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A splash of colour

Discussion

15 replies
Posted by Matt Cole on December 13, 2008 at 3:24 AM
A splash of colour
I'm going through some of my macro shots from the summer and the vivid colours in this one caught my eye. You can also play spot the greenfly :smile:

A larger version is available here.

Canon 30D with MP-E 65 macro lens.

f14, 1/160, ISO 100, diffused Speedlight on side bracket, handheld.

All C+C welcomed.

Matt
Posted by Justin on December 13, 2008 at 3:31 AM
Very nice image Matt and well composed to include the whole of the petal the insect is standing on.:toast:
If you don't mind me asking. What do you use to diffuse your flash and what angle and distance is your flash from the front of your lens? The reason I ask is your macro images always look really nicely lit with nice soft shadows.
Posted by Matt Cole on December 13, 2008 at 3:46 AM
many thanks for your comment Justin. I've used a variety of different diffusers, many of them homemade. The one I settled on this summer was a Stofen Omnibounce with, wait for it, some kitchen roll covering it and held on with a rubber band. I then loosen the kitchen roll slightly so rather than tightly covering the Stofen diffuser it is loose and therefore provides a bigger surface area. As I'm sure you're aware, the larger the surface area the more effective the diffuser. The flashgun is then angled down so that, if you're behind the camera, it is at approximately 10 o'clock relative to the subject. The MP-E 65 macro lens is a peculiar beast with working distance of between 1 and 4cm, so the flash is very close to the subject. This also helps to diffuse the light and soften the shadows.

I hope that makes some sense :smile:

Matt
Posted by Justin on December 13, 2008 at 3:56 AM
Thanks Matt. I feel a D.I.Y. session coming on :smile: :wavey:
Posted by Dave Bartlett on December 13, 2008 at 8:24 AM
That's a great summer image for a dismal grey day (or it is here anyway). Composition and colour spot on. You have certainly tamed that MP-E65.

Dave
Posted by Tom Smit on December 13, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Terrific shot. Well done.
I love macro shots of insects, I'm jealous.
I'm still collecting money for the mp-e65 (especially after seeing this shot).

:toast:
Posted by Sandra Hendrikse on December 13, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Hi Matt,

Very nicely composed image with great colours. I like it very much. :smile:
Posted by Magnus Hird on December 13, 2008 at 1:24 PM
More great macro work Matt, really like the eyes on this beastie! Greenfly spotted :wink:
Posted by John Varley on December 13, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Nice one Matt, pleasing soft light. :toast:

John

Posted by John Robinson on December 13, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Great close up stuff Matt. Summer seems so far away
JohnR
Posted by Matt Cole on December 14, 2008 at 2:59 AM
thanks very much for the comments

Matt
Posted by Colin Pickett on December 14, 2008 at 5:08 AM
A very colourful image with lots of detail really like it. :toast:
Posted by Major Gilbert on December 14, 2008 at 5:59 AM
Fine shot Matt and interesting to here of your setup. :toast:

Major
Posted by David Taylor on December 15, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Great shot of the aphid and the hoverfly is not bad as well. :biggrin: Brightened up a cold winter's day.

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by John Chapman on December 16, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Wow this is good. :toast:
Posted by Matt Cole on December 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
thanks very much for the further comments.

Matt