Flash help with macro shots

[d4a2n0k]

Hi All,

Ive been messing around with my Rebel Xti w/100mm Macro lens for the past few months. I read that in order to get the best possible shots, a flash with a hot shoe extension is recommended.

I have a Canon 220ex flash and just ordered the hot shoe extension. I also read Id need a diffuser, I think Sto-Fen was mentioned but Im having a hard time finding one that fits this flash. They have for the more expensive flashes but not for the 220ex. What is this needed for? Can I get by without one?

Do I bounce the flash off the ceiling or direct into the tank?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[clippo]

a flash on the hotshoe might give you flexibility in your camera settings but if you are up really close the lens may shade the subject. I don't think bouncing will work too well, also the position of the flash can lead to unnatural looking shadows on the subject. Remote is better IMHO.

Where did you read that incidentally?

 

[d4a2n0k]

I should have phrased that better. I have read on this forum, not in any article or anything.

I posted a while back right when I first got this setup and since have been able to get better shots than in this post. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1153803 I have also seen it mentioned by a few others on RC.

I have not been able to get those "tack sharp" pics that I often see on here. I know the limiting factor is probably me and my lack of experience but whatever equipment will help me out in the process, Ill give a try.

Thanks

 

[d4a2n0k]

What settings did you use on your other post with your new 40D? The EXIF is stripped. Did you use a flash?

 

[maroun.c]

Dirct flash (ie with no diffusor) might work as you will be using very small apertures. it's best to have an off camera flash. Nikon offers ireless creative light system which is a great advantage. With Canon I gues syou have to get a cable to connect the flash. You could also play with flash positions to create directional lighting. also you can play with multiople flash setups adding another slave flash that you can control the intensity of. it takes a bit of trying to get the settings right and here is the advantage of Nikon as one flash can act as a master and control the intesity of 3 channels of flashs up to a total of 9 flashs I guess.
so start with a single flash without diffusor and from different places. have your lens straight on the glass preferrably with one of those rubber hoods to make sure you get no reflections in. if that does not work try to get the omnibounce or a regular white paper taped over the flash if you cant find it. I also experimented with DIY small flash softboxes and finally found a flash softbox made my Lumiquest and another made by Lastolite (called Appolo) and these work fine .
Also make sure you play with the shutter speed according to the effects you want to achieve. shorter shutter speeds do freeze the zction for the fish better however they kill the colours of some corals so it's best to allow the light from the tank into the equation via longer exposures. also a faster shutter speed will give you darker background and longer shutter will show the shadows behind your object so use those to achieve the effect you look for.

 

[fivewhyn]

okay takes a little set up but bounce you flash.

set your tripod up and get your shot framed. now point the flash at a 45% angle away from the tank, set your camera on timer and your ready.

while the camera is counting down to take your shot, take a large piece of white board and stand at least 2 feet from your flash with the white board at an angle that will reflect the flash into your tank.

flash goes off and viola! a diffused flash image of your corals.

 

[reefturkey]

You can also get a ring flash or macro shots. I have one for work and have used it before for tank photography. Works like a charm