This is how I roll...

[TheKingInYellow]

This is really only my tenth picture or so with my new camera. Macro has proven to be very enticing, so I could use a lot of advice.

Here is a composition I tried tonight:



Canon XSi
50mm/F.18 II
Kenko 12mm Extension Tube
ISO 800
f5.6
.6 sec shutter
Tripod used with a cable release

I shot in low light with no flash as I wanted to get the dark colour of the wood without a lot of reflection. I tried with the flash as well but everything washed out.

So questions specifically:

On the composition, is it too busy? I was trying for a 'slice of life' picture, but I'm wondering if the book, pencil and other dice become too cluttered.

On the lighting, do low-light longer exposures like this work from, or is it too muddy?

Much obliged for any and all criticism and advice!

[zona5101]

From the framing of your questions, I think you know the answers. Trust your feeling and rework/reshoot. I am looking forward to the next version of "How you roll".

[wal]

Nice DOF on the dice, like it,.. Don't know much about the colours though.. but that's subjective, and i kind of like it in this shot. And i don't see the relevance between the dice and the pen.? my oppinion..try composing a subject that's related to each other perhaps.?

[TheKingInYellow]

Originally Posted by wal

Nice DOF on the dice, like it,.. Don't know much about the colours though.. but that's subjective, and i kind of like it in this shot. And i don't see the relevance between the dice and the pen.? my oppinion..try composing a subject that's related to each other perhaps.?

The pen/dice thing is just a little nerd homage to pen and paper role playing games.

I do think it's cluttered in hindsight. I'll change it up, and try and bring in a little more light for a reshoot.

[Murtasma]

Watch your white balance next time you really have a white balance issue going on here, not sure if that was on purpose, if so that's fine. The white paper in the background should be white and not orange.

[TheKingInYellow]

Second attempt at the dice macro.



Same 'basic' composition, with the following changes. I brought the ISO down to 200 and let the shutter speed come up to 1.3s to compensate. The colour of dice is obviously different as well, which really helps the contrast, I think. Lighting was improved, and the white balance is better. Less clutter in the frame as well. I tried to position the camera to let the woodgrain stand out more as well.

The obvious problem is the reflection on the table surface. They are minor, but I should have diffused the light better. The shadow on the die at the front is quite harsh as well. Bokeh is pretty chunky, but I'm not sure how to adjust that unless I use a different lens?

[zona5101]

I like this one better...and your self assessment is, again, right on. Need a little control (diffusion) on the reflection and the hot spot. I like how the out-of focus falls. Maybe it would be nice if the "3" was less discernable but really not an issue. Nicely done.

[Murtasma]

Much better, try using a polarizer if you have one to get rid of those reflections.

[TheKingInYellow]

Originally Posted by Murtasma

Much better, try using a polarizer if you have one to get rid of those reflections.

I don't have one yet, but I think I'm going to grab one soon.

Thanks for the kind words!