Twin-Lite Flash Diffusion
Lots of people ask me what method of diffusion I use for macros lit with the Canon MT24-EX Twin-Lite flash. I regularly change the setup as I experiment with different arrangements, but this is what I'm using at the moment (with the MP-E 65mm).
Each of the two flash-heads is fitted with a Stofen-type diffuser. I then have an additional piece of flexible polypropylene sheet. This is held in place with a couple of elastic bands, to form a slight curve. I cut this from a box that I had some printed stationery delivered in. I have a range of different sizes that I'm experimenting with, but it needs to be large enough to cover the Stofen diffusers.
Undoubtedly, superior diffusion can be obtained with an off-camera speedlight-type hotshoe flash, used with a mini-softbox type arrangement. This needs to be connected to the camera's hotshoe with a cable and held in place over the lens, with a bracket. I have considered this, but as many of my photographic subjects are in foliage or "awkward" locations, I'm sticking with this at the moment.
The other important factors are the camera settings. I always recommend the camera's Manual mode for macro photography with flash. Typically, I would set ISO to between 100 and 200 and shutter speed at around 1/200th of a second or a little slower. Aperture would be at around F11 for 1:1 macro.
I generally use the flash in E-TTL mode. I further control this using the camera’s flash-exposure compensation (FEC) controls. For subject on dark backgrounds, this will generally require up to -1.0 EV and for pale backgrounds, up to +1.0 EV. For “bright white” backgrounds; up to +2.0 EV or a little more may be required. The important thing is to supply just enough flash to give the level of illumination required for the "subject". ISO and shutter speed can be juggled to adjust the background/ambient light levels.
Twin-Lite Flash Diffusion
Lots of people ask me what method of diffusion I use for macros lit with the Canon MT24-EX Twin-Lite flash. I regularly change the setup as I experiment with different arrangements, but this is what I'm using at the moment (with the MP-E 65mm).
Each of the two flash-heads is fitted with a Stofen-type diffuser. I then have an additional piece of flexible polypropylene sheet. This is held in place with a couple of elastic bands, to form a slight curve. I cut this from a box that I had some printed stationery delivered in. I have a range of different sizes that I'm experimenting with, but it needs to be large enough to cover the Stofen diffusers.
Undoubtedly, superior diffusion can be obtained with an off-camera speedlight-type hotshoe flash, used with a mini-softbox type arrangement. This needs to be connected to the camera's hotshoe with a cable and held in place over the lens, with a bracket. I have considered this, but as many of my photographic subjects are in foliage or "awkward" locations, I'm sticking with this at the moment.
The other important factors are the camera settings. I always recommend the camera's Manual mode for macro photography with flash. Typically, I would set ISO to between 100 and 200 and shutter speed at around 1/200th of a second or a little slower. Aperture would be at around F11 for 1:1 macro.
I generally use the flash in E-TTL mode. I further control this using the camera’s flash-exposure compensation (FEC) controls. For subject on dark backgrounds, this will generally require up to -1.0 EV and for pale backgrounds, up to +1.0 EV. For “bright white” backgrounds; up to +2.0 EV or a little more may be required. The important thing is to supply just enough flash to give the level of illumination required for the "subject". ISO and shutter speed can be juggled to adjust the background/ambient light levels.