Mike Engles wrote:
It was on a arm slightly to one side from centre above the lens. The arm is attached to a off camera flash bracket, The flash is a old Canon 430EX on a cable to the hot shoe.
I’ve seen a few approaches now that allow the flash to be angled away from top dead centre, yet still a basic single flash. adjustable yet still attached 👍. My latest has better diffusion but it’s restricted in position and not angled where it needs to be
The diffuser is a120mm diameter parabolic Christmas pudding bowl, with a hole cut to take the flash head with its diffuser.
interesting how kitchen waste can be reused, my latest uses a plastic takeaway container with the lid cut away and diffusion added, the lid acting as your rubber band, the container attached by an old spray bottle (conical)
The larger part of the bowl faces outwards with a layer of diffuse sandwich wrapper held with a rubber band. The bowl is lined with foil. On the inside of the wrapper there is a strip of foil that reflects direct light from the flash head, back to the foil lining and then out of the edges of the outer tissue. A beam with almost no hot spot. I have poked some holes in the inner foil reflector to get some 'sparkle'. I use it at 1/8 or 1/4 power f11 and between ISO 200 and 400.The lens is attached to the camera and they are attached to the bracket using Cullmann tripod adaptors.
is higher iso with lower power flash better ? Obviously Better cycle time. I’ve been using 100 iso for lower noise hence higher flash power. That’s worth an experiment on something shiny in case the higher power is punching through the diffuser.
Your use of silver to put a “hole” in the middle is also interesting especially as adjustable arms can move that hole around the subject… if time permits
I have three macro lenses all with adaptors and can swap quite quickly
I have used the same idea for over 30 years since the film days with OM system cameras macro lenses, flash and ext tubes
I do have a larger pudding bowl. but have not eaten the contents yet!
That must be an antique pudding bowl… but tis the season and they’re in the shops again, enjoy 😋
For me it’s Just 4 months and counting, definitely practice is making things better better
Thanks for sharing
Jim