Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

All posts tagged Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Violet Time-Lapse

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on June 2, 2015
Posted in: Thoughts. Tagged: , , , , , . 2 Comments

I took a few things that I learned while completing the Orchid Time-Lapse project and applied them to another flower time-lapse.  This time, the flower is an African Violet.

First off, this time-lapse did go much smoother than the Orchid.  I used my Canon 7D camera this time.  This, was mainly just to save shutter clicks on the 5D III.  I also changed the flash settings from ETTL mode to manual mode with one quarter power on each bulb.  This was to keep the exposure more consistent through out the entire sequence.

I was able to get a lot more frames more quickly as the African Violet opens faster than the Orchid.  I set the intervalometer to take a photo every fifteen minutes with the intent to take seven hundred twenty photos.  This would allow for a thirty second clip, and took only one week to complete!

A one week time-lapse capturing an African Violet bud opening.

Stats on this time-lapse:

  • time frame: 05/25/2015 through 06/02/2015
  • photos taken: 735
  • photos used: 735
  • interval between photos: 15 minutes
  • Video frame rate: 24 frames per second
  • Equipment used:
    • Camera: Canon 7D
    • Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
    • Flash: Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
    • Intervalometer: Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3
    • Tripod
    • Batteries: Rechargeable AA Ni-Cads for flash, Canon Battery Packs LP-E6 for camera body, and one button cell for the timer remote
  • Equipment settings:
    • Camera:
      • Shutter Speed: 1/200 (flash sync speed)
      • Aperture: f/16
      • ISO: 100
      • Manual Exposure Mode (unknown exposure compensation)
    • Lens:
      • Image Stabilization off
      • Manual focus
    • Flash:
      • Manual Exposure Mode
        • 1/4 power on both bulbs
  • All photo editing complete in Adobe Lightroom CC
    • Minor adjustments
  • All video editing complete in Adobe Premier CC
  • Audio fade in and out completed in Adobe Audition CC
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In a Flash

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on July 9, 2014
Posted in: Thoughts. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

Wow, where has the last month gone?  It has been busy with numerous photography projects along with the Fourth of July and relatives visiting for the summer.  I have managed to take my DSLR out for a few of my first portrait sessions.

I am still learning the art of flash photography.  It is tricky, but I am actually enjoying the results.  The macro ring-lite has been out for a few flower sessions, including some: Pasques, Wild Iris and Calypso Orchid pictures.  I also used my reflector/diffuser kit for some of the Calypso Orchid pictures to soften the harsh sunlight.

   

As I mentioned, I did my first family portrait session during the last weekend of June.  I used my flash to fill in some of the shadows on faces and to give a little bit of a catch light in the eyes.  I definitely learned a lot and enjoyed the challenge.  I can see things to improve upon or do differently next time I have a portrait session request.  However, I am really pleased with the results!

My sister came to visit for the Fourth of July, and I did a few portraits for her using the fill flash, also.  There again, I see things to improve upon, but am happy with the results.

I made a comment, to my sister, that it is actually nice to have the iPhone with its built in camera.  It is great for taking the fun, silly and more casual documentary pictures!  I felt more freedom and relaxation using the iPhone than when using the DSLR.  I think I put pressure on myself to get a quality photo when I carry the DSLR around.  I don’t see it as a tool to be fun with.  It really does “intimidate” people to see that kind of equipment [the DSLR] and that makes me feel like I need to be more professional with it.

I had another great break through with the iPhone earlier this month.  I have been using the Eye-Fi card in my camera for some time now.  It automatically sends photos to another device over a wi-fi connection which I have been using as a way to back up photos.  I was having some difficulty syncing the Eye-Fi card with my iPhone until I figured out what was causing the glitch.  The Eye-Fi card was trying to send photos to my iMac over a different network.  This was taking priority over the direct mode network required to connect to the iPhone.  Once I turned off the network connection to my iMac, the photos then synced over the direct mode connections to my iPhone.  How is this a big deal?  Now I can instantly show clients pictures of photos on my iPhone without having to awkwardly show them on the back screen LCD of my camera!  I also downloaded the Adobe Lightroom Mobile App, which means that I can do some minor tweaking to photos right on scene.

It has been a busy, but enjoyable month!  I will try to post again, soon.

Red – The Way to a Hummingbird Photo

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on May 26, 2014
Posted in: Behind the Scenes. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Last year, I took some hummingbird photos that are close to what I would like to get of a hummingbird in flight.  These are some of my favorite photos, to date!  I am unsure if I will be able to achieve photos quite like these, again.

However, there is always room for improvement and different lighting that allows for different settings.  I am still attempting a similar shot of the hummingbirds in flight with a little bit more depth of field and a little bit more of the wing tips frozen in motion.  This requires enough light and balancing the exposure triangle [aperture, shutter speed, and iso] for the desired result.

My first attempt at the refined settings was this morning.  I am using the same camera body, tripod, lens and lens hood as last year.  I also made the discovery that red really is the key to capturing a hummingbird!  This is the reason for the red t-shirt draped over the camera equipment.  I am sure, as the season progresses, that the hummingbirds will become more comfortable to the clunky camera equipment draped with red, and myself standing behind with an eager shutter finger!

This really is a behind-the-scenes look at how I setup to take the hummingbird-in-flight photos!

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B&H Photovideo Wilderness Photo Contest

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on January 29, 2014
Posted in: Thoughts. Tagged: , , , , , . 3 Comments

This male Broadtail Hummingbird looks like he is commanding attention in the frame.

I was urged to submit one of my hummingbird photos to this wilderness photo contest.  Click on the link below to cast a vote for the people’s choice popular vote category!  Thank you, in advance, for a vote!

Use this link to place a vote:  http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009843473

Latest Session

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on January 21, 2014
Posted in: Behind the Scenes. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

I am really enjoying my macro ring lite!  I did a photo session using an African Violet as the subject.

My objective was to try different settings to see what the results looked like.

I am happy with the results, and am looking forward to refining my technical ability with flash photography.  The expanded capabilities made the flash well worth purchasing.

Let the Fun Begin!

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on December 23, 2013
Posted in: Geeky. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

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The Macro Ring Lite adapter for my Macro Ring Lite just came!

I also have the Speedlite 600EX-RT flash that can be setup off camera for E-TTL.  This gives me a little bit more ability to try some creative lighting setups.

I’ll be playing around with the flashes and burning through batteries while I learn.  Let the fun of conquering flash photography begin!

Expanded Capabilities

Posted by JUST PhotographIN' on December 10, 2013
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

I made the “executive decision” to buy a pair of flashes for my Canon 5D mark III.  A number of reasons triggered this decision.  Light is important for photography!  It is what makes a photo possible.

The first flash that I started looking into was the Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX.  This flash is designed for macro photography, which I enjoy.  The first lens that I bought was the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.  The Macro Ring Lite fits onto this lens and will expand my macro photography capabilities.  An added bonus is that ring lights can add some neat results for portrait photography.  I have seen some tips and tricks about how to use ring lights for portraits.  With E-TTL capability, it can also be used as the master to trigger other TTL flashes.  This makes it a very versatile flash to add to my equipment list!

The second flash that intrigued my interest was the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT.  This is the latest flash in the Canon Speedlite lineup.  The nice thing about this flash is that I can use it as an on camera flash, or I can use it in conjunction with the Macro Ring Lite for off camera flash with the E-TTL capability!  I can also expand with other flash accessories to greatly improve any lighting situation.

Photography is all about managing light.  I am looking forward to expanding my creative and technical capabilities in 2014 with the addition of these two camera accessories!