Macro and diamonds...

[CJWilkes]

Did not realize there were 2 different macro sections... I think this is where I intended to post the first time. Thanks.

Taking this shot I had to use a speedlight in a dark room. Diamonds in general are not the easiest things for me to shoot - so I would like to get some thoughts on this shot if you would not mind.

Thanks.



Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 60 mm
Exposure: +0.60
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Fired, Return detected

[miketxgm]

Here is something that I found a few years ago that helps gemstones and faceted cuts in metals to catch light. Get a small string of LED lights (I bought a new 20 mini lite set that is battery operated) but make sure they are "white" unless you want to play with color. Mine cost $2. Cut a piece of cardboard about 6 inch circle. Start in the middle of the cardboard and tape your lights on in a circular pattern that spirals outward. Attach to a ruler so that it looks like a lollipop. Once you are all set up, focused, and ready to shoot, turn on the lights and watch your camers LCD viewing screen and move the lights around until you see the diamond facets catch the lights until you get the amount of sparkle you like, then snap away. You can try using A-clamps to attach the light to your tripod just under the camera. Just play around with it. It really makes a difference in the number of catch lights you can get. Good luck.