Macro First time macro - Testing the Sunpak DX 8R on K3

First time macro - Testing the Sunpak DX 8R on K3 · 06:57 PM

Hi guys. How do I handle this flash? My first time shooting macro so... don't hesitate to shoot critics.

I wasn't trying to be artistic. I just wanted to use the Sunpak for the first time so exposure, colors, details...

More Pics here... on Flickr

Not a Number · 05-21-2015, 09:19 PM

Looks great!

fuent104 · 05-21-2015, 09:37 PM

Great job for your first attempts. Ultimately, you want to get the flash off of your camera. This way, you can control the direction of the light. Also, the further flash is from your source, the more even the lighting will be. In other words, you won't have add much of a "bright foreground, dark background" look.

igabc · 05-21-2015, 10:20 PM

I actually darkened the background o purpose in lightroom.

I was using a ring type of flash. That kind that is screwed on the lens.

Not a Number · 05-21-2015, 11:05 PM

If the background is outside the range of the flash it can be very dark, almost black. This will isolate the subject and the effect can be quite dramatic and desirable with macro photography. Many times I use a black cloth or card as the backdrop if the background is too "busy".

GeoJerry · 05-22-2015, 01:36 AM

Really good stuff!

bluestringer · 05-22-2015, 05:15 AM

Those are really good. I have the Sunpak DX-8R ringflash also, it is a great flash for macro. I usually run it on the A mode when using my 100mm macro lens and use f8-f11 most of the time. If I'm using my 55mm macro which has a really close working distance at 1:1 I will set the flash in M mode and adjust the power settings down to 1/8 or 1/16 using f16-22. I set my camera to X using 1/180 shutter speed when using the flash. I like the black background I get in my photos, it really isolates the subject.

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05-21-2015, 09:19 PM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Looks great!

05-21-2015, 09:37 PM	#3
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Great job for your first attempts. Ultimately, you want to get the flash off of your camera. This way, you can control the direction of the light. Also, the further flash is from your source, the more even the lighting will be. In other words, you won't have add much of a "bright foreground, dark background" look.

05-21-2015, 10:20 PM	#4
igabc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 130 Original Poster	I actually darkened the background o purpose in lightroom. I was using a ring type of flash. That kind that is screwed on the lens.

05-21-2015, 11:05 PM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	If the background is outside the range of the flash it can be very dark, almost black. This will isolate the subject and the effect can be quite dramatic and desirable with macro photography. Many times I use a black cloth or card as the backdrop if the background is too "busy".

05-22-2015, 01:36 AM	#6
GeoJerry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,158	Really good stuff!

05-22-2015, 05:15 AM	#7
bluestringer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cotton fields of South Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,748	Those are really good. I have the Sunpak DX-8R ringflash also, it is a great flash for macro. I usually run it on the A mode when using my 100mm macro lens and use f8-f11 most of the time. If I'm using my 55mm macro which has a really close working distance at 1:1 I will set the flash in M mode and adjust the power settings down to 1/8 or 1/16 using f16-22. I set my camera to X using 1/180 shutter speed when using the flash. I like the black background I get in my photos, it really isolates the subject.