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Jewelry photography – day 6+ (Updated)

Published

on September 8, 2010

in 105mm, Adobe Lightroom, Flash, How to, Movie, Sigma SD15 and Studio

. 4 Comments

Here’s a short wrap up on how far I’ve come to date. I now actively use my home built opal plastic tube thingi that some of you have seen and I want to thank Ted who gave me the idea (the round shape that was). Also a big thanks’ to all of you that gave suggestions and comments in my “HELP ME” post – for you that missed it, please visit and read. Great comments!

On the right is my original sketch of how I thought the opal stuff could be used and my setup right now more or less looks the same, although I only use three light sources – One from beneath as the picture show and one from the left and the big soft box from right, tilted 45 degrees. So it’s not exactly as the sketch but very close.

Here is the video I made that shows how I built the box.

And yes, it’s very irritating that the video size came up wrong – Mom looks fat! :D I tried to use the built in uploader within ScreenFlow – but as you see it doesn’t cope well with my wide screen iMac. I better export using x264 in the future as well.

I also try to eliminate the need to paint those rings – and by painting I mean using the curve tool and then paint in Photoshop using the brush – which you need to do if you have bad reflections – and with this setup I more or less eliminated any unwanted, unfriendly reflection. The thing that looks like a light source is actually a white paper thing that I put inside to give a shape. (Clive). I’m still experimenting.

In order to make it look as goldish as possible I needed to see gold because these rings are all made out of different materials – and has slightly different tones of metal color – kind of goldish but often not so I have to work on each to make them look kind of the same. Although I do feel that I over did it some on these below. I used this shot / illustration as gold model.

All images developed and edited using Photoshop Lightroom 3 and Photoshop. No painting this time – I might do that with the final thing but I’ll try to avoid it as much as possible. ISO100 used. Might change back to ISO50 as it’s MUCH denser to work with.

I have some left to do, but something tells me that the hardest part is behind me now.

Here’s a second movie about the set in action. :)

Jewelry photography, day five.

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on August 26, 2010

in 105mm, Adobe Lightroom, Flash, Full size, How to, ISO50, Sigma SD15 and Studio

. 16 Comments

Now I moved so much away from my initial setup that I feel that I will show you a picture or two of what my current setup actually looks like. Woohoo! I will post some in the comments section. The above shot is slightly cleaned up – the gold surface was slightly scratched and some dents so I repainted the middle reflection and the bottom left - but other than that it’s the original photo – I’m now very satisfied with how reflections works – and if I change ring reflections still look beautiful. I must say that the pure IQ that the Sigma SD15 gives is extremely high. I’ve been looking at other photographers works with jewelry and once you go closer it just doesn’t look good. This shot is available in full size as well. A bit too full really. :)

This time I didn’t use anything else than LR3 and PS5. The only thing left now is to continue with OOF – and see where I should stop before text is readable. This shot is ISO50, 105mm, f11, 1/160s.

Sigma 530DG super + Sigma DP1

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on August 19, 2010

in Flash, Full size, Portraits, Sigma DP1 and Sigma Photo Pro

. 3 Comments

(Strobist info: Behind blue pillow is a gridded speed light. High left slightly infront of girl is a naked flash shooting at low power directly at subject). Camera: Sigma DP1 @ ISO400.

I couldn’t resist playing some today using my Sigma 530 flash – I brought with me a cheap transmitter from China as well that works pretty well, although not as smart as the one I have already from Elinchrom (Skyport). The Chinese version flashes as many times as it can until shutter is closed – so shooting indoors with low shutterspeeds and using the super fast Sigma gun, you will most likely get a strobe effect – lots of flashes in a short session. Nice if subject is STILL! People hardly ever is. Skyport never does this – it sends ONE signal not a continues flow. The Chinese version is a 10th of the price of the skyport.

Using the Sigma DP1′s fantastic ability to make colors is a sport in it self! Little sister holding the Sigma 530 and myself holding the second gun. Super simple setup. Without light this picture is totally dead. Camera, the Dp1 stands by itself on my Benro 91M8 tripodded monopod. Used in all shots above. :D

Playing indoors using the same two guns as in above shots. Myself being the tripod for the second gun. Not a perfect shot but still fun. :) (And yes, she was tired. :D)

Being outdoors a dull day as today isn’t always fun – incase you don’t have my gear! Then it’s FUN! One speed light (Sigma 530) with the grid, the tripodded monopod and a 2s delay. hmm.. perhaps it was 10s.

All shots edited using Sigma Photo Pro and uploaded using LR3.

One bridge, two shots..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on August 8, 2010

in Full size, Sigma DP2 and Sigma Photo Pro

. 8 Comments

One bridge, two developments

Those fire shots from a couple of days ago made me wanna try SPP 3.3 again and I realize that I should try it much more in the future. Above shots are developed using SPP33 too even though I’m not sure it would differ that much from SPP4.1..

It’s also interesting to note that it’s the same light – well, more or less the same exposure too just a few minutes apart but I played differently with white balance in SPP. Which do you prefer?

Lots of new shots taken mostly with DP2 at my China 2010 set at flickr.

Sigma 120-300 shot Linn @ 2.8!!

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 17, 2010

in 120-300, Full size, ISO50, Portraits, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 0 Comments

Sigma SD14, 120-300 @ 2.8 1/500 ISO50 (hand held)

The 120-300 is a classy lens, here I’m trying hard (especially the second shot) to shoot it against the 50-500 and I might add it was a bit tricky as the wind was blowing and I could feel how much movement I was making. Now, these shots are both ISO50 and both wide open at 2,8! Quite a bit faster than the 50-500 can do. Also, colors came out quite different compared to the 50-500 shot. Now, I used two different SD14s and they have a little bit different coloristic, and I’m not sure how much is down to the lens, camera or work in SPP.

Continue reading ‘Sigma 120-300 shot Linn @ 2.8!!’

50-500 OS @ 300mm – hand held 1/60s

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 16, 2010

in 50-500 OS, Full size, Portraits, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 2 Comments

I really do enjoy the Stabilizer, I feel like I could take those impossible shots such as this one. :) Camera used: SD14, at ISO200. Lens set at f7.1 and a shutter speed of 1/60s. Pretty amazing really. No extra sharpness added. Full size available as well.

And when I think about it, this lens has such incredible bokeh and really really nice color characteristics and also a very functional OS and it’s a SUPER ZOOM! 10x!!

And thanks Bengt for assisting me with the reflector! :)

Other posts on the 50-500 OS
http://www.rytterfalk.com/category/lens/50-500os/

Elke, Dennis, Niklas, Martina and Ester shot with 50-500 OS

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 16, 2010

in 50-500 OS, Full size, Portraits, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 1 Comment

Some new <a onclick= 50-500 OS shots" width="500" height="333" /> Niklas <a onclick= 50-500 OS" width="500" height="333" />

And at a full 500mm:

Below: And some more from the dog session, this time playing with F16 1/100s compared with F7,1 1/500s. Handheld of course. And you might notice a slight back focus which I think I need to correct when possible. Will wait for the SD15 before I do something though. Still, it’s not clear as I don’t see the ground below the dog. grrr. And if you look at the shot above, which is a full 500mm and perfectly in focus. hmm.. Perhaps it’s only visible on longer distances? Or perhaps it’s me? likely.

And another one at the full 500mm. Not bad.

All images available as full resolution here.

A lonely seagull..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 15, 2010

in 50-500 OS, Full size, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 3 Comments

Some new <a onclick= 50-500 OS shots" width="500" height="500" />

Was caught on tape yesterday from my balcony. 50-500 OS using continues AF.

The fabulous 70-200 revisited! (updated)

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 15, 2010

in 70-200, Full size, Portraits, Review, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 3 Comments

I almost forgot that I had the 70-200, and I decided to take it for a spin with my students - equipped with both the new 50-500 and the 70-200 we had an outdoor, long zoom, reflector class. Sun was setting and because I didn’t have any yellow toned filter / gel for my Quadra I used a circular golden reflector instead.

Original size

I was really amazed with how snappy my old 70-200 was and how precise it hit the eye – shot after shot after shot! I did calibrate it more than half a year ago and didn’t really use it since then (dark winter) but now I realize how well I did, and how friendly it have become! I didn’t remember the bokeh to be this beautiful! It’s really awesome!

Original size. Above shot might have been taken by Niklas, I don’t remember this to be my framing.

The above girl is one of my students, her name is Elke Knorr and she took the picture below of me. I was also surpriced to find that all her shots were all in focus as well. I will definitely use this lens more!. :) Perhaps I should make a 120-300 vs 70-200 thingi..

Also notice the light. Sun comes in from the left and a golden reflector from the right.

Niklas, here enjoying the 50-500. No reflector.

And this one shot by Martina. Look at those colors!

Click me and see what happens! :D

Oh, and yes. This is me with the 50-500. Look at that sweet bokeh – and those colors all came out so nice. And this is the old 70-200 2.8EX, (not the oldest oldest) without any macro – so it’s a bit irritating to have to go back in order to focus. I think 1.5m is the closest.

No extra sharpening on these images. Some PS levels but that’s more or less it. All shots at f3.5. SPP4. You can find them all as full size, plus some more here!

Common Cranes – 120-300 [updated]

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on April 5, 2010

in 120-300, High ISO/ASA (400+), Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 4 Comments

Went to the famous Hornborgarsjön today, it’s famous because every year tens of thousands of Common Cranes come here to play and so do tourists. And me. The lake is located about 100km from where I live so it’s a bit stupid that I don’t go there more often. It’s such a nice place for the 100-300 to play. Perhaps the SD15 plus 50-500 OS would be even better?

I made them BW because it’s so nice, colors looks perfectly ok too but.. and these are all SPP 4, which actually, believe it or not makes pretty nice BW’s from ISO400 and below. (not above). I had to underexpose some in order to get decent speed, light was so so.. So BW’s the way to go. Might show you color version another time.

Oh, and do you know what’s so cute about these birds? Once they found their mate, they stick together! :)

Above: Cropped image.

Another way to crop the above shot. :)

Please enjoy the bigger version. Click to get it.

Local contrast magic – with Ted.

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on March 23, 2010

in All, How to, Sigma DP1, Sigma DP2 and Sigma Photo Pro

. 5 Comments

Ted Johnson wrote to me the other day about LCE or Local Contrast Enhancement and we decided to make this video together. Lightroom calls this “clarity” and has a slider for it, but in this tutorial we will give you an enhanced look into how you can do it yourself inside Photoshop (or Gimp) -- and be in full control.

Some BW’s from tonight. DP2

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on March 17, 2010

in Full size, High ISO/ASA (400+), Sigma DP2 and Sigma Photo Pro

. 8 Comments

Well, we were supposed to have one of my studio classes this evening but our key to the locker containing our strobes were lost and all I had was this strong (1000w) light that we tried to hold and aim. It was way to hot. :) We also had an umbrella that worked as an reflector hand held, really clumsy setup.. :)

Normally during evenings such as these I don’t take many images, they do. But tonight I wanted to play a little with my Dp2. So here you go. :D BW conversion is pure SPP and different red / blue / mono techniques used. You wanna know more about this? Say yes and I’ll make a video. :)

Above shot is almost pure red channel. (color wheel at red, saturation slider at monochrome).

Above is more bluish color wheel thingi.. (compared to red channel in the photo above this one)

And yes, all can be found as full size images on my Flickr. Although remember, no flash has been used and me + coffee + coffee + some more and bad shutter speed = not as sharp as I’d like. :) ISO differs between ISO200 and 400.

A tiny Sigma SD14 vs Nikon D90 comparison..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 23, 2010

in 18-50, Flash, Nikon and Sigma SD14

. 28 Comments

Some time ago I had this photo session for a company – some portraits made “on location” using my Quadra. Now, I had this 18-50 lens that I adore but that had a bit of a focus issue on my SD14 so I brought one of my photo students Nikon D90 to be on the safe side (same sensor as seen in the D300s). I took all shots with both cameras. The Nikon had the regular 18-105mm VR lens – I have no idea how that one compares to Sigmas 18-50 but the Nikon cost about the same when it hit the market (about $400).

The Nikon has been shot at F10, the Sigma at F8. Nikon with ISO200 and Sigma at ISO100. (ISO200 is standard on the D90). Also, notice that the Sigma is slightly closer. Nikon is set at 66mm and Sigma at 50mm. So the Sigma’s at maximum zoom level (which normally is a disadvantage).

Sigma SD14 vs Nikon D90" src="http://www.rytterfalk.com/wp-content/300dvssd14_3-480x293.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="293" />

Sigma on the left, Nikon on the right.

You can’t click the above shot to zoom in, but the other two shots below. Notice that the Sigma has no extra sharpening applied. Just standard from SPP3. Nikon is sharpened normally in Lightroom 3.

Sigma with 4.6MP | Nikon at 12,3MP (here at 100% crop - click for full)

At 200% crop | Sigma processed using Sigma Photo Pro, Nikon using LR3 (click for full)

Conclusion? Those 4.6MP’s are truly insane!

Sigma SD15 announcement! [UPDATED]

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 21, 2010

in All and Sigma SD15

. 27 Comments

New comments added in GREEN further down!

The SD15 has taken a very long time to find it’s way out and during the long wait many of us has asked Sigma for some specific changes to be made from a SD14 point of view.We already knew that they wouldn’t use their next generation sensor but instead use the current SD and DP sensor but with the new image processing engine seen in DP2. And with magic image quality seen by todays cameras we can be certain of seeing improved magic!

So, here’s the main news, and I’ll try to comment a little on each

SD card
The SD15 adopts the SD card (compatible with SDHC) which is also used with the DP series of Sigma cameras, improving convenience to users of both camera systems.

My comment: This is actually something I wished for, SD’s are growing in size and speed and are now available as 30GB with 30mb/s and there is no real reason to stay with CF. Also New mac’s comes with SD reader built in. :D Saving speed should be similar to that of the DP2 and if that’s the case then 21 images will be cleared in about 21 x 2.6s = 54s. In reality my guess is that you will never notice a full buffer. Why? Because camera saves images when you’re shooting too. So this is all great news! :)

21 frames can be captured continuously in RAW mode
The SD15 is equipped with DDR II buffer memory which is twice as large in capacity as the SD14’s buffer. The camera’s high-speed image processing circuits are capable of handling the large data files generated by the high-resolution 14 megapixel sensor. The SD15 features a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second with up to 21 RAW Images that can be captured in continuous shooting mode.

My comment: 21 frames is a HUGE improvement from todays 6 images – and if it really can do 3fps – which was never really true with the SD14 which was closer to 2.3 – then I think we have a winner! I’d love to have 5fps but it seams like I can’t get everything. :) Oh. btw, the Nikon D3 and the SD15 now has the same amount of internal memory.

77-Segment AE Sensor
The SD15 features a new 77-segment AE sensor which allows advanced AE algorithms, improving exposure accuracy. Exact control and collaboration with the AF point ensures the camera exposes accurately even in difficult lighting conditions.

My comment: I’ve shot with lots of different cameras over the years and one thing that the Sigma does great is metering. And with this improved 77-segment AE sensor I’m sure it gets even better. The Canon 7D has 63 segments and well, perhaps it doesn’t say much but it’s definitely a step up from 8-segments in the SD14!

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor
The SD15 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT color LCD monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition. It is possible to review the captured images with a Contact-Sheet View (nine thumbnail images), Single-Image View or Zoomed-In View (it is possible to select the magnified area by using the 4-way controller). While reviewing images, it is possible to display the detailed shooting information such as shutter speed and F-value by pressing the INFO button.

My comment: 460,000 is a definite step up from 150,000 that the SD14 has. 3″ is also a an improvement from todays 2,5″ – I’m sure everything will look a lot better on this screen. But where is the Live view? They know how to do this as they already made DP’s with it. hmmrpf.

New, intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera. The Quick Set button activates the display of the most commonly used camera functions such as Color Mode, White Balance, Image Quality and Image Size on one screen. The 4-Way Controller ensures faster operation of these features. The FUNC button enables functions such as Flash Mode and Synchro Mode.

My comment: Well, this is all good, but has to be operated I guess. Will get back to this.

Improved Auto Bracketing function
In addition to the usual three frame bracketing, five frame bracketing has now been added to the Auto Bracketing function. It allows users to get a more detailed and accurate exposure.

My comment. Yes, this is exciting news and something I’ve been wishing for a long time! Together with a 21 image buffer I can already see those nice HDR panoramas coming to life. But why stop at 5 frames when you have a buffer of 21? I’d like to see 7 and 9. :) Not sure if I’ll ever need that many but it’s nice to get that perfect rolloff when doing HDR photography.

Dedicated rechargeable battery with a large capacity
The dedicated BP-21 Lithium-ion battery is supplied as standard with the SD15. It is possible to shoot approximately 500 images on one full charge. The battery takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with the supplied BC-21 Battery Charger. The optional AC Adapter SAC-4 enables the Sigma SD15 to obtain power from the main supply.

My comment: If you can get 500 shots from a single battery, then that’s great news! We should of course only compare to Sigmas here becuase if we compare to Nikon then we still have a long way to go. I wonder how many shots we’re able to squeezes with the additional battery pack?. :) My Vertical grip / battery pack is always on and I’m not sure If I can get 500 images with two batteries on the SD14

Article continued..

TRUE II image processing engine
The SD15 incorporates the “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

My comment: This is the same engine seen in the DP2, and the DP2 has delivered very nice image qualities – even surpassing the SD14 in many cases (perhaps I should study this closer?!). Pretty amazing what you can do with data from the same sensor. Also, speed is of importance! Especially in an SLR type of camera.

ISO50 available
It is possible to select ISO sensitivity value from 100 to 1600. When the camera is in the extended mode, ISO 50 and ISO 3200 can be selected.

My comment: If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Silky smooth ISO50 taken with the DP2 then you really need to check these out. This is all good but what I also want is a monochrome white balance mode to be selected (or that I can select) when using higher ISO. Please Sigma, add this! It’s sooo helpful. You can select monochrome picture mode if you’re shooting JPEG’s – which I never do – but that mode is disabled if you go above ISO800 on the DP2. Now, this might be different on the SD15 but I doubt it.

Why? Carl, Why? I feel much more keen on higher ISO’s if I see the final image on LCD in monochrome white balance (WB means you can still go back to color if wanted in SPP4) – I get uncomfortable seeing less than perfect white balance or noise or whatever on the LCD. Especially when shooting musicians with a heavy change in light and colors and dark alleys at night with really really bad street light as main light source or even in a dark church trying to shoot a wedding without a flash and using high ISO. Please Sigma! This is important to me. :´(

Also – I want AutoISO – All the way (50-3200) and with full manual control so that I can decide what my lowest shutter should be, or what thumb rule it should follow. (like using a 70-200 and when using 70mm, then 1/80s is my lowest, but if I zoom in to 200mm then 1/200s is my lowest. etc)..

AFE（Analog Front End)
AFE (Analog Front End) converts the color data, which full-color capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images.

My comment: This sounds very cool, AFE!! Have no real clue yet about what it does but it sounds good. I seems like it will produce very good, rich colored images. :)

Bright viewfinder image by the incorporation of a pentaprism
The SD15 features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.9x magnification and an 18mm eye point. A diopter adjustment is also equipped which can be adjusted from -3 to +1.5 dpt.

My comment: On paper same as SD14.. Was hoping for something bigger here – not that todays is bad in any ways but hey, I want it round too, as Nikon F90.

Two motor systems for the prevention of camera shake
Two motor systems are driven by the mirror-drive and shutter charge which lowers the vibration of the mirror movement, preventing camera shake.

My comment: I was searching old SD14 information PDF’s etc to find out if this is same as on the SD14 but this looks like something new. And as you might know the SD14 has a VERY SILENT shutter already! It’s a joy to use on weddings in churches etc (especially compared to Canons and Nikons that sound more like machine guns) – Lower vibrations are always welcome and I know this was a real problem back with the SD9/10. Not so much with the SD14.

SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 (supplied)
The supplied image processing software of “Sigma Photo Pro 4.0” converts RAW data quickly and easily. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces Chroma and Luminance noise when processing X3F files taken at ISO400 or more. It is possible to adjust the level of reduction for noise just by moving the slider in the control pallet. This software is compatible with multi core CPU’s, ensuring high speed image processing. It also incorporates functions such as Loupe, slideshow, Printing, JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings.

My comment: YES, finally I can adjust noise reduction to my own liking! I also hope that it’s as fast as it sounds. On the Mac, SPP has been a really slow beast and has often been beat by the windows counterpart even running side by side on a Mac running windows in VMWare. I have high hopes for this enhanced version! –

Also as a side note – the function to extract JPEG’s from the raw actually means that you’re always shooting RAW + JPEG when RAW is selected. This is true with the SD14 too but even more so with this new SPP4 as it gets easier to extract the jpg from the RAW file.

Plus, Right now we’re in the middle of the coldest winter in about two hundred years in Sweden and cold means bad battery performance. And bad Carl performance. I hate being out in the cold taking pictures. China where are you? My city in China is Kunming, and they have the hottest winter in many many years. Instead of the normal 10C they now have more than 23!

Finally, with the announcement of EX OS lenses we’re in for an exciting spring / summer and I feel that my up’n’ coming weddings must have the SD15 to work and I badly want all those new lenses. Linn?? :D

SD15 special site : www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd15
SD15 product page : www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/camera/sd15/index.htm

Outside in..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on November 20, 2009

in 12-24, Adobe Lightroom, Flash, Portraits, Sigma Photo Pro, Sigma SD14 and Studio

. 5 Comments

A house once belong to Surte glasbruk. Surte glasbruk is the glass factory famous for designing the very first Coca Cola bottle. But that’s another story. Now the house has since the last 13 years been the home for people with difficulties – in some cases drugs, some health others money etc. Now, a new road is under construction and within a month the house will be emptied – and luckily for the people inside most of them has a new place to go – probably a better place too – this one has really seen the best of days and were never meant to be lived in at all – as it was built and used as an office.

Now, I’ve been visiting them to help my way and I consider them all close friends. I hardly showed them a camera before mostly because I don’t want anyone to think that I’ve been there because of a shot – but today I just couldn’t hold myself and I went there and took a few pictures. No one had any objections..

I brought the SD14 coupled with the 12-24mm lens and I had my friend Bengt assisting me with my quadra. I tried hard to recreate the light that I felt was in the room to begin with – and often going above 2s exposures. tricky. :)

Also all shots has first been developed using Sigma Photo Pro and then post-processed in Lightroom 3 – mostly adding vignetting and some contrast adjustments.