Turning Leaf
Oct, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took the photo in my own back garden. I had just acquired my new ring flash unit and was looking for some interesting macro shots. I do normally venture a little further afield, but I was busy with DIY tasks around the house whilst my wife was at work, and I was too tempted by my new kit to not get distracted!Time
It was a Saturday afternoon at 13:25 on 18th October of this year. It was unseasonably warm in the UK at 20 degrees Celsius, and the colours in my garden looked particularly vibrant.Lighting
The day was fairly overcast which was perfect, I wanted minimal ambient light so that I could achieve a black background with the flash exposing just my subject. I used a 1:1 ratio on the flash and experimented with the flash output on manual until I got the exposure I was after. The camera was set to 1/200, f/8 and ISO 100.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 40D with the 50mm f/1.8 mark I prime lens. This was then mounted onto extension tubes so that I could achieve the close focus. I also used a Meike MK-14EXT ring flash unit.Inspiration
I was immediately drawn to the vibrant deep red colour of the leaves on this plant in my garden. This particular leaf had curled over, and that then gave me the inspiration to call it turning leaf.Editing
There was minimal post processing of the RAW file. However, I added a bit more depth to the image by simply increasing some of the clarity, contrast and blacks in Adobe Lightroom.In my camera bag
I don't have oodles of kit, so I normally pack everything I have! A Canon 40D, with my 1100D as backup, my EF 50mm 1.8, an EF-S 17-85mm and lastly my EF 75-300mm. I very rarely use the 75-300mm as I don't think it's a great lens, but I am in the market for an EF 70-200mm L series.Feedback
The beauty of this type of shot is it's simplicity. Yes, you do need the correct equipment, but once acquired, look for vivid colours and interesting textures. Also, experiment with objects they may not normally be regarded as interesting subject matter. Take a look through your lens, and you will see amazing magnified landscapes that your naked eye may have missed.
