Snowflakes

[Kelly]

The larger flakes we had yesterday made it much easier to get clearer/sharper shots.

[Des219]

I like the double flake photo.

[Matt]

I enjoy the black background ones quite a bit. That's slate, right?

[Kelly]

The smooth black is, yes. Fortunately I still have my old slate chalkboard I used at my desk when I was teacher's pet back in the one room schoolhouse.
I actually keep it in the freezer til it's shootin' time. Otherwise the flakes melt on contact.



I did get some black wool so that's what the fuzzy black is. I still like the punch of red though, so I have another idea I'm going to try.

My latest idea is photographing them as they land on a mirror - but haven't had any luck with that.

Thanks for humoring me. I just really love seeing all the variations in the flake design and try really hard to capture that.

[Kelly]

and more from yesterday

[Matt]

Are you going to try focus stacking?
Does your camera have focus bracketing?
My cameras have always had it but I never tried it.

[Kelly]

Nah. Too much work. If I was really into wanting to make huge prints or was taking the time to set up an elaborate snowflake studio with a DSLR, maybe. But, remember I'm just using a shitty little elcheapo camera. (No focus bracketing)

Looking back at the beginnings of this topic, I have improved a bit - which is lots more about learning (both in shooting and pp) from doing than it is changing much else. I'm happy with what I'm getting now and really just love seeing the way the flakes change as the temps, humidity and winds change. It can happen within minutes and I love seeing the types of flakes change almost instantly. Very cool. At this point it's almost as much about the science of it all, as it is photographing. I need to keep it easy and not a burden (in setup and processing) or I will lose interest. The out of focus edges don't bother me as much as maybe they should. I just marvel at every one I'm able to capture. Total snowflake geek. Me.

I keep hoping to inspire others to try it - but......no takers?

[Matt]

I tired. Too cold.