articles/Spring/springupon-page3

Spring is upon us - part 3 of 1 2 3 4 5 6

by Jon Ashton Published 01/06/2012

Option 1 is self explanatory but sometimes it is not practicable.
Option 2 can be useful when taking images of small flowers and sometimes insects, though care must be taken to ensure the cover does not harm you subject or impart a colour cast or become visible in your image.

Option 3 is often the most practicable solution. There are a variety of ways your subject may be rendered still, for example a piece of wire may be adequate or perhaps take an old knitting needle and clothes pegs.

There are more sophisticated clips and clamps that may be purchased, some of which are rather expensive but I do find Speedgraphic a good source, several items here are not too expensive: (www.speedgraphic.co.uk/closeup__macro/supports__brackets/90_0c.html )

I have used the Novoflex Klammer for several years now: (www.speedgraphic.co.uk/supports__brackets/novoflex_klammer_small_clamp/8430_p.html) Option 4 can be a perfect solution provided your subject does not suffer in any way and provided it is returned to whence it came in a safe manner.

Here you can have the luxury of taking your time and making the most of all the props and supports you may have. Equally you are able to set up nicely muted backgrounds and you are also able to control the light through the use of reflectors and/or flash guns.

The light

One of the biggest problems, apart from wind, is a lack of light or light coming from the wrong direction. Small lightweight reflectors are very useful here, they can be held in one hand whilst firing the cable release with the other or, subject permitting, you can set the camera to time delay and hold a reflector in each hand. I have a small Lastolite, but I also have a couple of reflectors made from disposable metal foil from takeaway meal containers.

Please Note:
There is more than one page for this Article.
You are currently on page 3

• Spring is upon us page 1
  
• Spring is upon us page 2
  
• Spring is upon us page 3
  
• Spring is upon us page 4
  
• Spring is upon us page 5
  
• Spring is upon us page 6
  

Contact Jon Ashton

1st Published 01/06/2012
last update 18/07/2022 16:31:48

More Spring Articles

There are 0 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 14th January 2026