Allium

This has been a right pain to photograph...many attempts have hit the recycle bin.

Am halfway happy with this.



and maybe this.

Number 2 for me Daisy!

This table top stuff is a definite learning curve, but you are definately getting there. My thoughts are:

1. Use a tripod (obviously)
2. Small aperture, go down to F11 or F16, you probably are.
3. Pick your point of focus. Some of it may well be out of focus, but if the part you have selected is sharp, then you are there.
4. If using natural light, your exposure might be several seconds, thats ok
5. If you are happy that you have wehat you want - result!

I like what you have done and the background suits the subject nicely I think.

Consider using flash in the future. More light, shorter exposure. But that is another thing to learn too. And if you don't have any external flash guns, it doesn't matter just yet.

I really like what you have here, as I said number 2!

I was using the nifty fifty at about F3.5. grumps lol

TBH, I don't think it's my 'bag' ...I just don't have the requisite patience for tabletop...I get bored and impatient with it.

I shall leave it in the hands of you experts.

Take that same shot at F11 , see the results, then tell me how you feel!

I bet it will surprise the doings out of you!

Number 1 is superb - I love it, a wonderful dreamy quality to it, and a lovely angle on it too. I'd hang it on my wall anyway!

xx

yessir...will do.

but I really hope my 'doings' stay where they are.

Thanks zounds.

er..........................

so do I

Just shot of a couple at F11.....

Not working for me .

I do like them and know how frustrating it can be, and I would say don't give up, keep practising.

I don't use a tripod for my flowers, as I like to move a lot to get different angles, so tripods don't work for me in that situation. I have very steady hands though, so it works for me, might not for the next person.

I use mostly natural light, find a window in your house that has good light, not harsh light, but consistent good light. Set up at an angle to it, if your flower was a face it would be pointing towards the window. Reflectors are also great for bouncing light, if you haven't got one, get a piece of cardboard and cover it with foil, doesn't have to be huge, if it is small items.
I shoot wide, as I like the look it gives, it helps isolate the focus point,letting everything fall back, anywhere from 1.8 - 3.5 is my fave. Means you have to be spot on with your focusing though.

Don't shoot too close to the background, and if your backdrop has wrinkles iron it first. I have used,paper, cardboard, and reflector, muslin, bedsheets,mirrors all kinds of stuff, so don't go spending, use what you have,

Shoot outside too, if you have crap indoor light, find a spot where the light is soft and not harsh during the day, not direct bright light.

Everybody does things different, but the main thing is practice.

A cheap light tent, can be handy if you are using a flash,works really well. I've also used a torch in the past, to spotlight a part of a flower. I've even shot something inside the bath, to get a seamless look, as the light was good.