Flash vs available light in close up photos

12 years 10 months ago #83841 by Screamin Scott
Just found some "Butterfly Weed" alongside the road out behind my house so I brought it in for some comparison shots. The available light photo was 1/350 @F8, the flash was F22 @ 1/500 with the flash @ 1/2 power



Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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12 years 10 months ago #83859 by Shadowfixer1
How about a 1/350 sec @ f-8.0 with the flash at 1/2 power? Did you try that?
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12 years 10 months ago - 12 years 10 months ago #83861 by MLKstudios
Both are fine. But if I had to pick, I'd choose #2 'cause it looks more natural. It's possible to get flash to "look" natural too, using reflectors, diffusers etc. (or most ANY light source). **

Matthew :)

** exceptions are sodium and mercury vapor "industrial" lights, due to their very narrow wavelength.

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

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12 years 10 months ago #84177 by dang
Nice work, Scott. I favor the second shot too, since I'm a fan of lighter backgrounds. But that's just personal preference.

Insanity: doing the same thing over, and over again expecting different results. (Albert Einstein)
www.dangphoto.weebly.com

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12 years 10 months ago #84201 by John Landolfi
Both are fine,in my opinion. I find the second ultimately more satisfying, bacause of the lovely mood and lighting. But the first one's critical focus makes it pop, so...a preference?:judge:


Photo Comments
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12 years 10 months ago #84603 by cod
I prefer the second, too. I'm not generally a fan of flash macro shots that black out the background, though that can work very well for some images. When I do use flash I usually try and balance it with ambient light. You created a beautiful blue background in number 2 that looks more natural but is still uncluttered and lets the eye focus on the flowers. I also think the blue complements the yellow of the flowers and makes them stand out more than the black does. I really like taht shot.

Chris

Chris O'Donoghue
Winnipeg, Canada
codonoghue.prosite.com

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12 years 10 months ago #84735 by Nikonjan
I like the second one too. Don't know how you did your flash but softbox or bounce off a white wall to broaden and soften the light.

www.betterphoto.com?nikonjan
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12 years 10 months ago #84753 by LovePhotography
I like the first one - it seems to POP More then the second one - like it is coming out of the photo - I really like it... :)


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12 years 10 months ago #84801 by mj~shutterbugg
I like them both for different reasons. I love the detail on number 1 and how you can really see inside the blooms. But I love the mood on number 2. The blue and orange really compliment each other.

Think Off-Center ~ George Carlin
www.mjbrennanphoto.com

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12 years 10 months ago #84875 by Maria21
I agree with Mj-shutterbug, I like them both. The first keeps your eye on the blooms & makes the detail pop. The second is a softer mood & invites you to look at the entire photo. I guess it's a matter of preference & use in the end.

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