Lighting Techniques

[DJT2]

Hi guys, I'd be very interested to know what techniques members employ when taking macro shots for reference. I personally have a 5mp camera on my zoom microscope & a 144 white led ring light on the bottom. The only thing I find is the pics look so cold & nothing like the colour of the original subject. I understand that this is due to using a white led ring light, I'd just be interested to know what other options I have. I also use a Panasonic fz200 Inc macro filters & light tent. However, whilst disassembling it really isn't convenient to start moving my subject etc. Could anyone recommend anything that would give more of a natural colour to fit on the bottom of my scope.

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[Marc]

Hi DJT2,

 

have you tried experimenting with the white balance on your camera?

I use a white LED ring light and I have the WB set to cloudy / overcast sunlight, this seems to give me the most accurate colours although they are not quite perfect.

Also, the set up on your monitor may have an impact on how you see your pics so a bit of colour calibration there may help.

[DJT2]

Hi DJT2,

have you tried experimenting with the white balance on your camera?

I use a white LED ring light and I have the WB set to cloudy / overcast sunlight, this seems to give me the most accurate colours although they are not quite perfect.

Also, the set up on your monitor may have an impact on how you see your pics so a bit of colour calibration there may help.

Hi Marc, unfortunately yes I've tried the white balance & it still looks very cool, just slightly duller. Also, when viewed on a different monitor I get the same result. It just makes the metal look to metal if you know what I mean. It probably doesn't help that I have no real natural light in the room.

I've just read a fantastic article about macro photography & lighting.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://blog.emmett-photography.com/2013/04/macro-photography-lighting-options.html%3Fm%3D1&ved=0CCgQFjABahUKEwi0wIrjhPPGAhVBsBQKHagNAhQ&usg=AFQjCNGS-8cMWZOPk32K6S_M9qi_GwOMPw&sig2=HzY0dUunqbrb_RgWBh3GTg

From what I'm understanding.. I'll need a diffused alternative light source. I'm even considering a high powered torch on a gorilla stand & peice of paper in front. I'll experiment this evening.

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[Geo]

I always correct colour and contrast in Photoshop afterwards regardless of what camera if light source I'm using.

[DJT2]

I always correct colour and contrast in Photoshop afterwards regardless of what camera if light source I'm using.

Hi Geo, I had thought of that. I suppose I could just create a preset to save time.

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[Geo]

That's the way I would go, with the odd added correction when required.

[WillFly]

I always readjust photos in Lightroom. I used to have Photoshop but lost it when my hard drive was replaced a couple of years ago.

[DJT2]

The only issue for me with retouching pics is.. It starts to become time consuming, like the preferable rabbit hole. Being a truck driver & only being home approx 42hrs at weekend, time is a premium.

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