strobe positioning - macro?

Hello;

Seeking some advice to strobe arm positioning for close up and macro work as I’m off to PNG in a week’s time.

In the past I’ve positioned the strobe in such a way that there is a 45-degree angle between the strobe head and the camera lens with the strobe arm positioned outwards to the left. This is the position that most people use when shooting average distances. The strobe head is aimed just beyond the actual subject position.

What position do folks use for macro or close up work?

What’s you opinion with regard to positioning the strobe parallel to the lens pointing straight ahead (see picture)? Do you think there would be much back scatter? The strobe light is not pointed directly at the subject and subject would be illuminated by light falls off the edge of the strobe. Inon have a 100-degree beam.

Can you please provide advise as to best positioning for macro / close up work.

Looking forward to comments. Thanks……IAIN

Hi Iain-

Ive used the following:

1. 1 strobe positioned directly over port at about 45 degrees

2. 2 strobes similar to what you have shown but pointing in toward port a little

3. 2 strobes but with 1 strobe behind subject, either hand held or spare strobe that is set to slave while the other strobe is set in positions described above. (see Sailfin blenny shot from BVI, had strobe behind subject as well as ring flash)

4. Ring flash (which I prefer)

Most of the time it depends on the enviornment. I find 2 strobes set to side may limit my composition of subject.

M.

http://homepage.mac.com/mikepalasz/PhotoAlbum12.html

Hello:

Thanks for your reply.

The strobes I use have an angle of illuminance of around 110 degrees. My understanding of strobe positioning to minimise back scatter is to try and illuminate the subject with the inner line of the strobe light, rather than the middle of the strobe light If this is done correctly the area of water between the subject and your lens will not have light travelling across it and therefore won’t have back scatter.

I think if you turn the strobe heads inwards towards the lens you will be illuminating more of the water as your inner light line has been brought closer to the lens (because of the wide angle). Of cause if your really close to the subject then this may be required, however, for normal macro work with a wide angle strobe I think straight ahead will have the inner line strikes the subject fairly well. Maybe even turn your heads out a little if your in very dirty water.

Just making some observations to gain feedback. Thanks…….Iain

My wife's technique with the 105mm....typically 1/125 @ f22

It seems to work for her

Karl

Now that is very helpful Karl - many thanks for sharing. Great visabilty wherever it is....Iain