

[FlyingSquirrel]

One more thought that occurred to me as I was looking at the jewelweed shot: I forgot to mention that the bg and the flower were in different light, and I had to do separate WB for them. I selected the flower in PS and edited it and the bg separately as needed for color / temp correction and other edits. Thought that might be helpful or relevant to someone.

[deetheturk]

Hi again Matt,

I see you have a macro rail in your arsenal,i am thinking of buying one but there are so many mixed reviews on them,if you dont mind sharing,which one have you got and is it any good?

Thanks David

[FlyingSquirrel]

Hi again Matt,

I see you have a macro rail in your arsenal,i am thinking of buying one but there are so many mixed reviews on them,if you dont mind sharing,which one have you got and is it any good?

Thanks David

Certainly, David, I'll be happy to help. The only macro rail I have ever used is the one I own now, which is the Really Right Stuff B150B-LMT package for Collared macro lenses. Let's be honest, Really Right Stuff is absurdly overpriced, but the quality and design are definitely top-notch. That is why I am (sometimes) willing to buy their products. When they have something that fits a need that I have, if I can't find something that is as well designed or has the features, from another manufacturer, I will lay down the dough for the RRS brand.

I got the model noted above because my Sigma macro lens has a collar/foot. I also use a Really Right Stuff ballhead, the BH40-LR model. A bit of a warning, the macro rail I have is pretty heavy. Add on the 7D camera and the hefty 150mm macro, and I am pushing the limits of the BH40 ballhead. It is fine when all of the gear is centered and upright, but when shooting macro, that is rarely the case. I get my tripod, the rail, lens, etc tilted at random angles and offset to the side, etc. With that lens, camera, and the big rail all on the ballhead and it's tilted, I have to wrench it down pretty tight to avoid slippage. I'd much prefer the BH55 full sized ballhead for this setup, but that is some money I do not have right now, nor would I use it enough to make the purchase worth it (and also, it's freaking huge). Long story, short, the setup I have works well, but I am careful about what I'm doing.

There is a lever you can push in which allows you to rapidly adjust the rail mount forward/backward, then release and the gear shaft reengages. (Make sure the threads and the metal arm match up properly to avoid stripping the shaft; you can sort of tell when it snaps into position) You can loosen the lower clamp to move the upper fixture side to side a little if needed. The two knobs have different rate of adjustment, the large for faster, the smaller knob for fine tuning. Quality is way up there, everything is smooth, strong, solid. Again, would be better with a beefier ballhead. One thing is, I initially purchased the rail with the idea that I could use it for manual focus stacking. In practice, it didn't work well because, for the precise movements needed, it was a little bit too coarse and things moved side to side a tad also. I wouldn't say it's the rail's fault, I think it just isn't meant to be that precise of a tool. For normal macro work, it performs beautifully. Oh, one more thing. I always start each shot/setup with the clamps and rails centered, then move things around as needed, and sometimes for extra reach, I will loosen the ballhead clamp while holding my rig VERY securely and slide the entire rig forward or backward, then lock the ballhead down again. Not the best thing to do, but in a pinch it can get you forward or backward when you don't have time or ability to re-position the whole setup.

If you can afford it, I suggest the RRS macro rail. However, as I said, I can't compare it to anything else. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[deetheturk]

Hi Matt,

Thank you for the detailed info on your set-up,i totally agree about RRS being grossly overpriced,but i was willing to pay for the quality,unfortunately i live in Turkey now and overseas delivery is a nightmare,i looked into getting it shipped to my homeland (Bonnie Scotland) but the tax i would need to pay is a joke! So until i have family or a friend going to the U.S i think i'll start saving lol.

Cheers David

[John 2]

Very nice shots Matt. It's all been said but I too think that the careful approach to the BG has made these.

[chauncey]

I selected the flower in PS and edited it and the bg separately as needed for color / temp correction and other edits

I'm a believer in that technique as well...those images are quite nice!

[DanK]

beautiful shots

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks guys

[Bobobird]

2 more stunning shots.

Btw we are both with the 150.
But not used it much recently - have to overcome the bug phobia from being stung a couple of weeks ago.

[FlyingSquirrel]

2 more stunning shots.

Btw we are both with the 150.
But not used it much recently - have to overcome the bug phobia from being stung a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks for the comment. I LOVE the 150!!! Sorry to hear about the sting, hope all gets better and you get back out.