Lighting For Macro Work

[rpcrowe]

Many photographers automatically think of ring lights when it comes to macro photo lighting but, I don't particularly like the flash and shadowless lighting produced by a ring flash.

A dedicated macro photo bracket using two flashes is a better way of lighting but, it is specific for macro work and is usually pretty expensive.

However, I learned a great macro lighting solution from Dr. Deepak Rao, who is an excellent macro photographer from Bangalore, India.

I have modified Dr. Rao's system by using a lightweight and versatile Siegelite flash bracket and a standard 550EX (I once used a 430EX and you could of course use either a 430EX or a 580EX) flash modified with a Lumiquest Mini Softbox. Of course, I use an off-camera flash cord. Note: this is NOT the Siegelite Stratos Bracket.

The Siegelite flash bracket that I use is no longer produced but, is regularly found, used, on eBay. The price is most often well below $20. The Lumiquest mini softbox provides soft and pleasant lighting. There are Chinese knock-offs available on eBay for about $10.

The total cost of the macro setup (not counting the flash and cord - which should be part of a photographer's kit anyway) is below $30.

By the way, the Siegelite bracket can produce some very nice lighting in non-macro or close-up photography.

The rig can be used either on a tripod, as shown, or hand-held when shooting little creepie-crawlies. The grip on the bracket allows quite a secure hold when shooting.

[zona5101]

That's a great rig you have set up. Thanks for sharing.

[acedrew]

I like it! That's basically what I do, though I'm not near as elegant, I simply hand-hold the flash seperately, with a diffuser on it.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter | Login | Facebook

[daft_biker]

Nice setup

Mostly I prefer to use a macro twin-flash (MT-24ex) because the focus lamps are really useful with the MP-E 65mm but I don't use them with my 100mm macro - I'd much rather use a setup like the one shown above for larger subjects.

So you have a link for Dr. Deepak Rao's work?

[Hellwrath]

Dr. Rao's photo gallery can be found here,

index


He also is the owner of a very famous local club called Bangalore Photography club, the link is
Welcome to the Bangalore Photography Club!

[MOmilkman]

Thank you. I am going to subscribe to this thread. I will be interested in doing this in the near future.