5X Oak Leaf

[Michael Lloyd]

I wish I could claim the idea for this but I saw a version on another forum and had to give it a try. The setup is pretty simple.

EOS 1DsMKIII on a tripod w/ focusing rail
MP65E set to 5X
580EXII hand held behind the leaf set at 1/16 power

ISO 800
f16
1/200

It took three tries to get the exposure right in camera (varied the flash to subject distance) but the other two's slightly blown highlights were easily recovered in ACR

[Julie Kenward]

Nice detail! I bet this would be really interesting to do with something like a rose petal. Exposure and DOF are right on but think the comp could be a little stronger if you had put the main vein more on a diagonal than it is. I think that would have drawn the viewer's eye through the image even more.

Good stuff, Michael!

[Gus Cobos]

Nice composition Michael, I like the strong hues and textures...:cool:

[Ed Vatza]

I'd say that you accomplished what you set out to do, Michael. Images is sharp; detail is excellent. Interesting pattern. Good job!

[Mike Moats]

Hey Michael, I like close-ups of leaf viens like this. I agree with Jules on the diagonal placement on the main vein. I don't care for all the blotches and black spot, I would take the time to clean it up in PS.

[Arthur Morris]

Good technique with the MP65X but you needed to choose a cleaner subject. I often see what looks like a great macro image until I look at the subject through the macro lens and see that the subject is somewhat a mess...

[Michael Lloyd]

Thanks for the comments. (Un)fortunately fall is coming on us pretty fast so I don't know if I can find any leaves that aren't turning. We've also been under a pretty bad drought and that also makes it hard to find a "clean" leaf. But... at least I know what technique to use if I find a cleaner subject.