Blue Lotus Macro from Darren Wilch on Vimeo.
So here is my 2nd attempt, which worked much better than the first trial. The main difference was blocking out the windows in bedroom, fast becoming studio. This prevented the flicker you can see in the first trial.
The other main change is the use of cheap Chinese extension tubes ($10) to get the macro look. These worked well, but the camera fitting was not great. As nothing is moving when set up, the play was not a problem. A compact florescent tube was used for lighting.
I used my Sony A6300 powered with a standard battery pack which was on charge and it ran all day. A bit of an odd ball mix with a Sony E mount/ Canon EF adaptor, extension tubes and a 70-200 2.8, purely because the Sony is earmarked for studio timelapse, freeing up my 6D for other tasks. To set the aperture, I have to put the lens on a Canon and do the lens twist trick, then put it on the Sony. This sets the hole to a fixed position so eliminating flickr.
Shooting over three days, keeping iso low, 20 second interval time, 10-15s exposure. For intervalometer I used this free timelapse app on the Sony. It works ok but has it’s limitations, so things will change. Any movement you see was done in post process.
Lessons learnt from last time. Set things up and leave alone, walk away. Keep the door shut preventing any light change.
Lots of things going on in the background. There is an objective to all this so keep an eye out.
Check out my DIY motion gear here!
Stunning Lotus macro with cheap extension tubes.