A Flakey challenge. [Archive] - Digital Photography School

FocalFrenzy

01-04-2008, 03:26 AM

Hi everyone,
I looked everywhere for a "Sticky" on how to suggest a challenge, and not finding one, I decided to post this myself. I'm not even sure anyone besides myself would be interested.
Anyway, on the last page of Popular Photography and Imaging, (Dec. 2007), there is an article by Kenneth Libbrecht about photographing snowflakes. He has a very informative website at www.snowcrystals.com. In the article he describes his D.I.Y. photo equipment. ($20,000.00 US) My challenge is this; can we as a forum of the most talented photographers and Do-it-yourselfers, come up with a method or apparatus to allow us to take similar photos, for considerably less money?
This challenge would be open to all members, moderators included, as they represent the best of both worlds. Photographic experience and D.I.Y. skills. Even those members who reside in warmer climates can participate. What the challenge is looking for is a set-up that will allow you to shoot a subject from 1/2-3mm in diameter, and fill the whole frame with it. Any set-up doing this can be adapted for cold climate use. The set-up in the article used Microscope lenses with complicated adapters. I tried a couple of shots today using a +4 diopter macro lens inaddition to a +8 diopter magnifying lens. These images are very poor examples of what we could accomplish with the right minds working on it, but, since this is my idea, I should start things off.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2164239415/" title="Snow Flakes 005 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2164239415_800ef289fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snow Flakes 005" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2165034782/" title="Snow Flakes 003 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2165034782_53886a8a9a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snow Flakes 003" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2164233199/" title="Snow Flakes 006 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2164233199_5e18354d53.jpg" width="394" height="500" alt="Snow Flakes 006" /></a>
I really hope this idea takes off while there is still some snowfall to look forward to. Thanks in advance for your time.

jiminyClickit

01-04-2008, 10:53 AM

working
working
working
thawing out
working
working
(you get my drift...)

kelly

01-04-2008, 03:10 PM

hehehe jiminy, I was a little slow on the uptake with that one. Love the drift pun. :)

jiminyClickit

01-04-2008, 03:40 PM

kelly,

Punsters are rarely given credit, for good reason . . .

A low moan is usually the most to be gained. Thanks for playing along!

FocalFrenzy

01-05-2008, 12:54 AM

Thanks for the feedback jiminy. Nice pun also. Does this sound like something of interest to you?

jiminyClickit

01-05-2008, 01:17 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Tried some today, too warm in the Sun. Everything dark enough to be good b/g also melted the individual flakes. It is a challenge I will meet, though. So far: $0.00

FocalFrenzy

01-05-2008, 02:11 AM

Thanks for the update, JC. I think I've got about 28 cents in my shots. My first attempts melted before I could get a shot. So I put the viewing table face down in the snow and left it for 10 minutes. That took care of the melting. My biggest problem was finding a sharp point of focus. It was kind of windy, but I think the blurriness was more a result of parallax (distorted reflection), from the magnifying glass. Perhaps if I mounted it in a tube to shield it from light entering on the sides.....anyways, I'm going to keep trying.Let me know if you make any progress.

Nicole

01-05-2008, 02:42 AM

Well, while you're figuring out the best way to photograph something that small, what about preserving one in superglue (http://www.its.caltech.edu/%7Eatomic/snowcrystals/preserve/preserve.htm) so you can test your photography bits without worrying about it melting?

jiminyClickit

01-05-2008, 03:13 AM

Nicole,

You resurrected a site I used last year to get a variety of photos for a Winter Concert program. Did not save it, could not think of it today. Once again, Wonder Woman, thanks.

FocalFrenzy

01-05-2008, 03:15 AM

:DNicole, I didn't have any glass slides available, or I would have tried that. I did try using one of my paintbrushes to pick out and move the best flakes. Even the 3 haired "fine" brush caused alot of breakage. I'll have to experiment some more. I really enjoy this kind of challenge.

jiminyClickit

01-12-2008, 05:01 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Update, the Second: no snow, up to 62 degrees some days. Have Super Glue

waiting
waiting

FocalFrenzy

01-13-2008, 03:38 PM

It's 35 degrees here, no snow, some due tonight. Now where did I put that superglue....?

jiminyClickit

01-13-2008, 03:45 PM

FocalFrenzy,

Just an aside, from earlier attempts: using a frozen dinner (turned upside-down for black flat surface) to catch some fresh falling flakes seemed to work.

Liz Caldwell

01-14-2008, 12:16 AM

kelly,

Punsters are rarely given credit, for good reason . . .

A low moan is usually the most to be gained. Thanks for playing along!

You've managed to pull a few snickers out of me, as well and a chuckle or two.:D

jiminyClickit

01-14-2008, 12:26 AM

Aha! There you are!

Isn't a website just the funnest thing ever?!

(What kind of magic shows have you been watching?)

jiminyClickit

01-15-2008, 03:32 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Might be close to something. Today's snow was the best so far, in terms of shape and separateness. These are two one-handheld outdoor shots:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2193341039/" title="SnowFlake002a by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2078/2193341039_4c207df193.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake002a" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2194122410/" title="Snowflake001a by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2194122410_559b3e3be1.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Snowflake001a" /></a>

jiminyClickit

01-16-2008, 02:06 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Closer . . .

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2195775781/" title="4snowflakes by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2195775781_3185b39e6f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="4snowflakes" /></a>

Sandie

01-16-2008, 02:09 AM

I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed just looking through this thread at these amazing shots!

jiminyClickit

01-16-2008, 02:29 AM

Sandie, Welcome

and be inspired: that's how FocalFrenzy's work got me outside with numb fingers trying to catch a photo before ice melts. Not expensive, no new equipment, nothing MacGuyveresque. Give it a shot!

Closer . . .

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2195872241/" title="SnowFlake013 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2195872241_6ee649c752.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake013" /></a>

FocalFrenzy

01-16-2008, 02:47 AM

Jiminy, These are great. Can youshare your set-up, other than the frozen entree container? (That was really cool BTW) Thanks for the tip. The snow we got here was more sleet like. Kind of rounded with no noticeable crystal patterns. I'm hoping for better flakes tomorrow. Thanks for posting these.

Sandie

01-16-2008, 02:51 AM

No snow here, I would be having to grow sugar crystals or scraping ice from the freezer :)

jiminyClickit

01-16-2008, 03:01 AM

FocalFrenzy, Thanks

Especially for opening the challenge. Great idea and learning experience.

I think the frozen dinner has potential. The day I used it, the Sun also came out and the crystals were nearer to the sleet you described.

Today, using a black plastic bag wrapped tightly around a discarded furnace filter, the flakes were more individual. The plastic was apparently too thin to hold heat, but slick enough so that, as flakes began to pile up, a sharp rap on the sidewalk cleared the field. Still handholding these.

Now comes the work: setting up a tripod for better sharpness, and a collection point easily (and quickly) placed at the right distance from the lens.

FocalFrenzy

01-16-2008, 09:30 PM

Jiminy,
I mentioned this Challenge in my post for todays new assignment. If I knew how, I would put in a link to this thread. couldn't locate how in the FAQs. Any advice? I thought alot of what we're trying to do here, comes down to DOF. We might pick up a few more challengers.

jiminyClickit

01-17-2008, 02:45 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Go to The Flakey Challenge. Up in your navigation window, you'll see

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9620

Copy and paste, you're done. For an individual post, click on the number of the post (this one is #24) and a window will pop up. Same deal, copy/paste if you want to show a link in your post.

FocalFrenzy

01-17-2008, 04:17 PM

Thanks Jiminy, I appreciate the info, and thanks for posting a link to this challenge.
On another note, I think I've come up with a decent set-up for these snow macros. I found an index card box that's made of thin plastic. It's about 3/4 inch thick, blue in color, and just slightly larger than an index card. (Easily fits in camera bag) I set this case on top of one of those "touch lights" that has 2 batteries in it. The dead space in the card box prevents any heat from the light from melting the flakes. The blue color, (they were also available in red and purple at CVS Pharmacy), seems to bring out the best contrast. Now all I need is some good snow. Thanks again.

jiminyClickit

01-17-2008, 06:01 PM

FocalFrenzy, you're welcome

Tempted to try backlighting, hope you'll post soon (never thought I'd want it to snow!). Blue sounds good. What would happen if you froze some water in box? Like insurance?

FocalFrenzy

01-17-2008, 11:22 PM

The website at the start of this thread shows ways of making your own snow (looks like a major undertaking), I think I'll go "natural" at least until warm weather comes. Thanks for posting, and I look forward to seeing your newest shots. We are expecting snow this weekend, as well as single digit temps, so maybe I'll get a chance to try out my new set-up. Good luck!

neonfish3

01-18-2008, 03:18 AM

Well,....I had to give this a try. I had to crop, so it's not full frame and it's not that sharp. But this was my first try.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15971010@N06/2200762008/" title="snowflake 1st by neonfish3, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2200762008_049292d3a8.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="snowflake 1st" /></a>

I have a macro bellows I got on e-bay for pretty cheap ($30) with a 135mm f/2.8 E series nikon lens($35 on Craigs list). I had the bellows all the way out and hand held. I had a piece of black plastic that I let the snowflakes fall on. Unfortunatly it stopped snowing and got real windy as soon as I was set up.:mad:
I will have to try again.

jiminyClickit

01-18-2008, 03:28 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Zero is coming here too, with big fat flakes!

neonfish3,

That's FF's challenge: a miniscule frozen crystal, capable of melting (from your skin temperature if you get too close or breathe on it), or being blown away. Bad natural lighting likely, numb fingers, chance of camera damage. Who wouldn't want to try it?!

That is a good shot, bet you enjoyed every minute of taking it!

FocalFrenzy

01-18-2008, 01:23 PM

Neonfish3, Thanks for joining in. Next to skiing, this is probably the most fun you can have in winter, at least with your clothes on. lol. Wecome and nice image.

ihbryant

01-19-2008, 04:30 AM

No snow where I'm at, but there's a good blog post on a snowflake photo setup *here*. (http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/index.php?title=first_snow_crystals_winter_2007_08&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1)

Ira

FocalFrenzy

01-19-2008, 03:21 PM

Thanks for the link. It looks like a pretty simple set-up. Better results than my homemade rig, but we work with what we have. I wonder how he keeps the flakes from melting that close to his work lights. Still no snow here, but now I have some more ideas to ponder.

jiminyClickit

01-19-2008, 08:59 PM

FocalFrenzy,

We had 5 minutes' worth, time for a few. This is an angled one, half good.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2203860335/" title="SnowFlake017 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2203860335_46812b9ac5.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake017" /></a>

Switched to a 6-inch black plastic coffee container lid. It just works.

FocalFrenzy

01-20-2008, 12:01 AM

That's an excellent image. It's about +5 degrees here, and still no snow. Waiting....waiting....waiting.

jiminyClickit

01-20-2008, 12:38 AM

FocalFrenzy,

Soon, soon. This was a good sampling, even though only sparse and short-lived. Temperature is one big factor.

FocalFrenzy

01-20-2008, 01:52 AM

I got tired of waiting for snow, so I figured I would try out my set up on something people could identify with. No, this is not the moon. This is a stickpin about 3-1/2 cm. long, with a head about 3/4 mm in diameter. (It's easier to tell in the second shot.) I'm pretty pleased with this set up. Even at 1 second exposure, I handheld for both of these shots. These images are straight out of the camera. No post processing at all, but I do wish my camera shot in "RAW". (and higher than 5 megapixels) I get alot of noise, if I crop a shot and then try to enlarge it. Bring on the snow!:D
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2204519791/" title="Macro 001 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2204519791_2717f94ffa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Macro 001" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2205310898/" title="Macro 002 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2205310898_da92ccbe46.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Macro 002" /></a>

jiminyClickit

01-20-2008, 09:59 AM

(Grab a dog hair, some oil paints and create a masterpiece.)

Aperthetic

01-20-2008, 10:11 PM

Well, I actually didn't need any expensive equipment or a technical setup to get this shot..

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nick_natz/2205479888/" title="Snowflakes by n!ck., on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2227/2205479888_a140c6a8c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snowflakes" /></a>

These snowflakes were stuck to my window when I decided to shoot them, so I didn't even have to don a jacket and step out into the snow to shoot these! Just put my camera right up against the window and shot them. Of course, my camera has a very close macro range. Also, I had to crop down the photo quite a bit because they were still very small in the frame (but with a 12 MP camera, I have some "wiggle room" to do that). I was pretty pleased with the result.

FocalFrenzy

01-21-2008, 12:58 AM

Welcome Aperthetic, Those flakes are really nice. Now you see some of the issues we are trying to overcome. The link in the first post of this thread, sells full sized posters of his images. Each with only one flake and the image takes up the full frame. That's what we are going for here. Even if we don't succeed in getting an image that size, we have already extended our own personal ranges as far as macro shots are concerned. Plus, it's been alot of fun. Thanks for contributing, and we hope to see some more of your shots.

FocalFrenzy

01-24-2008, 05:20 PM

FocalFrenzy

01-24-2008, 05:24 PM

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2216994588/" title="Snow 042 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/2216994588_3d407ee420_o.jpg" width="490" height="440" alt="Snow 042" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21002727@N06/2216201719/" title="Snow 027 by FocalFrenzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2216201719_1b9d6d289e_o.jpg" width="306" height="339" alt="Snow 027" /></a>
For more of todays' shots, follow the Flickr link back to my "Snow Macro" set.

Anthony Mann

01-24-2008, 05:53 PM

2 ways to do this:

1) reverse your lens and hand hold it near the camera, and use toilet paper extention tubes to help shade the image! It works, but not on my new DSLR camera....(did it w/ a Pentax K1000)

2) I also first did this for a science class in 7th grade (it wasn't full frame, athough super magnification was possible) - we used oil drops just like on a microscope oil immersion lens - (veggie oil works, but if it's cold I'd use baby oil or something else that's clear). We used a glass microscope slide and a cheapo camera with a plastic lens. Here's how:

1) Support the camera about 5 inches from your desk in a strait down position (tripod)
2) put a nice drop of oil on your plastic or glass slide
3) put the lens close to the lens enough for the oil drop to glomb onto it
4) slowly pull the slide away from the lens so the drop stays glombed (is this a word?) onto the slide and the lens but streatches into an hour glass shape. Presto, a liquid lens!

I've also seen water drops on slides do the same thing, you get a bunch of little spheres showing the same closeup view of what's underneath the slide, nice effect.

FocalFrenzy

01-24-2008, 08:04 PM

Thanks for posting. I'll have to experiment with the "Glomb" technique. Approximately how much magnification do you get? If I use a UV filter in front of my main lens, will this still work? I really don't want to get oil on my good lenses.

FocalFrenzy

01-25-2008, 04:48 AM

jiminyClickit

01-25-2008, 01:25 PM

FocalFrenzy,

Each new set looks sharper. Is that you or the snow?! Are you finding near-zero temperature helps? Your surface for collecting flakes: is it a scratched plastic (file boxes)? Just started noticing the background.

Even broken ones are fascinating. You'll have quite a collection before Spring!

Anthony Mann

01-25-2008, 10:08 PM

FocalFrenzy, your shots are nice! Wow, try polarized light (one over your light source and one over your camera) and see what you get - should be interesting.

Just to answer your question - The oil immersion lens went as high as 1000x with oil on it, so I guess it's a 3x mag on a 400x lens. I just tested the Glomb technique with my filter and it doesn't work on 2 flat surfaces because the oil drop moves around too much and tends to go to the edge of the filter. All you end up with is a nice non-digital globby gaussian filter effect...
The oil immersion lens is more like a point so the oil sticks to it while you are focusing or moving the slide around - and in the case of the cameras we used, thay had little plastic curved lenses which also made a central point for the oil to stick to.

The reverse lens technique may be a better answer for a cheap macro to do this with. I remember seeing tubes that had filter threads on one end so you could attatch a lens backwards to your camera for extreme close-ups, ever try them?

FocalFrenzy

01-26-2008, 03:40 AM

No, I haven't gotten a chance yet. I'm still using a Sony DSC-H1 (5.1 megapixel point and shoot), The lens is not detachable, however, it did come with a tube that you can screw macro filters onto. I use a set that has a +1,+2, and +4 Diopter glass lens. In addition to these, I also have a +8 diopter eyeglass lens blank, taped to my lens shield. I'm currently working on a way to attach my spotting scope (from the target range) to my camera. I know they sell adapters to use for telefoto purposes, but I'm wondering if the scope can be reversed like a removable camera lens. So many ideas, and so little time. Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

FocalFrenzy

01-26-2008, 03:48 AM

Jiminy, some of my shots were using a black plastic trashbag as a background. Others I used the index card box. My best shots though, were taken from inside my truck, through the side glass. (the down-wind side) I did get good at focusing fast, before the flakes could blow away.LOL Have you gotten any more shots?

jiminyClickit

01-27-2008, 05:41 AM

FocalFrenzy,

See the time span? Just not enough extra minutes in the day. Yes, one day this week was perfect cold and moisture combo. Most improvement so far? These are as-framed-in-camera, your original concept - full flake, no expense. Still at $0 if you don't count time spent.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2219782258/" title="SnowFlake020 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2219782258_5cb767dcff.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="SnowFlake020" /></a>

Favorite flake, so-so photo:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2218988929/" title="SnowFlake019 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2218988929_0c02d7b0da.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="SnowFlake019" /></a>

How does blue affect the view?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2218987745/" title="SnowFlake018 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2218987745_1fe9f60a0b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SnowFlake018" /></a>

southernbelle

01-27-2008, 08:53 AM

These are AMAZING!! Being from the south, I have only seen snow a handful of times...and only saw "legitimate" snow when I was in Aspen on vacation. I knew that flakes looked like that, but had no idea that they could be captured so well on film...please keep shooting!!!:)

jiminyClickit

01-27-2008, 11:13 AM

southernbelle, Thanks

FocalFrenzy gave a good challenge and we responded. This is a great combination of learning more Macro techniques, the lighting of clear subjects, and how long it takes after your fingers go numb, for frostbite to set in. Good times . . .

FocalFrenzy

01-27-2008, 07:09 PM

Those are some great shots Jiminy. Yesterday evening while moaning about the lack of snow around here, I decided to go to a little shop a couple of blocks over called "Accent on Nature". They deal in all kinds of crystals, gemstones, fossils and pretty much anything of beauty that nature makes. Anyway, they were having an "Art Hop" yesterday. Where some of the Professors from The Ohio State University's Museum of Biological Diversity were on hand to show some interesting insects (through lower powered microscopes). Well I spoke to the Museum's Director, a Professor John W. Wenzel about our challenge. He said that he had a fellow working for him who's hobby is microscopes, and that this man had rooms full of new and used gear that he sells, leases, or just loans out to people who share his hobby. If the expense is low enough, this might be the next step in our challenge. My camera is maxxed out. I can't get anymore magnification without the purchase of another lens. From what the Professor said, I may be able to purchase a "Scope" for considerably less than a Dedicated Macro lens. He also mentioned that this fellow had adapters to attach most digital or film cameras to these scopes. If it pans out, I'll let you know. Right now I'm pretty stoked!
BTW, the blue that I'm using only seems to work if the lighting comes in from the side. I guess it's a contrast issue. From directly behind, the flakes look more like a flat drawing of a flake. From the side angle, there are shadows that give the flake alot more visual form. Once the shot is taken, I've tried using different color tints to add interest. So far, blue has worked the best. How did you feel about the blue lighting or background?

jiminyClickit

01-27-2008, 07:17 PM

Opportunities everywhere, stay stoked.

clockdoc

02-02-2008, 01:51 AM

Hi all,
No snow to report here in Alabama but I recall using a woolen sock or scarf (I suppose a sweater sleeve would do as well) to catch and view snowflakes when I lived in Michigan. It seems that the flakes don't melt as quickly when suspended on the wool surface, plus you might be able to incorporate some interesting background colors from the wool. Good shooting!

FocalFrenzy

02-02-2008, 03:14 AM

Thanks for the tip Clockdoc. Our snow here, is more like sleet. Maybe next week.

jiminyClickit

02-02-2008, 07:14 AM

PS: yes on the blue. It says 'cold.' - 01-27-2008, 02:09 PM

jiminyClickit

02-15-2008, 11:35 PM

Here is a flake on glass in front of daylight fluorescent tube:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2267209801/" title="SnowFlake022a by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/2267209801_74e41e35b6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake022a" /></a>

Still ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/125sec.

jiminyClickit

02-17-2008, 12:52 PM

Shameless bump:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2270011260/" title="SnowFlake24 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/2270011260_ca0c373a49.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake24" /></a>

jiminyClickit

02-20-2008, 11:48 AM

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2278558625/" title="SnowFlake27 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2278558625_f2e925b3e4.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake27" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2279352044/" title="SnowFlake28 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2279352044_162325f7d9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="SnowFlake28" /></a>

When you consider these are about this big [ ], and either blow away or melt if you aren't careful . . .

Here's a contributor to "Awesome Snowflakes" who has the technique:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drexler/2237633011/in/pool-awesomesnowflakes/

and another: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwwidall/sets/72157603415282264/

jiminyClickit

02-25-2008, 12:36 AM

Canadian Mum

02-25-2008, 02:08 AM

jiminyClickit

02-26-2008, 12:59 PM

B-L-E-S-S you, Mum!

For the appreciation, and for showing this thread still works.

Still handheld, loupe on Fuji S3100, flake on glass held vertically towards sky.

ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/300th second

FocalFrenzy

02-27-2008, 03:17 PM

Great images Jiminy. We've had more snow this year than I can remember. Unfortunately, we've had more high winds too. All of our snowflakes seem to be pounded to bits before they ever hit the ground. It's awfully frustrating. I'm still hopeful (as we usually get a little snow through mid April), of getting to contribute more to this thread. Thanks for keeping it alive.

jiminyClickit

02-28-2008, 02:15 PM

FocalFrenzy, Thanks

Several good mornings in the 20's have produced good examples. I have an area on a porch that is partially shielded from wind, so I can stick the glass out past the roof, collect and pull them back into the sheltered area. A picture frame around the glass helps; makes it easier to handle, too.

And:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2297579769/" title="April5 by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2297579769_5b15934f35.jpg" width="500" height="337" alt="April5" /></a>

jiminyClickit

03-01-2008, 12:13 PM

FocalFrenzy

03-02-2008, 11:11 PM

Jiminy, I really like the first one. It looks like Chinese "Good Fortune" characters on the points. Great work!

jiminyClickit

03-03-2008, 02:29 AM

FocalFrenzy, Thanks

I'm starting to see how a person could spend a lifetime doing this, cataloging, categorizing. There are definite "types" that are recognizable, and still unique.

Canadian Mum

03-03-2008, 02:43 AM

these are great... it makes me want to give it a try... but I don't know if I really want to go and play in the snow...

jiminyClickit

03-03-2008, 02:55 AM

Canadian Mum, Thanks again

You can do this almost without leaving your home, if you have a porch. I do about 5 minutes at a time, going back inside to get feeling back in my fingertips. Also seems less likely camera problems will occur (so far, no condensation or sluggish operation) with short exposure to 5 degrees.

douglas

03-06-2008, 11:51 PM

I don't want to know about snow any more...bring on the golf season!

jiminyClickit

03-07-2008, 10:20 AM

douglas,

Golf balls are not nearly as fantastic as snowflakes, but you can smack them with a stick easier. I'll only miss the images, not the freezing cold.

Bumblebee Bruin

03-09-2008, 01:06 AM

If you want to see some good shots of snowflakes go to this flickr site (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwwidall/sets/72157603415282264/). I ran across this today. I only wish I could be this good!

jiminyClickit

03-09-2008, 01:32 AM

He's part of "Awesome Snowflakes"

http://www.flickr.com/groups/450475@N22/

which is inspirational.

Canadian Mum

03-11-2008, 07:00 PM

okay... I gave it a try... using a +10 macro close up
I took these just from the snow that was covering my van...
not the best... but you can definately tell it is a snowflake!!
(not quite the same clarity as Jiminy... but I'm trying!)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadianmum/2327291322/" title="Snowflake by Canadian Mum, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2327291322_0ff56b4a56.jpg" width="500" height="443" alt="Snowflake" /></a>

Canadian Mum

03-11-2008, 07:02 PM

here is the same flake... just not quite as cropped

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadianmum/2326479245/" title="Snowflake by Canadian Mum, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2326479245_0245e90385.jpg" width="500" height="379" alt="Snowflake" /></a>

jiminyClickit

03-12-2008, 12:37 PM

Canadian Mum,

Isn't that like a glimpse into some secret world?! It is the most varied and variable of subjects, restricted though it may be by locale and time of year. I hope this looks as good to you as it does to me. I can imagine a jeweller placing it in a setting.

If you still get some falling bits before Spring, try a small (8-inch or smaller) picture frame with only the glass in it, leave outside to get really cold, then from a protected alcove, stick it under a snowfall, collect a few single flakes, turn to a windless and well-lit background, and you'll have a good sharp shot without the family reunion.