![]() Along with an extensive gallery of images, the book should answer every question you’ve ever had about snowflakes. You’ll find over 100 pages dedicated to the photographic and editing techniques, and almost equal length spent exploring the science of how snowflakes form. Sure thing! Take a look at the 304 page hardcover book for more information. I’ve searched everywhere for a better surface, and I keep coming back to the black mitten.Ībout three feet from my back door in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. It also serves as an insulator, preventing the snowflake from melting on contact. This is so I can have a dark background, and because the snowflakes get caught in the fibers and bring the background out of focus. Would you believe a home-made black mitten? It’s true! Every snowflake is photographed on the same mitten (received a few years ago from my grandma – thanks Grandma!). Taking the images is only half the battle – the time-consuming and frustrating part is putting the image together! Check out some of the resources listed above to get the whole idea. Pictured to the right is the complete setup I most commonly use (it’s since been upgraded with the items listed above). Canon MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash.Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Lens.Use one of Olympus’ creative Art Filters (available in current Olympus cameras as well as the O.I.Share App) to make a truly unique image or download the image to the computer for editing.I’m not a fan of this question, as it assumes the camera does all the work! The answer is the same pen that Shakespeare used to write his plays.I took this dahlia image using a short macro lens, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8D. Cons: Less impressive bokeh, short working distance (bad for insects). The Short Macro Lens Pros: Lightweight and inexpensive. ![]() Use the LCD screen to compose the image and then snap the shutter. Macro lenses can be classified into three focal-length categories: short (35-60mm), mid-range (90-105mm), and long (150-200mm).Find a single snowflake that can be isolated as the subject.Don’t have the 60mm macro? Try using the M.Zuiko 12-50mm lens’ macro mode or even the MCON-P02 macro lens adapter. Set the lens to the 1:1 ratio (35mm equiv). For best results, use the M.Zuiko 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens.Need extra light? Add an external flash like the FL-600 R either on- or off-camera to create the desired effect. Nothing ruins a macro shot like inferior lighting or out-of-focus subject. Make sure your lighting is adequate and that you have a tripod.I like using darker material so the snowflakes stand out against it. Although I still prefer to use a window to capture snowflakes, you can also use a blanket or other piece of fabric that has been left in the cold to prevent too-fast melting.Feel free to edit them any way your heart desires. I added some additional color to my images to make the snowflakes pop, but that’s not necessary. After downloading the images to the computer, edit them to fit your style.In fact, I ended up with so many good images that picking the best was a challenge. The window is great for stabilizing your camera. The best part about using the window is you don’t suffer from camera shake. Snap the picture when you’ve found your flake and the camera has achieved autofocus.As with all macro work, it takes some time to get the hang of it. Getting the snowflake in the frame can be a challenge, but be patient. Double-pane windows create the ideal distance from the camera to the snowflake. Put your camera directly up against the window.Push the “T” to zoom in as close as you can.You can also use the focus stacking feature in order to get a sharper image. This generally happens while the snow is falling, but it can also happen if there is wind blowing the flakes around. Find a window to which the snowflakes have attached.In fact, by using the following method, I don’t even get cold! Make sure to catch the snowflakes as soon as they have fallen to prevent melting. Using the Super Macro Mode found in the TG-4, TG-5 and TG-6 tough cameras is my favorite way to photograph snowflakes.
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