A multi strobe setup attempt here. 3 strobes, 2 above left and right, 1 below to the left, all 3 fairly close to the bird. Bg is a 13x19 print painted in PS. Converted with NX2, opened into ACR and then into PS CS5. Cropped to about 15 megapixels from 36. Sharpening on the bird using a sharpening action, No NR.
I am still trying to work out the strobe placement and settings. Self critique - BG issues with reflections or shadows, wing blur probably caused by strobe power setting and/or sync speed too high (320), gorget lighting poor (strobe position wrong), eye shines could be removed. Did I miss anything? C&C appreciated.
Dan, good self critique for a great images. Best to stay at sync speed or less (1/250) You didn't mention power settings, but with a 400MM lens, f22 is overkill. I would open up to f11 and decrease the flash power to 1/64 power. That will freeze the wings. The gorget will only light when the bird is facing you. That's why the only part that is lit is the ones that are facing you.
The gorget is a s good as you will get with the bird in this position. If you are getting reflection on the BG, widen the position of your flashes so they are not as close together. Love the D800 for Hummer work. Your detail is amazing.
Very nice hummer and picture Dan!
I can't give you any advise on flash settings but I guess you are in the right track. Alan's advise is also very informative and will be taking notes on his input. I do like the BG, position of bird and light.
Dan, looks very nice -- love the subtle shadowing on the belly, which is what gives that nice natural look. Alan, gave you some good tips on the settings already. I'm wondering if the wing blur isn't a result of ambient ghosting. That's what it looks like to me. Did you have some sun hitting the set?
Alan, thanks so much for the tips! I had the 2 upper strobes at 1/4 and the belly strobe at 1/8 and all of the strobes were more above than to the sides. I will make adjustments asap and report back!
Greg, no ambient light was hitting the setup. When I get things straightened out, I will try adding some "Basco" touches! Flowers and stuff!
Ok, Dan. The difference in flash duration you noted above could make a difference. Do remember to keep them all the same unless you want to do something different for creative effect. The other thing is that at 1/4, you definitely can actually get some wing blur in mid-stroke positions like this. The wings for a little guy might be moving fast enough that 1/2500 to 1/4000 (a decent guess at the speed for a flash at 1/4 power) won't freeze things. Alan's suggestion to sacrifice DOF for a lower flash power is right on.
The funny thing is that I am loving the ghosting on the wings you got here!! I'm sure it is not always as pleasant though, therefore the excellent advice you've gotten will give you some more consistent results. Love the detail, BG, pose. Perhaps a few too many reflections in the eye for my taste.
Not much to add to the already excellent advice you've received Dan. Excellent detail with the D800! I might take a bit off the top and bottom of the frame.