If that's the only flash you have you might try something very simple.
Just drape a handkerchief or a tissue (maybe just one layer) over the
flash and let it lay along the lens as well. Take a shot and see what
it does. Analyze and adjust if needed. Alternatively, make a thin,
rectangular cardboard frame from 1/2" wide strips just large enough to
hold an unfolded single layer of tissue. Tape the tissue to the frame
and hold the frame in front of the flash supported on the lens.
The key to soft flash lighting is large angular diameter relative to the
subject. That's achieved both by large size but also (and mainly) by
getting the flash/diffuser close to the subject. But if you get too
close with auto flash control the electronics may not have enough time
to respond. Remember one foot to the target and another foot back to
the TTL flash sensor is only about 2 nanoseconds. I have no idea what
the minimum distance spec is for the built-in on the E-510.
Chuck Norcutt
On 5/16/2012 8:01 PM, Jim Nichols wrote:
> Hi Chuck,
>
> All I have is the twinkie flash on top of the E-510. I tried several
> combinations of flash strength and aperture, but never got it right. I also
> did not want to incur the wrath of SWMBO by damaging her new present. So, I
> put a black poster board behind it, turned on all of the room lighting, and
> did the best I could.
>
> I may try a retake, using some of your suggestions. I have a few ideas that
> might improve the situation. Thanks for the suggestions.
>
> Jim Nichols
> Tullahoma, TN USA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Chuck Norcutt"<chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Olympus Camera Discussion"<olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 6:17 PM
> Subject: Re: [OM] IMG: Mother's Day Orchid
>
>
>> There are two problems. The background is too close to the plant thus
>> allowing the flash to cast strong shadows there. The flash is also too
>> directional which is changing the soft white of most of the petals to a
>> sparkly, silvery color in some areas and giving a sort of metallic
>> appearance. Try adding some sort of diffuser between the flash and the
>> plant. Something like a big, white handkerchief might do it and/or some
>> white cards on the sides to reflect the light back in. Some sheets of
>> letter size paper might be adequate. Then add another 3 or 4 hands to
>> hold all in place. :-)
>>
>> Chuck Norcutt
>>
>>
>> On 5/16/2012 2:31 PM, Jim Nichols wrote:
>>> I couldn't resist working with the orchid plant that my wife received on
>>> Mother's Day.
>>>
>>> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Orchid+57.jpg.html
>>>
>>> Olympus E-510 with Leica Elmarit-R 60 Macro plus 2X, ISO 800, fill flash,
>>> RAW
>>>
>>> Comments and critiques welcomed.
>>>
>>> Jim Nichols
>>> Tullahoma, TN USA
>> --
>> _________________________________________________________________
>> Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
>> Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
>> Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
>>
>>
>
>
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|
