Tulip

[Michael Pancier]

Playing with the new Sigma 150mm 2.8 Macro Lens in the middle of the night.

Used a black foam board for the background.

40d + 150mm 2.8 Macro on tripod in manual mode
f/20; 1/125; ISO 400 (defaulted since I had it on auto ISO)

STE2 on camera to trigger 2 550ex speedlights

the fill light on the right was hitting a reflector and bouncing the light back as fill.

main light I handheld with stofen diffuser on left and elevated.

full frame image. burned the background a tad to get pure black.

[Robert O'Toole]

I like the composition very much. The subject is a good choice, no marks or blemishes at all. Very nice with subtle details on the flower bud.

The only thing I would say that might improve the appeal is the quality if the light, I think this type of image in my opinion needs a softbox or big diffuser.

Let me know and I can give some good links for more info on diffusers, I have some good ones!

Robert

[Michael Pancier]

I like the composition very much. The subject is a good choice, no marks or blemishes at all. Very nice with subtle details on the flower bud.

The only thing I would say that might improve the appeal is the quality if the light, I think this type of image in my opinion needs a softbox or big diffuser.

Let me know and I can give some good links for more info on diffusers, I have some good ones!

Robert

please send me the links. I only have the stofen, a strobe sock, and lumquist small softbox they're ok but not like the real thing

[Mike Moats]

Hey Michael, see your having fun with the new toy, its an excellent sharp lens. Good job on the comp and I light the shading on the petals, Robert makes a good point on the light.

[John Cooper]

A lovely image of this red tulip Mike. The 2 leaves fanning out around the flower makes a pleasing composition. I agree the light is a little harsh for this subject. I would also be interested to hear of the links re diffusers recommended by Robert.

[Robert O'Toole]

Browsing my favorites the first one that came up is the best link for lighting with flash.
Really you can spend the entire day browsing all of the useful info on this site. Not much close up specific info but a lot of good solid advice, more links, and samples.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

More:

http://www.lumiquest.com/

http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html

http://steampunkworkshop.com/flash-diff.shtml

[Howard Burkert]

I agree with all of the comments above. Also in the controlled situation that you have for still life images, the introduction of a kicker light from the back is what really makes them pop off the paper.
Best,
Howard