Diffuser with Macro Shot?

[Scotttyd]

Fairly new UW photographer her. I have an AF35 auto strobe, which has a really narrow beam, so I started using the diffuser to avoid hot spots. It has made a big difference. I upgraded my camera (p5100) and am wondering if I am doing macro shots on an upcomming bonaire trip (I have not done macro photo here in NC, most of our stuff is BIG), should I keep the diffuser on, or since my subjects are small, the strobe without the diffuser will cover my entire suject field. Would it hurt to keep the diffuser on?

 

[AndyT]

I leave my diffusers on all of the time - I just find that the light is too harsh with them off.

 

[scottfiji]

Leave the diffuser on for now, but you should also try some shots with the diffuser off so you can see what it's like to get more dramatic or directed lighting. you might want some shots without the diffuser every so often.

also, don't forget to try different strobe positions on the same subject, and notice how the lighting changes.

 

[Hatul]

Fairly new UW photographer her. I have an AF35 auto strobe, which has a really narrow beam, so I started using the diffuser to avoid hot spots. It has made a big difference. I upgraded my camera (p5100) and am wondering if I am doing macro shots on an upcomming bonaire trip (I have not done macro photo here in NC, most of our stuff is BIG), should I keep the diffuser on, or since my subjects are small, the strobe without the diffuser will cover my entire suject field. Would it hurt to keep the diffuser on?

I also use the AF35 strobe and have considered using the diffuser. Can I ask you how you attached your focus light if you use one?

Adam

 

[divengolf]

Fairly new UW photographer her. I have an AF35 auto strobe, which has a really narrow beam, so I started using the diffuser to avoid hot spots. It has made a big difference. I upgraded my camera (p5100) and am wondering if I am doing macro shots on an upcomming bonaire trip (I have not done macro photo here in NC, most of our stuff is BIG), should I keep the diffuser on, or since my subjects are small, the strobe without the diffuser will cover my entire suject field. Would it hurt to keep the diffuser on?

I also use the P5100 with two Ike strobes and diffusors on both plus a focus light. I rarely take the diffusors off the strobes.

Make sure that you adjust the 5100 to the macro mode so it will focus properly closeup. I'd test it out above water beforehand to see how close you can get and to get comfortable with the setup.

Also you don't need to necessarily point the strobe at the subject. Many times you can use the side beams from the strobe and get good lighting where direct stobe lighting will wash the picture out or show hot spots.

Just keep trying different things.

 

[Scotttyd]

I also use the AF35 strobe and have considered using the diffuser. Can I ask you how you attached your focus light if you use one?

Adam

I currently do not use a focus light. How do you attach your focus light? I am considering adding one, I was thinking of using a very small flash light ( I have one that uses 2 aa) and zip tying it around the strobe, or the tray.

 

[divengolf]

I currently do not use a focus light. How do you attach your focus light? I am considering adding one, I was thinking of using a very small flash light ( I have one that uses 2 aa) and zip tying it around the strobe, or the tray.

I attach the focus light via a three-way clamp (ULCS) and an arm so the light sits over and above the housing. Get in touch with Reef Photo. They can get you the right stuff depending on your current setup. I use a Fisheye focus light. It turns off when the strobes fire, so no chance of causing a hot spot.

I tried attaching the light to one of my strobes with bands, but was not happy with the results. The separate arm is a good way to do it.

 

[Scotttyd]

I attach the focus light via a three-way clamp (ULCS) and an arm so the light sits over and above the housing. Get in touch with Reef Photo. They can get you the right stuff depending on your current setup. I use a Fisheye focus light. It turns off when the strobes fire, so no chance of causing a hot spot.

I tried attaching the light to one of my strobes with bands, but was not happy with the results. The separate arm is a good way to do it.

do you have a pic of your set up? I trying to picture it in my head

 

[dpaustex]

you'll find that on macro shots, you'll have a lot of "hot spots" if you don't use a diffuser of some sort. You might also try shooting from an angle, too. Better yet, two flashes.

 

[Hatul]

I currently do not use a focus light. How do you attach your focus light? I am considering adding one, I was thinking of using a very small flash light ( I have one that uses 2 aa) and zip tying it around the strobe, or the tray.

I attached a Fantasea 360 LED light to the AF35 flex strobe arm with 3/16 bungee cord, and zip ties. I'm still experimenting. When I have some time I'll post a photo of my setup.

Adam