Posts Tagged ‘still life’

Ice Sphere – Product Photography

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media

This was a nice gift my wife received this Christmas. From the moment I saw this, I knew it would be a nice subject for a product photography shoot, but it would be a challenge. This was my first attempt at it while the tree is still up. I think it is a good attempt, but looking at the images on the computer now, there are a few things that I will try next time. Here is my first exposure using no flash, and using the Aperture Priority metering in camera using a 105mm macro lens:

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media
Ice Sphere – Product Photography – ©TimeLine Media

Product Photography

Because of the automatic metering, the camera makes the background lights the basis for the exposure. The lights are about right, but the glass with the ice is underexposed. With this result, I knew that I needed to add flash from a speedlight to bring a little life and sparkle to the subject. This should also darken the background, and make the lights separated, and a little more saturated.

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media
Ice Sphere – Product Photography – ©TimeLine Media

This is a little closer to what I was going for, but what I noticed first was the bokeh. In the blurred background of the tree lights, there was such a distance between the subject and the background, that the lights are no longer circular, and are taking on a strange oblong shape. To make them a little rounder, I moved the camera away from the subject, so lessen the difference between the subject and the background with respect to the lens:

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media
Ice Sphere – Product Photography – ©TimeLine Media

Now the lights are back to being round, and you can see more of their colors. On the plus side, the flash is not too overpowering on the subject. I decided that I still want to have the lights a little larger, so I moved halfway between my previous position and this one.

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media
Ice Sphere – Product Photography – ©TimeLine Media

This was the best that I could get with this setup – the macro lens and one flash with the diffuser as the only modifier. Looking at the images now, I think I have one more idea to try. I think the background could be even darker. I’ll give it a try and post my results. Let me know if you have any ideas as to how to make this image any better.

Ice Sphere - Product Photography - ©TimeLine Media
Ice Sphere – Product Photography – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Iwo Jima Memorial Photography, Arlington Virginia

Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media

These are the shortest days of the year. Although it can be depressing to have such a small duration of daylight, it works out really well for photography. The best light for outdoor photos are around the times when the sun is rising or setting. The sun will be closer to the horizon. Objects will take on more character with this kind of light. Shadows will work with you more from this angle. On this morning, I went out to the Marine Corps War Memorial aka the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, VA.

Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media
Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA – ©TimeLine Media

This is a popular spot for view the National Mall right across the Potomac River in Washington, DC. Being elevated above the Mall make a great vantage down onto the unobstructed view to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building in the distance. The position of where the sun is rising this time of year does not make for the most dramatic view of the Mall, but it works very well for the Iwo Jima. The position of the memorial has the faces of the statues facing right into the rising sun. The light hits them on the lit side, then falls off to a nice shadow behind them at sunrise. Later in the day, a higher position for the sun will not be as dramatic. The shadows will fall underneath the statue, and whole scene becomes more flat and less interesting.

Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media
Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, VA – ©TimeLine Media

The good light and the lack of people around these areas are why photographers get out so early to get these photos. It is lucky to be so close and have access to them. I will definitely take advantage even though it is very cold! Soon, it will be necessary to get up very early to get these as the days will get longer, and the chase for the best light becomes harder.

Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA - ©TimeLine Media
Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Flowers with Flash Modifier

©TimeLine Media - Clematis

The weather has been very kind the last couple of days. Flowers seem to be popping out of yards to enjoy the sun as well. To get out and enjoy the new blooms, I have used the macro lens more with some flash modifiers to make some nice even light on the flowers. I am finding so much more about how light and lenses can be used this way which is drastically different from portrait setups. I’ll post more about this as I learn more from this setup. In the meantime, here are some hydrangea and clematis flowers that were fresh out of the garden.

Garden Flowers

Clematis flowers ©TimeLine Media
Clematis ©TimeLine Media

When you get out the macro lens, a whole new world opens up in your garden. At this time, the blooms in your yard hold many details that can only be seen up close. The clematis flowers have a beautiful color and very detailed center. It is only with the macro lens that you can appreciate all of the tiny structures of the flower. In subsequent posts, I hope to show more of my work in the garden. The combination of the macro lens and flash helps to make my photos stand out!

Hydrangea flowers ©TimeLine Media
Hydrangea ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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