Newbie

[grphotog641]

Hi, and thank you for the invitation.
I started with macro photography only a couple weeks ago as something to do under my state's state-at-home rules.
Normally at this time of year, I'd be shooting my kids' baseball and softball or be out on the weekends doing 720nm IR landscape.

I use a Nikon D500, a new-to-me Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro, and a set of extension tubes. I also got a license for Helicon Focus and Remote. I've tried some outdoor shooting, but it's been a breezy spring and I've had trouble with my subjects (usually flowers) moving too much.

My indoor setup for focus stacking is pretty basic, but I've been happy with the outcome.


I look forward to learning from you all and am always happy for constructive criticism.

Thanks!

 

[Jack]

Hello grphotog641 , welcome to our small community. We are here to help with everything we can to improve macro knowledge and skills.

by the way, great flowers pictures. You can showcase them here.

Flora

Trees, leaf, flowers, stems and other parts of a plant are great subjects for Macro. Lichens, ferns and fungus can also be showcased here.

macroderie.com

If you have any questions and issues, please don't hesitate to contact me privately. Will be happy to help you.

 

[grphotog641]

If you have any questions and issues, please don't hesitate to contact me privately. Will be happy to help you.

Thanks, Jack.

 

[Jack]

You are the most welcome . Thanks again for joining us.

 

[Shan]

Welcome to the group.

i love what you did with the flower..but you may consider the highlights of the shell picture. would love to see some details there.

 

[grphotog641]

Welcome to the group.

i love what you did with the flower..but you may consider the highlights of the shell picture. would love to see some details there.

Thanks, Shan. Studio lighting (or my poor excuse for it) is totally new to me so I'm still trying to feel it out.

 

[Shan]

Thanks, Shan. Studio lighting (or my poor excuse for it) is totally new to me so I'm still trying to feel it out.

i would suggest a detatched speedlight with diffuser. and for shell photos shoot as many angles as you can, both from the camera viewpoint as well as lighting. also try the light from the window ..daylight..sometimes it adds to the charm. happy shooting.

 

[grphotog641]

i would suggest a detatched speedlight with diffuser. and for shell photos shoot as many angles as you can, both from the camera viewpoint as well as lighting. also try the light from the window ..daylight..sometimes it adds to the charm. happy shooting.

Thanks. I have a speedlight and a small diffuser in my amazon wish-list. I have a cheap, 10+ year-old, pretty dumb speedlight now and I'd like to upgrade. I'm also collecting components for a DIY diffuser.

 

[Shan]

Thanks. I have a speedlight and a small diffuser in my amazon wish-list. I have a cheap, 10+ year-old, pretty dumb speedlight now and I'd like to upgrade. I'm also collecting components for a DIY diffuser.

whats wrong with your current speedlight, if i may ask? what is its guide number?

 

[grphotog641]

whats wrong with your current speedlight, if i may ask? what is its guide number?

It's a Vivitar 286. Online documentation is virtually non-existent. It supports TTL, but doesn't seem to have any control for brightness levels when remotely triggered via a trigger flash (which I can't do with my D500 anyway). Guide number is either 164' or 194' at ISO 100 85mm, depending on which part of the B&H product listing you believe.

I'm looking at a Godox TT685N as a more flexible replacement.