More Rats - C&C Appreciated. Trying Out Something

Caity · Jan 6, 2010

Well... Yesterday I had the harebrained idea to create a beauty dish.

Out of a turkey pan, a clear liter bottle, some aluminum foil, and tape. I remember seeing this online at some point in time, I dug around for the link and set to work. Took me about ten minutes. Unfortunately a person would be much better for this... Pretty sure it's not even functioning as it should because a rat is so small. But hey. Get's the shot, right?

1)

2) Color is off...

Then we went back to just simply bouncing the flash....

3)

4) Yep, the focus is on the nose and whiskers. Not her eyes.

I think it's improvement... But I really need a person to model. *sighs*

Dominantly · Jan 6, 2010

I think the first one rocks. Great composure and good lighting.

The second is probably my least favorite and I think it has something to do with the composition more then the color. There are now feet and the rat is kind of shoved in the frame; I personally like to see some support.

The third is warm, but still a good shot.

The last one is my second favorite shot. I only wish the DOF was a little deeper. But even now, I think it works, and it looks full of personality.

Scout · Jan 6, 2010

Really like the 1st shot! These are the best rat photo's I have seen on here so far. Good Job!

Caity · Jan 6, 2010

Thanks you two! That second one I think is a throwaway... The others are far better. I agree... Now that I look at it again it's just not "popping" for me. I agree about the composition. That and she just doesn't look comfortable.

Dom we have the same favorites... 1 closely followed by 4.

OH! This was also my first time using the external flash NOT on the hot shoe of my camera... I dig this a LOT more than having it mounted on the camera. More wiggle room it seems.

My set up was very... I'll call it ghetto. I had set up two stools, used a full length door mirror propped up against one with a black t-shirt on it, and a black shirt laid on the stool the mirror was against. Then the other stool was set off to the left and had a desk lamp on it, which I diffused just with a piece of typing paper. Then I had my tripod for the external flash (with and without "turkey dish") off to the right. I shot between the tripod and the second stool.

Laughing is allowed

I used two different blacks instead of a black sheet to seperate the background and the foreground... Since I don't have a back light for that small of an area. Do you think that was a good idea or bad idea? To me it comes through in the photos but not sure if it was all too wonderful of an idea.

Iron Flatline · Jan 6, 2010

No. 1 for the win. Fill from left would be nice, possibly with a 1/4 CTB gel to give it that two-tone look.

bazooka · Jan 6, 2010

I agree, #1 is really nice.

Caity · Jan 6, 2010

I'm going to try this same set up in daylight and see if using ambient window light as a filler has any efficacy.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I took 67 shots, had 12 I liked, and (now looking at them more critically) 3 worth posting here. Compared to what it USED to be... Shooting 150-200 shots and liking maybe 20 or so but having 1-2 worth posting for C&C I am getting better.

And I am going to find a person willing to sit in front of that turkey pan if it's the last thing I do! :waiting:

Derrel · Jan 6, 2010

Dominantly said:
I think the first one rocks. Great composure and good lighting.

The second is probably my least favorite and I think it has something to do with the composition more then the color. There are now feet and the rat is kind of shoved in the frame; I personally like to see some support.

The third is warm, but still a good shot.

The last one is my second favorite shot. I only wish the DOF was a little deeper. But even now, I think it works, and it looks full of personality.

^+1.

"Dizactly!"

If you like "ghetto" lighting gear, maybe you'd like to try my own,personal, I-invented-this idea from the 1980's: buy a small styrofoam ice chest, the kind that cost like $1.99 at a cheap-o store and are sold primarily during the summer months. Cut a hole in the bottom, so that your flash fits tightly. A serrated steak knife is the tool of choice for the cut.

Use a piece of tracing paper as a "diffusion panel", held in place by tape or push pins. You now have a small, ultra light-weight softbox with a total cost of about $2.00. Perfect for photographing small scenes.

Dominantly · Jan 6, 2010

That's a great little idea. I never would have thought of that, and it totally makes sense.

ignite-me · Jan 6, 2010

1st one is the best but... rats are really cute lol

Bitter Jeweler · Jan 6, 2010

Love #1 like everyone else.

Caity, it also make sme think of something else for you to try with the rat.

High Key and Low Key shots.

schiedel.kristen · Jan 6, 2010

I enjoyed the last one the most.

Hybrid Designz · Jan 6, 2010

Pretty sure i found how to do this on youtube actually...ill try for a link in a little bit

Caity · Jan 6, 2010

I LOVE the ghetto softbox idea. I am all for ghetto-fabulous gadgets... I am not a professional and I'm not quite making enough money to buy everything I'd LOVE to have for my hobby... what with a wife who is going through school, a baby on the way, pets, and all that. Just not plausible right now. And that's cool. Ghetto works for me for what I am doing at this point.

So thanks for that, Derrel! I think we might actually have one of these in our storage closet... If not I know where I can get one! Going to try it out ASAP.

Bitter Jeweler... Perfect. I'm going to try those ideas either tonight or tomorrow. I'll be sure to post the results!

I know rats are extremely different than people, but I hope in some way this is preparing me for people... In some small way.