Higher end macrophotography

[kenny]

I realize almost everyone today uses a point and shoot camera or their cellphone to take pics.

Is there any interest in a single pinned thread in which I condense my knowledge of high-end macrophotography (equipment and techniques), or would it be a waste my time and little more than an ego trip, since nobody here has the budget or inclination to take their gem photography to that level?
I'd prefer a pinned thread to a PS-pubished article since I could add to a pinned thread and there could be clarifying Q&As, and other experts could contribute their tips and correct me when needed.

Would such a pinned thread belong in SMTB, RT, or Hangout, or all three since many regulars frequent only one of those fora?

Recently I contributed many many hours of research and detailed recommendations on equipment and techniques to a thread on Colored Stones forum which got deleted for reasons having nothing to do with me.
All gone! POOF!

What's also tragic is that PS's software compresses fine high-resolution large macro pics down to 4-inch relatively-fuzzy soft images that look like they were taken on an old cellphone camera.
I compare it to judging what a zillion-dollar stereo system sounds like by hearing it through a telephone.
90% of the quality vanishes - but if that's all you've ever heard/seen you don't know what you're missing.
I can't even show anyone what high-end macro photography looks like since links are not allowed.

I find full-resolution high-end macrophotography of diamonds, white or fancy colored ones, to be deeply touching and moving.
I'd even venture to call some of it, art.

I'm sure if a few of you saw what is possible you'd catch the bug and go for it too.
While certainly a challenge it's not rocket science.
It is not as expensive as you might think, since much excellent, and even preferable, gear is available used.

One PS pro, a household name here, is flying out to take diamond macrophotography lessons from me soon.
I'd LOVE to share what I know with as many people as possible, on PS, for free.
Judging from what I see, some vendors would benefit too.

I just love diamonds and colored gems, and full-resolution high-end macrophotography is the next best thing to owning them.

 

[ame]

Yes plz

 

[armywife13]

Yes!

 

[TravelingGal]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

 

[Enerchi]

I'd really enjoy learning and viewing high end shots, just like all the lovely one's you've posted Kenny - I love your skillset!! I hope you go for it - love love love the eye candy!

Would SMTB be the best place to pin it?

 

[kenny]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

I guarantee if I only post it here a large percentage of those would would be interested would never hear about it.

Unlike you, many people read only one or two fora here on PS.
What I want to give away for free is groovy and valuable and can benefit readers who never visit Hangout.
Why not share candy with everyone?

Nobody is harmed and more may benefit.

 

[TravelingGal]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

I guarantee if I only post it here a large percentage of those would would be interested would never hear about it.

Unlike you, many people read only one or two fora here on PS.
What I want to give away for free is groovy and valuable and can benefit readers who never visit Hangout.
Why not share candy with everyone?

Nobody is harmed and more may benefit.

OK then, spam away!

 

[kenny]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

I guarantee if I only post it here a large percentage of those would would be interested would never hear about it.

Unlike you, many people read only one or two fora here on PS.
What I want to give away for free is groovy and valuable and can benefit readers who never visit Hangout.
Why not share candy with everyone?

Nobody is harmed and more may benefit.

OK then, spam away!

Not spam.
I don't make a single penny.
Reaching everyone in threads never responded to is not spam.

Like they say, no good deed goes unpunished.

 

[TravelingGal]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

I guarantee if I only post it here a large percentage of those would would be interested would never hear about it.

Unlike you, many people read only one or two fora here on PS.
What I want to give away for free is groovy and valuable and can benefit readers who never visit Hangout.
Why not share candy with everyone?

Nobody is harmed and more may benefit.

OK then, spam away!

Not spam.
I don't make a single penny.
Reaching everyone in threads never responded to is not spam.

Like they say, no good deed goes unpunished.

Christ Kenny, what I meant it just POST IT EVERYWHERE.

 

[kenny]

Kenny, no offense, but you have this topic posted on three different forums (so far from what I've seen). I realize you said don't respond in the other ones, but do you have to have this topic in more than one place? I know you want people to see it, but overkill!

I guarantee if I only post it here a large percentage of those would would be interested would never hear about it.

Unlike you, many people read only one or two fora here on PS.
What I want to give away for free is groovy and valuable and can benefit readers who never visit Hangout.
Why not share candy with everyone?

Nobody is harmed and more may benefit.

OK then, spam away!

Not spam.
I don't make a single penny.
Reaching everyone in threads never responded to is not spam.

Like they say, no good deed goes unpunished.

Christ Kenny, what I meant it just POST IT EVERYWHERE.

Sheesh! Why so grumpy?

 

[Matata]

Kenny...I have no motivation whatsoever to take such photos myself but I would love learning about it. And I don't think you're spamming but I think TG is net nannying.

 

[TravelingGal]

Kenny...I have no motivation whatsoever to take such photos myself but I would love learning about it. And I don't think you're spamming but I think TG is net nannying.

Yes, because I keep getting lost in PS because I can't keep track of where I am with the same topic everywhere. Happens in old age.

 

[kenny]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

I love you kenny. Love you. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

There.

 

[kenny]

Kenny...I have no motivation whatsoever to take such photos myself but I would love learning about it. And I don't think you're spamming but I think TG is net nannying.

Yes, because I keep getting lost in PS because I can't keep track of where I am with the same topic everywhere. Happens in old age.

This is the ONLY place it will get any responses.
No multi examples of the same thread to follow.

 

[kenny]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

I love you kenny. Love you. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

There.

Shhhhh, my SO just got home, and will detect my arousal.

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

I love you kenny. Love you. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

There.

Shhhhh, my SO just got home, and will detect my arousal.

This is one instance where I will plead with you not to show off your macro photography skills.

 

[Matata]

ok, I'm whining and ooohmming and wineing & oooooooommmmmmmmmmmming. So just get the sticky done already. Where will it go -- in the technical forum?

 

[Ella]

Everyone, it is explicitly against the rules to post multiple posts in different forums on the same topic. The others have been removed.

 

[kenny]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

I love you kenny. Love you. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

There.

Shhhhh, my SO just got home, and will detect my arousal.

This is one instance where I will plead with you not to show off your macro photography skills.

HAHAHA, I'd need a wide angle lens.

 

[TravelingGal]

Everyone, it is explicitly against the rules to post multiple posts in different forums on the same topic. The others have been removed.

LOL, I actually looked at the rules after I opened my big mouth because I vaguely remembered it being a rule, but didn't see it!

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks, but may we all please take a sip of wine or chant a few OOOHMS and return to positive and constructive energy?

I love you kenny. Love you. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

There.

Shhhhh, my SO just got home, and will detect my arousal.

This is one instance where I will plead with you not to show off your macro photography skills.

HAHAHA, I'd need a wide angle lens.

(Wait? Why am I clapping? It's not like *I* can have it....)

Anyway, FWIW, I'd like to learn!

 

[kenny]

So I guess lots and lots of people who would be interested and could benefit just will never see it since they don''t frequent one particular forum.
Plus I think a PS article will not be the most useful interactive living format that this subject needs to really benefit PS members.

Maybe it is just not worth bothering contributing the huge amount of time and all the helpful training pics I had planned.

 

[TravelingGal]

So I guess lots and lots of people who would be interested and could benefit just will never see it.

Maybe it is just not worth bothering contributing the huge amount of time and all the helpful pics I had planned.

Kenny, (and I mean this very gently and kindly). If your intention is to truly be helpful, does it matter if you help a few or many? You don't need a huge fan following, do you?

And word of mouth is pretty strong around here. People will say "Hey New Guy! Your macro pics suck! Check out Kenny's sticky over on techyforum!"

 

[kenny]

So I guess lots and lots of people who would be interested and could benefit just will never see it.

Maybe it is just not worth bothering contributing the huge amount of time and all the helpful pics I had planned.

Kenny, (and I mean this very gently and kindly). If your intention is to truly be helpful, does it matter if you help a few or many? You don't need a huge fan following, do you?

And word of mouth is pretty strong around here. People will say "Hey New Guy! Your macro pics suck! Check out Kenny's sticky over on techyforum!"

Both altruism and ego.

1. This knowledge, especially applied to gems which are notoriously hard to photograph, is a rare and truly groovy thing.
I would like to spend many hours giving away all I know for free, including many demo pics, to as many people as possible here on PS.
We all enjoy everyone's pics but IMHO enjoy better-taken ones even more.
Working to raise the photography bar will make PS a prettier place.
While few will go all the way and buy all the high end gear, many tips, and lighting ideas can be used by point and shoots and even cellphones.

2. I have an ego and I guess my mommy did not teach me to be ashamed of what is natural, hurts nobody and can even result in a person becoming more accomplished and making the world a better place.

I looked up altruism in Wiki and here's a quote, "Much debate exists as to whether true altruism is possible. Arguably, the act of sharing, helping or sacrificing may be primarily motivated by the gratification it returns. "

 

[Circe]

I'd be very, VERY interested in this. Bet a lot of the silent viewers would, and are just taking your intention as a given - so allow me to be a voice for all the shy, retiring types out there.

DO IT!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I'll take the advice! I always try to take nice photos and would love some pointers!

I'm also a big fan of super duper magnified macro pics like your pic of the laser engraving on some of your colored stones, yummy!

 

[Imdanny]

It would be awesome, Kenny! I'd like to learn more about this and your pictures aren't exactly hard on the eyes. Thanks!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

You've helped me in your other threads in CS! My new point and shoot is just a step away from a DSLR. It has a lot of the functions that I didn't know how to use until you mentioned what to do with a D/SLR.

I also have a film SLR with a few lenses (not that high end mind you) that I'd love to learn how to use too. I could look at hundreds of sites and not really grasp what they mean, but your passion and knowledge really help sink it in.

SO uhhh yeah slay me with knowledge!

PS... what about those "wide angle" photos ::wink wink::

 

[fridays_child]

I would read your posts on this topic with interest! I shoot with a Nikon D700 and have several prime lenses, but none of them are macro. I'm planning on renting a few microNikkors from borrowlenses to figure out which one is right for me, your macrophotography posts would be very timely for me, there doesn't seem to be a ton of discussion about jewelry photography on the photog forums I frequent.

I've only tried a couple of times but found that photographing diamonds is really hard - getting the right exposure without blowing out the highlights, argh!