Fly on the Wall

[Scotty]

Still getting to grips with my new sigma 150mm macro, but I found an obliging fly this evening. it was a bit breezy so trying to keep stable was a bit of a challenge even using a monopod.

All I've done post is a slight levels tweek then unsharp mask.

Thx for looking
#1
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Fly_3_Full_800x600_.jpg

#2 100% crop
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Fly_3_Full_800x600_100_percent_crop.jpg

#3
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Fly_1_Full_800x600.jpg

#4 100% crop
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Fly_1_Full_800x600_100_percent_crop.jpg

#5
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Fly_2_Full_800x600.jpg

[dod]

they're not bad at all but there's something quite harsh about the lighting. maybe some diffusion on the flash would help reduce it?

[Scotty]

I did have a sto-fen on the flash, but maybe it was too close...it's not easy this macro stuff is it...
Can anyone recomend a good distance for the flash to be from the subject, i try to get the lens as close as possible (320mm is the closest for the 150 sigma I think), but i'm not sure on the flash, i have a manfrotto macro flash bracket so i can move it about.

[dod]

it's not easy this macro stuff is it...

Nope, it isn't :D

I tend to dial in at least one stop of underexposure on the flash, I find it helps but Alby's really your man for this.

[scraggs]

try a pecpad or tissue paper inside the stofen, it helps to diffuse it better.

[Scotty]

Thanks for the comments, I'll give the tissue paper a try.

I am now looking at these pictures from my office computer and they do look a lot harsher than they did on my laptop last night :thumbsdown:.

[Ajophotog]

Good attempt but have to agree about the lighting, easily remedied though with kitchen paper as said above. :)