Critique

[Aperture]

Hi Guys,

Thanks to my other thread on close up filters (diopters?) I was able to partially break into the world of macro photography. I shot some pics in my backyard and was hoping for some critique on my first attempt at anything like this.

Here is the link (http://KevinSchaefer.smugmug.com/gallery/5273370_CZm3H#P-1-20) (notice: 2 pages)

One thing I noticed was that lighting the subject was quite hard. Many of my attempts came out way overexposed while some came out really dark. I decided I would have to use my flash and came up with a simple diffuser out of some materials laying around: (crappy iPhone pic)

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/29374/camera.jpg

Anyway, it was definitely a rewarding experience and I will absolutely do more of it. (By the way, they were all shot on my D50 with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens, Quantaray diopter, and my Nikon SB-400)

Thanks!

[jimothyGator]

That's a prett clever approach, and I like the pictures that resulted. Was the circular vignetting added post-processing?

My favorite is the spider (daddy long legs?), though I'd like to see the result of shooting it at f/11 or f/16, instead of f/5, for great depth-of-field:

http://KevinSchaefer.smugmug.com/gallery/5273370_CZm3H#321110801_f7Dpp

[Digital Skunk]

My jealous fiancee says you suck @$$, jokingly of course. Those are some great shots, and you should be proud of yourself. Those images are great shots especially given the gear that you are using.

I haven't seen many D300 or D3 owners produce images that good and post on this site. The only thing I can say is to turn down the vignetting and that's just my personal opinion.

[Martin C]

I'm actually a fan of the vignetting--draws the eye to the subject. Nice gallery all around Aperture, great lighting and bokeh.

[taylorwilsdon]

These look great. I did a similar piece with 52mm diopters here; but you've got me beat. I love the ghetto-fuser too.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=494487

They really can be great if you have good lighting and patience.

[Aperture]

Thanks a lot for the complements, guys! I really appreciate it.

The vignetting was added in post. I suppose it may be a little too much on some of them but I do like like it, mostly. I'll have to go back and make some tweaks.

Anyway, I'm really happy considering this is my first attempt and I can't wait to try it again. I guess it just goes to show you that top of the line equipment isn't necessarily needed to get some cool shots! :)

Thanks Again!

Edit: Oh, & the diffuser doesn't look pretty and is kind of dorky but it works! I just wrapped some foam-y paper stuff around in a cone and hot glued the paper towel to the front, haha.

[Phrasikleia]

I really like the photos, especially no. 13: beauty and the beast!

[hector]

These shots are excellent!
Having seen these I am definitely going to invest in some diopters, although I have found it quite hard to locate Canon or Nikon ones which people seem to recommend as being better than Hoya etc for some reason

[dllavaneras]

Great stuff! Macrophotography is a little hobby of mine, so I know the patience required to take shots like that! :)

Just a suggestion: When photographing bugs, clear focus on the eyes is crucial for the pic that can either make or break a picture. Just keep practicing! You're doing great! ;)