first artistic photo

[mek42]

I was walking by the paint color swatch display at WalMart and noted that the swatches were about the same size as my flash. I am new to dSLR and don't have any gels yet, so I picked a couple up. I'm interested in both photo and art critique, but more the art side. I'm a science geek, and am usually kind of technical, but now and then I have these crazy ideas, some of which I even execute, like this one.

Photo details are below the image. Is it ok to post a link to Flickr for this shot? The resizing looks like it did something to image quality.

Thanks!



50 mm lens reversed mount, f 16


YN-560, pilot button used twice to activate flash (full power) in different locations bouncing off free paint swatch card. Colors used: Candy Apple WGR21 and Cool Cobalt WGB16 (both Glidden Brilliance Collection). Shot inside a 3 sided posterboard light box (matte, bottom, two sides), taking care to aim main beam outside of box.


I used 6 second exposure in otherwise dark room. Needed 6 s due to manual dexterity limitations of operator.


The only post processing was to use exposure compensation in RawTherapee to move histogram as far right as could be done without blowing more highlights after using neutral profile for reading RAW. Camera body white balance was sunlight. Software spot white balance of light box gave muddy background - after seeing it I realized this shot doesn't want the "white" background to be white and undid the spot white balance.

[Rich]

Interesting shot. I like the colors and composition. Well done on the highlights.
It is OK to use Flicker but keep in mind when you move or delete the photo this thread will not have a photo. Just a box with a red X.

[mek42]

Thank you for your thoughts and answers.

[eeJamesK]

Hi Mek,

Good use of available materials - there's always more than one way to solve a problem

How do you like the YN-560? I've been wondering about getting one.

I'm always amazed by how well the reversed 50 trick works for macro. It has to be a bit tricky to use, but the results sure seem to be worth it!

Regards,
James.

[mek42]

The YN-560 is my first Speedlight, so I don't have anything to compare it too. In addition to 1/2, 1/4, etc down to (iirc) 1/128 power settings, it has 8 - 10 fine tuning settings for each major fraction, so you can really dial in where you want the output.

It is all manual, so no TTL or anything. However, if you are using a TTL master, your body meter should (might?) read the light from the YN flash in order to adjust the TTL flash, but the camera wouldn't adjust the YN flash.

I went back and received some extra paint swatches. Planning a little additive color study. Not sure if it will be better here in Photography or in Color Theory. Leaning towards color theory in case more folks are interested. Also need to review rules here about multiple forum posting. "The Miniatures Page" message board allows one to link a thread to multiple forums which I think is one of the neatest features since sliced bread.