Everything you needed to know about Macro.

[Bill16]

From the sound of it, I think I would prefer your method. But in a pinch I suppose it would do if there is no breezes.
I'm hoping to get a diffuser more like what you use on your speed light that you showed us in a previous post. But I'm unsure on the size or if the brand has any roll in what diffuser would be better.
But I will keep the foam plate idea in mind, if I get desperate for something I can pick up fast locally.

Not my idea but could work and would be cheap. School Of Digital Photography: Diy Flash Diffuser for Macro Photography Using Styrofoam Plate

 

[Scott Murray]

From the sound of it, I think I would prefer your method. But in a pinch I suppose it would do if there is no breezes.
I'm hoping to get a diffuser more like what you use on your speed light that you showed us in a previous post. But I'm unsure on the size or if the brand has any roll in what diffuser would be better.
But I will keep the foam plate idea in mind, if I get desperate for something I can pick up fast locally.

That was a Luminox Soft box.

 

[Bill16]

OK cool! What size are you using? Does size make a big difference with macro shots?

That was a Luminox Soft box.

 

[Scott Murray]

OK cool! What size are you using? Does size make a big difference with macro shots?

Mine is 9 inch x 9 inch. I have heard that bigger is better in diffusers as its less harsh and cuts down on the hot spots.

 

[Bill16]

Thanks for the info Scott! I bought a 12" octagon version today, and I hope it works out good.

Mine is 9 inch x 9 inch. I have heard that bigger is better in diffusers as its less harsh and cuts down on the hot spots.

 

[Scott Murray]

Thanks for the info Scott! I bought a 12" octagon version today, and I hope it works out good.

Will be interesting to see how it turns out. The advantage of using a speedlight over onboard flash is the faster shutter speeds you can use.

 

[Vixen]

But I will keep the foam plate idea in mind, if I get desperate for something I can pick up fast locally.

If you get desperate you could do what I have done and fold a freezer bag up and hold it over flash with a rubber band. Just softens the flash nicely

 

[Scott Murray]

If you get desperate you could do what I have done and fold a freezer bag up and hold it over flash with a rubber band. Just softens the flash nicely

There are a lot of DIY diffuser set ups for Macro that look like they would work well. Check out this set up. King Fisher: My D.I.Y. - Macro Rig

 

[Scott Murray]

And another - How to Make a Cheap DIY Flash Diffuser for Macro Photography

 

[captain birdseye]

for macro flash i have used the metz mecablitz 15ms1. it is a twin flash in a ring flash style housing and works rather well. but i prefer natural light when possible.