One of the most important considerations when practicing macro photography is lighting. What to use…. ring flash, strobes, available light, reflectors. A technique that is quite popular with macro photographers is to use a pocket flash light. Yes, an ordinary pocket flash light can be the total source of your subjects lighting. I do admit however that you can get quite sophisticated in your choice of tools http://www.streamlight-flashlights.com/microstream.html?gclid=CIyO-6bB85cCFRykagodIC8pDA even though an ordinary pen-lite is an easy place to start and is easily affordable. With this sort of lighting technique you can control what part of your subject is illuminated and add many different dramatic effects to your finished image. You can use available light and add to it with your penlight or you can shoot in a completely dark environment and shine your light on only that portion of the subject you are working with. Break out your light meter, take a couple of careful readings and shoot away. I think you will find that it is worth the effort.
Filed under: General, Photography Tips Tagged: | ambient light, flashlight, illuminate, macro, microstream
