“Sow Thistle”
I think I like wildflowers best,” I explain. “They just grow wherever they want. No one has to plant them. And then their seeds blow in the wind and they find a new place to grow.”
– Rebecca Donovan
This image was made a few days ago with my portable background. A few have asked what that setup looks like. Here’s a typical shot, using the sow thistle above as an example:
Nikon D800
Nikor AFS Micro 60mm f/2.8 US @ 60 mm
1/15 sec, f/20.0, ISO 400
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Lovely photo. Thanks for sharing your set up. The results are terrific!
Thanks Belinda, several people have asked how I do this in the field.
I was curious about your setup as well! Thanks for sharing.
Great photo, Ed, and very interesting technique shown here. What is it you actually use as the black backdrop? I guess this also helps with protecting it from the wind.
I use a piece of black velvet. I keep it in a plastic sleeve to keep dust off.
I see, thank you. Excellent idea.
Wonderful explanation, many thanks …Here what I feel about them:
https://betulaworldpress.com/2014/07/20/a-tale-of-wildflowers-2/
I thought for sure these were shot in a studio. Thanks for sharing!
Sone are studio but the majority of wildflowers are done with this setup.
That is so cool Ed! I may just have to try this.
Air movement is the biggest challenge.
Cool set up! (And beautiful photo.) How do you like your manfrotto? I am looking to change tripods, my jobu is too heavy along with my camera and lens.
I’ve had the same Manfrotto for 35 years and still going strong. I did change the ball head a few years ago.
Thanks for the information! I’m asking around, I just can’t manage the weight!
It’s also light and portable, yet sturdy enough to hold my D800 with a 70-200mm with no problems.
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Hi Ed, now I look at the portable studio. I can’t quite get the dimension of it. Is it like a cubicle with clear plastic in the front? How do you raise the velvet to the level of the object? Do you need some backing material for the velvet?
I use a cardboard sheet behind the velvet, which is about 18″ x 12″
Thank you so much! I want to take photos of single roses without all of the distraction. So I will certainly try. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve done many flowers indoors, which is better, since you can control the light. Good luck with the roses.
Thank you! I have a small closet, may think of using it for darkroom. It would be a large project to rearrange things.