rickztahone
12-17-2015, 01:27 AM
Rather than go on a super winded explanation, I will explain the process on how I took these shots:
First:
Control shots. This is how I would normally take shots with no added light or flash
Second set:
Added a 48" T5HO light I had lying around
Third set:
Started with one flash, then moved to two
The goal of this thread is to show you the different options for taking a wide range of shots, but additionally, what happens when you transition from one shooting style to the next. I have not adjusted ANYTHING but white balance on mostly the T5 lit ones since they were super, super yellow.
I have titled every single shot according to their EXIF. This is how it will read, ___my title for the shot___its order_-__Shutter speed__F-stop__ISO
I will try to give a little explanation under each to show what I was doing through every shot. I tried to consolidate as much as I could so you wouldn't be seeing the same EXIF on many. if I missed one, I apologize.
Lets get started:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%201%20-%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsimvt85dd.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%201%20-%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsimvt85dd.jpg.html)
Control 1 - 1-40 4.5 800
This is the control shot. This is how I would normally shoot if I didn't have flash
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%20Close%20Up%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsz6zhwjgk.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%20Close%20Up%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsz6zhwjgk.jpg.html)
Control Close Up 1-40 4.5 800
The close up shows some ok sharpness, but nothing to write home about
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%201%20-%201-60%202.8%20400_zpsrpudkfvl.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%201%20-%201-60%202.8%20400_zpsrpudkfvl.jpg.html)
New Light 1 - 1-60 2.8 400
T5 Light added. Notice I didn't change the settings much to show how much more overexposed the shot is now that I have added a ton more light. The next few shots show the transition of settings to accommodate to the added light. This will show you in what direction you want to take your settings when you are letting in too much light in to a shot and overexposing.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%202%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsr8grqmzv.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%202%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsr8grqmzv.jpg.html)
New Light 2 - 1-60 4.0 400
Notice I closed down the aperture a little here to f/4 rather than f/2.8 and it is still very bright
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsealpqlao.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsealpqlao.jpg.html)
New Light 3 Close Up - 1-60 4.0 400
Same settings as above but a close up to show the overexposure
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%204%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsbvsdxrkc.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%204%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsbvsdxrkc.jpg.html)
New Light 4 - 1-100 5.0 400
Closed down the aperture again and also increased shutter speed. Increasing the shutter speed allows you to stop the discus motion more, and more light allows you to increase this value without sacrificing the aperture which controls the depth of field.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%205%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsxsddjuq2.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%205%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsxsddjuq2.jpg.html)
New Light 5 Close Up - 1-100 5.0 400
Close up with the settings above. Notice how much sharper it looks with shutter speed 1/100 but also the fact that we stopped down the aperture to f/5
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%206%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpslbiv9k3l.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%206%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpslbiv9k3l.jpg.html)
New Light 6 Close Up - 1-100 5.0 400
Just another close up to show the sharper image than with the control light
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%20Transition%20to%20flash_zpsjxctcz8b.jp g (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%20Transition%20to%20flash_zpsjxctcz8b.jp g.html)
1 Flash Transition to flash
So, now we make the transition to flash. Kept the same settings as the previous shot, but notice now how much BRIGHTER it is! Flash simply overpowers everything. Next shows me adjusting the settings to have better exposure. This is a trial and error many times, but you will see the transitioning from settings by checking out the titles. KEEP IN MIND, both the regular LED lights AND the T5 lights are STILL ON here. Notice how the flash pretty much neutralizes them.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%201%20-%201-200%208.0%20100_zpsudqqqw8l.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%201%20-%201-200%208.0%20100_zpsudqqqw8l.jpg.html)
1 Flash 1 - 1-200 8.0 100
Still unusable. Have to reduce further. Keep noticing in the directions that the settings are going
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%202%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpssvk3eee2.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%202%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpssvk3eee2.jpg.html)
1 Flash 2 - 1-60 11.0 100
Getting better. This is still one flash only, keep in mind.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%201%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpszetczjmb.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%201%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpszetczjmb.jpg.html)
2 Flash 1 - 1-60 11.0 100
With 2 flashes now. This allows me to spread the light in a larger part of the tank. Notice that other areas of the tank still look dark. This is in part for the low aperture as well as ISO setting
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%202%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsga7ilx4d.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%202%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsga7ilx4d.jpg.html)
2 Flash 2 - 1-25 14.0 100
Better lit. next one is a close up
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsn9ipens3.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsn9ipens3.jpg.html)
2 Flash 3 Close Up - 1-25 14.0 100
Better right?
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%204%20-%201-40%2014.0%20200_zpsllouk6ma.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%204%20-%201-40%2014.0%20200_zpsllouk6ma.jpg.html)
2 Flash 4 - 1-40 14.0 200
Increased ISO to 200 and it better lights the rest of the tank
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%205%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200_zps3euz5rjn.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%205%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200_zps3euz5rjn.jpg.html)
2 Flash 5 - 1-40 11.0 200
Opened the aperture a bit for this shot because this discus is a little darker and the angle was further from the flash. Keep in mind, the flashes are in certain areas, and you want to stay in those general areas to get the best lit up shots
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%206%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200%20-2-_zpsgtgccxm4.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%206%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200%20-2-_zpsgtgccxm4.jpg.html)
2 Flash 6 - 1-40 11.0 200
Now just showing the settings at work.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%207%20-%201-40%2011.0%20100_zpsdidyyoqh.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%207%20-%201-40%2011.0%20100_zpsdidyyoqh.jpg.html)
Last one. I like the end result of flash shots because you can get the background to darken a bit which focus your attention to the discus. However, this isn't the only reason why I prefer flash over control lighting. In the next post, I will show you close up shots of both lighting set ups.
First:
Control shots. This is how I would normally take shots with no added light or flash
Second set:
Added a 48" T5HO light I had lying around
Third set:
Started with one flash, then moved to two
The goal of this thread is to show you the different options for taking a wide range of shots, but additionally, what happens when you transition from one shooting style to the next. I have not adjusted ANYTHING but white balance on mostly the T5 lit ones since they were super, super yellow.
I have titled every single shot according to their EXIF. This is how it will read, ___my title for the shot___its order_-__Shutter speed__F-stop__ISO
I will try to give a little explanation under each to show what I was doing through every shot. I tried to consolidate as much as I could so you wouldn't be seeing the same EXIF on many. if I missed one, I apologize.
Lets get started:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%201%20-%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsimvt85dd.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%201%20-%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsimvt85dd.jpg.html)
Control 1 - 1-40 4.5 800
This is the control shot. This is how I would normally shoot if I didn't have flash
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%20Close%20Up%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsz6zhwjgk.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/Control%20Close%20Up%201-40%204.5%20800_zpsz6zhwjgk.jpg.html)
Control Close Up 1-40 4.5 800
The close up shows some ok sharpness, but nothing to write home about
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%201%20-%201-60%202.8%20400_zpsrpudkfvl.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%201%20-%201-60%202.8%20400_zpsrpudkfvl.jpg.html)
New Light 1 - 1-60 2.8 400
T5 Light added. Notice I didn't change the settings much to show how much more overexposed the shot is now that I have added a ton more light. The next few shots show the transition of settings to accommodate to the added light. This will show you in what direction you want to take your settings when you are letting in too much light in to a shot and overexposing.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%202%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsr8grqmzv.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%202%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsr8grqmzv.jpg.html)
New Light 2 - 1-60 4.0 400
Notice I closed down the aperture a little here to f/4 rather than f/2.8 and it is still very bright
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsealpqlao.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-60%204.0%20400_zpsealpqlao.jpg.html)
New Light 3 Close Up - 1-60 4.0 400
Same settings as above but a close up to show the overexposure
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%204%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsbvsdxrkc.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%204%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsbvsdxrkc.jpg.html)
New Light 4 - 1-100 5.0 400
Closed down the aperture again and also increased shutter speed. Increasing the shutter speed allows you to stop the discus motion more, and more light allows you to increase this value without sacrificing the aperture which controls the depth of field.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%205%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsxsddjuq2.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%205%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpsxsddjuq2.jpg.html)
New Light 5 Close Up - 1-100 5.0 400
Close up with the settings above. Notice how much sharper it looks with shutter speed 1/100 but also the fact that we stopped down the aperture to f/5
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%206%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpslbiv9k3l.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/New%20Light%206%20Close%20Up%20-%201-100%205.0%20400_zpslbiv9k3l.jpg.html)
New Light 6 Close Up - 1-100 5.0 400
Just another close up to show the sharper image than with the control light
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%20Transition%20to%20flash_zpsjxctcz8b.jp g (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%20Transition%20to%20flash_zpsjxctcz8b.jp g.html)
1 Flash Transition to flash
So, now we make the transition to flash. Kept the same settings as the previous shot, but notice now how much BRIGHTER it is! Flash simply overpowers everything. Next shows me adjusting the settings to have better exposure. This is a trial and error many times, but you will see the transitioning from settings by checking out the titles. KEEP IN MIND, both the regular LED lights AND the T5 lights are STILL ON here. Notice how the flash pretty much neutralizes them.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%201%20-%201-200%208.0%20100_zpsudqqqw8l.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%201%20-%201-200%208.0%20100_zpsudqqqw8l.jpg.html)
1 Flash 1 - 1-200 8.0 100
Still unusable. Have to reduce further. Keep noticing in the directions that the settings are going
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%202%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpssvk3eee2.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/1%20Flash%202%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpssvk3eee2.jpg.html)
1 Flash 2 - 1-60 11.0 100
Getting better. This is still one flash only, keep in mind.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%201%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpszetczjmb.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%201%20-%201-60%2011.0%20100_zpszetczjmb.jpg.html)
2 Flash 1 - 1-60 11.0 100
With 2 flashes now. This allows me to spread the light in a larger part of the tank. Notice that other areas of the tank still look dark. This is in part for the low aperture as well as ISO setting
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%202%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsga7ilx4d.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%202%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsga7ilx4d.jpg.html)
2 Flash 2 - 1-25 14.0 100
Better lit. next one is a close up
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsn9ipens3.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%203%20Close%20Up%20-%201-25%2014.0%20100_zpsn9ipens3.jpg.html)
2 Flash 3 Close Up - 1-25 14.0 100
Better right?
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%204%20-%201-40%2014.0%20200_zpsllouk6ma.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%204%20-%201-40%2014.0%20200_zpsllouk6ma.jpg.html)
2 Flash 4 - 1-40 14.0 200
Increased ISO to 200 and it better lights the rest of the tank
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%205%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200_zps3euz5rjn.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%205%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200_zps3euz5rjn.jpg.html)
2 Flash 5 - 1-40 11.0 200
Opened the aperture a bit for this shot because this discus is a little darker and the angle was further from the flash. Keep in mind, the flashes are in certain areas, and you want to stay in those general areas to get the best lit up shots
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%206%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200%20-2-_zpsgtgccxm4.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%206%20-%201-40%2011.0%20200%20-2-_zpsgtgccxm4.jpg.html)
2 Flash 6 - 1-40 11.0 200
Now just showing the settings at work.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%207%20-%201-40%2011.0%20100_zpsdidyyoqh.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/discus%20tanks/25%20group%20grow%20out%20tank/2%20Flash%207%20-%201-40%2011.0%20100_zpsdidyyoqh.jpg.html)
Last one. I like the end result of flash shots because you can get the background to darken a bit which focus your attention to the discus. However, this isn't the only reason why I prefer flash over control lighting. In the next post, I will show you close up shots of both lighting set ups.