Yesterday I gave macro flower photography a shot with my new A* 200mm, but unforunately, I didn't quite get the results I wanted in terms of composition. If I had brought along a sturdy mini-tripod and my 1.4x-L, things might have looked a little better. Addtionally, I could never get perfect lighting on any of these because of the shade of a large tree which cannot be avoided this time of year (at the nursery I visted).

So, here we go:

*Please choose two photos from batch 1 and one photo from batch 2 that you think is the best and I will re-post each individually for critique. Sorry for sounding so confusing (I would myself choose #3 and #1 or #7 from batch 1 and #1 from batch 2)! Remember that batch 2 was shot 2 weeks ago with the 100mm.

Batch 1

#1.


#2.


#3.


#4.


#5.


#6.


#7.


#8.


Batch 2

#1.


#2.



#3.

[Donald]

regarding your tough lighting... flower and similar photography in the field I carry a styrofoam picnic plate wrapped in aluminum foil, shiny side out, as a mini spot reflector. It works wonders, small, lightweight and the price is right. Really, the first time I aimed it at a flower it was surprising how some colours popped and, due to handheld, the shaky reflector light was dancing around the flower showing new colours.

[Adam]

Hi Donald,

Those reflectors sure work great!

I used one with gold foil in #5 and #6. It was great for the flower close-up, but natural lighting would have been a bit better on #6.