Macro lighting TRANSFORMED my photos in this winter WONDERLAND (Tutorial with flash setup)

[@peterc2248]

Having watched your channel for much of the past year, I've got some of my best photos following your advice. In this weeks snow, I got some great photos that I never thought possible a year ago. Many thanks for your efforts and Merry Christmas

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for such kind words, Peter, and so glad to hear you've got some great snow shots! Merry Christmas too and I hope the new year brings many more great photo opportunities!

[@hpdz52]

Thanks again for another easy to follow video enhanced by your easy going personality. You’ve proven once again to look “in your own backyard”…

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, that's really nice of you to say!

[@reboundk1ng]

We don't have snow here, so this is so epic to me.

[@misterb3543]

You shouldn't have mentioned where you were, Andrew ... Getting homesick 🤭. Well, minus seven sounds like mild frost weather to me if I may compare it to the conditions of winter 2010,2011 and 2012... Golly goodness it was arctic cold. And btw... Absolutely stunning work of yours. Both images and your media content. Very interesting and informative and useful and enjoyable. Best regards from 🇩🇰

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much for watching and apologies for making you homesick!

[@RodneyGracia]

These are so beautiful and simple. Excellent. No snow here so I will have to wait figure something out...lol

[@bolbhachan]

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching!

[@RichardFletcher1]

Spot on video - was in the garden in Berkshire at minus 5 deg C and did very much the same thing!

[@ashstubbings2603]

That Labrador nearly stole the show! But not quite. Lovely shots Andrew. Nice one.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

It was a very welcome visitor!

[@kathleencolbourn7587]

I just recently discovered your channel. I enjoy your videos and they inspire me to get out and discover the macro world. I remember the days of freezing my backside (and other parts) off. I'm glad I moved to sunny Arizona. I can visit snow country within 2 hours if I want and come back to warmer weather. I'm spoiled.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That sounds like a perfect balance! Thanks so much for watching, Kathleen!

[@ddsdss256]

I love it--just this morning (in SE Michigan, US) we had similar conditions (even a bit colder and we've got a huge winter storm on the way) and I couldn't get out there fast enough. The frost was great not only on the foliage but on the cars and macros are indeed a great way to appreciate the delicate crystalline forms. It's even better when we get hoarfrost, but that's not so common (especially higher up on the trees where it's much more dramatic). Some of my favorite images are those that involve water in various states, especially frozen. I rarely need a tripod or use any type of artificial lighting but you certainly can get some interesting effects that way, so thanks for reminding me to try that more often (and I also love to push contrast and use backlighting). Sometimes there's also a wonderful prismatic effect (especially when the sun is low--I see that with dew as well). Yeah--I love dogs but ours aren't the best "photo assistants" either... BtW, there are some great touchscreen-compatible gloves out there. I try to "cold-condition" my hands for ice climbing but it's still hard to go bare-handed for long when it's super-cold, but winter's such a great time for photography and some of the best shots are made during the worst conditions!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful comment. I'd love to spend more time shooting in icy conditions like this, especially in places like that. The opportunity for interesting shots is endless and I think macro photography is really suited to it. As you say, there are so many delicate small forms to find, even just on windows and using lighting can really emphasise all those tiny details.

[@deanlitzenberger2927]

Really enjoy all your videos, indoor, outdoor, so much to learn. Planning to explore a local park this winter. -7 will be a warm day to go out. Winter in northern Canada can be much colder, good for practicing indoors. Always looking for your next video.

[@colinbrewer6507]

Blimey what a difference it makes having a flash so great to watch Andrew thank you for sharing 👍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Colin!

[@thomaspedersen4912]

Such a great technique I am definitely trying that

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much Andrew for the very valuable information and the great tutorial! God bless you!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you for watching!

[@BadSloucher]

This was so fun to watch. I love moody shots and the flash can make it happen anytime

[@KatieCollins1]

I can feel how cold it is just from watching! Such pretty wintry shots ❤

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@rajismyfavorite]

This video was quite timely. I just purchased a Canon R5 and the 100mm macro lens. I'm planning to go out on Monday to take pictures and hope there will be plenty of frost and ice after this very cold weekend. I love seeing the examples of natural light compared to the external flash.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, Natasha, I really hope you get some great shots with your excellent new setup! Please do share the results you get!

[@bullyoly]

wow! this is so beautiful! all plants seem to be in sugar😍❄️

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@lynnecliffe3056]

Andrew, that frost was tea...sing you but it was so worth it. Drink it in folks.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Ouch! Love it. Thanks for watching, Lynne!

[@alanm.4298]

I agree 100% with your choice of that last image as the best of the day! The rim lighting, detail the flash accentuates and hoar frost make for a special shot. I also sympathize with enduring the cold... Not comfortable, even if it makes for a wonderful and unique photo oppirtunity! Macro flash is a great technique. I notice you use wireless triggering to have freedom to position the flash wherever you like. I've used an off-camera shoe cord for similar, but it looks like wireless works even better. It also is possible to over do the use of macro flash. I recall many years ago one of the macro shooters I followed (maybe Joe MacDonald?) swore off flash for a while, looking for something other than the black background effect in every shot. So it can go both ways... And just trying something different, taking on a new challenge or breaking habits, often can get the creative juices flowing again.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much Alan. I think wireless or using a cord is fine, it's all just about being able to hold it and position it exactly where you want rather than always having the light coming from the camera's position. It means you can create shadow only where you want it and that's really powerful. And I totally agree on swapping between flash/natural light and I tried to strike a balance here. The black background 'studio' flash look is really dramatic, but it can be overdone.

[@billbarraclough9653]

Thoroughly enjoying your channel, Andrew. So glad to have discovered it!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Great to have you along, thanks for watching bill!

[@jennycabot3032]

Thank you for great video fingers crossed for some frosty days !

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you Jenny!

[@thomastuorto9929]

Love the flash for this type of work. Also gives the subject some more depth & texture. High Speed sync works for me also along with freezing the subject when shooting outdoors which very rarely has no wind in my neck of the woods. Some nice photos & thanks for the vid.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, Thomas!

[@raycross7259]

Your videos are amazing and really helpful in my learning. Thank you 😊

[@christopherherrick703]

Great vid! Gave me a few ideas!! I’m glad you took the time! Thx much!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it!

[@enzoog9986]

Hallo Andrew ein super Video, ich warte auf dem ersten Frost in Bremen. Bitte weiter so.

[@toine1915]

Stunning pictures, Andrew. You are doing a heck of a job, my friend. Antoine from the Netherlands.

[@Kimspics59]

Just love those frozen leaves & plants, fantastic. Just got a macro lens off Santa so doing a bit of practising atm. I just love these shots of yours. Thank you so much for sharing & explaining to us. I see you made a friend on yr travels 😂 I love 7.01 great shot. 8.22 as well I love how you explain everything in simple English 14.27 I like Hope you defrosted out ok & kept all yr fingers 😂 Thank you for sharing, new sub here. Stay awesone x💕

[@jonkers2007]

Another excellent video Andrew, thank you.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you, John, much appreciated!

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you for another inspirational video. You have a fantastic way of explaining / teaching. Seasons greetings.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, Chris, that's really kind of you!

[@kreativfotograf]

Thanks for this great and wonderful video, Andrew 👍👌. Greetings from Germany

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Frank!

[@paulus0109]

Nothing wrong helping natural light a little with artifisual. Nice shots.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@nuttynicky000]

Such lovely photos, I need to get out and try this. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you, Nick, Merry Christmas to you too!

[@smiffy5467]

Stunning images Andrew, such simple, clean images yet you can picture them framed on your wall…. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, that's really kind to say! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@rosssayer6524]

Wow, 1st time I’ve watched your channel and some of those images with the backlighting were excellent, I’m just into learning macro so your video has been a great help. Thank you.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Ross, I really appreciate that! I hope you find some useful things on my channel!

[@karenlodwidge2676]

Fantastic macro, simple but beautiful subjects 😍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you Karen!

[@trananhraw]

wow! i love this.😍

[@TheMrdavegraham]

Brilliant loved it great video

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks dave!

[@randygreen007]

Mission accomplished, nice job. If you’d stayed out much longer you could’ve gotten some excellent shots of frost bitten fingers. I have a pair of gloves with the functional fingers cut out just for these outings.

[@nhai2011]

Love your video ❤❤❤

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@francescoemanuelecarucciph7630]

Inspiring work. Thanks Andrew.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

My pleasure!

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

Bravo!

[@johneells9364]

I use the Lume cube mini panel and panel Go for some macro - e.g. mushrooms! I'll try this winter for these types of shots! I'm not the best flash user!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

There a lot of interesting ideas here!

[@usernamemykel]

I'd like to try macro with off-camera (remote) flash, as you've brilliantly demonstrated. I suppose that I should be shooting in "Live view", manual mode and manual focus. I also suppose that I should shoot with perhaps a two second timer, so as not to move the camera pressing the shutter. SO - did I get all of that correct? Many thanks!

[@GregShaw]

Really enjoyed this. I was recently taking similar shots with my 580EX ii and the Popeshield. Will try some shots off camera next time using the Godox X Pro and receiver (if I get them for Christmas)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Greg! You can also try using your 580 (a great flash) off camera using an extension cord which you can get cheaply on amazon.

[@angelathomas2117]

Love this video you need Vallerrret gloves they a so good to wear

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you Angela!

[@angelathomas2117]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography They a really nice gloves I love wearing them

[@em_m5989]

Magnificent light!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@RavenMcDougal]

looks out the window at - 20c .....-7c so warm :D

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That sounds very fun!

[@marclabro]

super tuto. perhaps magmod snoot, sphere, grid would help too ? should a lighter V1 be used instead ?

[@chrisjohn1138]

Great video Andrew 👏, it shows me where I went wrong this week 😂, and I was thinking it was because the leaves had too much frost. All gone now but plenty of rain, hopefully try again in the new year with flash in hand.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Mah be it was too much frost as well! It's always trial and error with these things after all. That's part of the fun!

[@chrisjohn1138]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography that’s what I learn from your videos, try multiple ways of capturing the same scene, lesson learnt. Thanks and have a happy Christmas

[@cheungching9430]

Lovely clip and photos! Would you share the setting of the flash? Fully TTL or manual setting? Appreciated!❤

[@raduszilagyi6055]

The photos are so beautiful because they're so simple. I use this principle in life as many times as I can. I have a question: I didn't see any kind of diffusion layer on the flash. Yes, the shadows are harsh, but the light it doesn't look so harsh. Why is that? I use speedlights and without diffusion the shots don't look nice at all

[@escolaeb13a]

Hi Andrew, I really like your work and it's a pleasure to see your videos. You are a great teacher! I have the canon 90d and the canon 100mm macro, the non is version. I have been strugling with light and in need of a good flash for macro. Witch flash do you use? You dont use a diffuser? Thank you!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching! I use the Godox AD200 with a wireless trigger on my camera. I use diffusers sometimes but often with macro I don't need to. As the subjects are small even a bare bulb flash is relatively a big light source which already makes the light quite soft.

[@Francesca48]

Great video. Thanks for making it and sharing your pain. Hope you warmed up soon. Question...what diffuser did you have on the flash?

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Francesca! The flash was bare bulb actually so no diffuser used.

[@Francesca48]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Thanks Andrew.

[@byronalpers4972]

A lucid, inspiring tutorial. Thank you. One question: Would a steady light source -- from a flashlight, for example -- work as well as a flash?

[@stephencopland1053]

Great video Andrew. Do you change your white balance each time you go over to flash ?

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Stephen! I tend to leave it as it is but shooting in Raw of course means I have full control over white balance in post.

[@canalfotografoamador605]

😀👍

[@hagihall-re6bw]

Great video, can I ask what flash you are using ?

[@colinmorris2604]

Nice video interesting subject. Did you use manual flash or TTLas you seemed to get the right exposure very fast ?.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Colin. Manual flash. I always work with manual flash is TTL doesn't really work when the flash is off camera. Bear in mind that some editing of the video has occured so some shots that simply didn't work for whatever reason haven't been included. There's always trial and error with the process and that's part of the fun.

[@deborahhammond8576]

I don’t know where you live but here in Somerset we didn’t really get any good frosts this last year😭

[@MichelleCox]

You need to get yourself some touchscreen gloves. :) It's currently -13C here but it's sunny out and not windy so I was out in just a sweatshirt shoveling the driveway and was over heating.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

The ones I have apparently were touchscreen but they just seemed to get in the way so off they came!

[@MichelleCox]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Yeah, they aren't great but a little better than gloves with no touchscreen. My hands get cold very easily so no gloves is not an option for me.

[@TylerAldrich]

Great video. Are you using any sort of a diffuser on the end of your flash?

[@MDMiller60]

I enjoyed your images and techniques. But I didn't hear you discuss the settings, particularly power of your flash.

[@NiaHir]

Bé chó dể thương quá trời luôn à!!!!

[@johneells9364]

Would I be able to create these same effects with a Lume cube or other panel lighting? I do love your videos...I've learned a lot!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hi John. I'm not sure about a lume cube. These results rely on very high power short bursts of flash so you'd typically struggle to get the same result with LED unless the ambient light is quite dark so that led light appears relatively brighter. But the joy would be in trying to create similar results and maybe end up with shots you prefer because you've found a great formula with your settings that results in beautiful shots. I'd love to hear how you get on!

[@RamblingTog]

Just what you need when you're trying to concentrate a wretched dog off the lead. Dogs should be under control preferably on a lead

[@chilodaone]

What scenarios do you think you would need to aff a macro difusser??

[@wmbrennan]

Love the video! Are the photos you show after you take the shot straight from the camera or do you post process them first? Are the photos you show raw unprocessed or jpeg?

[@CommonSense111]

Do you just use TTL or do you set the flash manually?

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I always use manual mode. TTL is great if your flash is on camera but when you're hand holding like this the camera doesn't know how far away your flash is from the subject so it can't effectively set the power.

[@CommonSense111]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography thank you. 👍

[@shajinnambiar2000]

R6ii vs R5 for macro photography

[@bartlomiejkaczynski8859]

Hi Andrew, Can I ask what tripod you used please?

[@JustFluxz]

Do cameras normally account for the flash during the liveview? I am trying to do research before getting my first flash.

[@jeffstraw466]

Wow Andrew, such a great idea with the flash! But seriously, -7°C too cold? Try working your camera at -17°C or maybe -27°C, you’ll develop a new relationship with frozen fingers! Cheers, Jeff Straw, Calgary, Canada.

[@denniswatt4807]

What is your flash set up?