Some marbles

While Nigel prefers the highly technical precision of the latest kit I have to confess that I simply don't understand it. Here is my pragmatic method:

Put a 1970s Helios compact flash on an old Pentax A3 body (it's only being used as a stand)
Plug in a Nissin optical trigger
Wait for her to go out and plonk the marbles on the ceramic hob in the kitchen
The K5 is on a tripod with the built-in flash up, set to manual, 160th sec with a Pentax M 100mm macro lens
The Helios flash intensity is controlled by how far away you put it and the K5 flash by how many layers of folded bubble wrap you hold in front of it as a diffuser.

Here are some results:

1. Very formal



2. Anything but formal. These are in orbit with a starscape in the background !



3. All alone



4. Close-up and detailed (these marbles have seen some use)



5. A darker formal version



I had a lot of fun messing around with these. I hope you enjoy them

Its the results that count! .... actually that does all sound rather technical I like the images, lovely clean clear light, and the mirror reflections give an added 3-dimensional feel.

I'd be careful though, if you do that sort of photography for too long you risk losing your marbles.

Marble ous work but yes it does sound like a lot of effort

I like the results, but it does sound technical. I think 1 and 2 are my favourites. Now to find some marbles cause I want a go.

Nice set - and worth the effort

Glad she didn't get back in before you grabbed these. Its a wonderful effort - reminds me of our camera club project with crystal balls last year.
I must admit I'm useless at the technical stuff.
David

Now that's what I define as "photocraft" , even though the method as described was seemingly casual and creative it was also very skilful and belies serious practical experience.

Well done David; a lovely lesson, great images and great fun; just how photography should be.

Regards

No 1 one is definitely my favourite. Formal and 'clean'

Thanks for the info, i love this set.