Amazing video. As a Geologist learning the huge and challenging world of macro photography it's been very helpful. I would add some science tips here: - Use something as scale, and if you can't, add it after in post (maybe adding a 1mm line) - Use light similar to daylight (5000 K i think?) in order to don't alter the natural colours, because some minerals can be very similar and the colour is important. - If you are with some non transparent rocks or minerals try tu use fresh cuts or clean it even with some water (for example a limestone with fossils) Those tips are useful if your intention is to be more realistic or trying to make scientific photography. Thanks!
Really interesting to hear what's important to a Geologist, I might implement some of those in the next shoot. I particularly like the idea of a scale for those more scientifically inclined. My shots are obviously more from a creative photography point of view, but you are spot on with your assessment about colour temperature. If you want accurate colours you have to be as accurate as possible, though there are lots of ways to do this without a specific daylight colour temp. Obviously i'm throwing it off with all of the coloured light, but I'm only having fun. I'll give my minerals a wash next time too, they have been sat in storage for 2 decades! Maybe a good excuse to get some new ones too!
Yes, having a scale is very important. In general, the natural colors of rocks/crystals are always preferred. Although adding color and saturating color can make a great impression, there is a huge disappointment upon realizing the colors are exaggerated/not real (unless you make it clear about the manipulations).
Hi Fernando, these are all good tips for the crystal business too! Buyers usually overestimate the size of the crystal they're getting so having a scale is especially important. Thank you for the lighting note as I've struggled to replicate daylight in my shots, but is really my personal preference!
Thank you so much for this!! You’re video is giving me life! I really needed to see this. I’m going to try and follow everything I learnt from this video. I can’t wait to see more video’s of you shooting crystals! This is so cool!!
I love your videos and lighting! I’m going to order these lights very soon! Paying our home mortgage off this month and going to order the lighting system in celebration! Double Yeah!
Awesome video, thank you I have a metaphysical store and need to get better pics than we are getting with a point and shoot. This video sold me on your cool lighting arm attachment thing! Well done!
Thank you so much for this information.....my best friend has found a new agate in Montana. Working on staking the land claim, been stalling taking pictures because we just can't get the details! So excited to try this soon!!
I really enjoyed the video, and I would like to see you shoot a geode and a slice of geode if you have one. I would like to see both natural and artistic shots. Thank you.
@@Adaptalux I borrowed a couple of geodes, a piece of petrified wood, and I bought an interesting slice of geode to experiment with over the next couple of months. Hopefully, I will get a few decent images from the experiment.
another great video. Its been fun recreating what you are showing. One of these days I will purchase the lighting system, in the meanwhile its been Christmas lights and flashlights in brackets
This is a neat idea. I have several crystals and now I know the 1st thing Im gonna macro shoot when I get the Sony 90mm Macro lens for my A7R III.....which is some time away for now
@@Adaptalux Cool:) I was afraid that it might be boring... I am working on a similar video (Everyday objects in macro) right now. Just added the rotation in the beginning of every clip using a 120minute=360° rotation table.
hi Ben, i enjoyed this video immensely - have you tried or thought about taking pictures of Bizmuth? its colours might make it a good one to think about. Regards Erich
Thanks Erich! I do actually have a little sample of Bizmuth, poor quality I'm sure but it might make an appearance in the next mineral shoot. It's a nightmare to light, but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge!
Researching info for some product photography for my start up crystal business! Not only is this video really insightful, but so are the comments. Interested in the lighting arms and wanted to know if you have an affiliate link I could use to purchase it with so that I can support the channel too! Let me know!
Hi thanks for the video. I am taking lots of photo with crystal. Gonna try your method and see how's the result. Thank you very much for the tutorial. Btw what macros lens you are using?
I have two other questions and one comment about your flexible LED lamps. The first question: Did you do any photo stacking on these shots? The second question: What is the name of that object or arms that you use to in front of the camera to place the pieces? and my comment: I would really like to buy one of those Adaptalux LED arms but they are very expensive. Do you think you can make a cheaper more basic one with simple two lamps with normal color temperature? or to at least lower the prices of the current ones? Thank you.
Thanks for the comment! There's no focus stacking on these, though I would probably recommend trying some if you want a lot of clarity. The clamp is just something I had around the place and we have since added a much better version to our shop, it's called the macro subject holder - adaptalux.com/product/flexible-macro-subject-holder/ Regarding your comments about the LED arms, we really appreciate your interest in our products. We have recently launched a much cheaper version, the Pod Mini that holds only one arm, so two of those and two white arms and you are good to go with the exact setup you describe. As for lowering prices, we currently have a discount running on the website!
Hello I am new at the photo side of this. I dig and sell minerals of all kinds but mostly quartz crystals. Please excuse the lack of knowledge. Can you direct me to some begginer vids of how to shoot let's say a cluster 12"x6". The video her focuses on the very fine detail. I have problems getting the crystals just to show up. Due to the lighting I am sure. Do you have any advice or could you point me to a starting place. Great video keep collecting. Gems and .minerals never get boring
It took me a minute, then I realized it was your company. I'm totally going to invest in one of your pro set ups! Keep on making the fantastic tutorial videos, they're super entertaining! 👌🤓
I'v got 100+lb of small orange garnet Specimens I'm selling and have a d3200 camera with the 18-55 lense it came with but am overwhelmed with the infinite amount of settings, lighting etc. Any tips? And what is that flexible light thing called, thanks and nice video.
Hi there, The lighting is the Adaptalux Studio, it's great for really getting to grips with all of your options. As you can see here, you can see the results live due to the light being continuous. It's very helpful to see how the changes you make to the lighting affect your image - something you don't get with flash until you take a shot. Depending on the kind of shots you want to get, it might be worth taking a look at our "white background product photography" tutorial too, as it will be a great starting point for selling small items - ruclips.net/video/jevtZxbTj7Y/видео.html
I know this channel is devoted to promoting Adaptalux products and demonstrating how to use them but it would be refreshing to see at least one video where the only solution was Adaptalux.
That tripod is a Manfrotto Pixi Evo 2, available in lots of places locally and online, We also sell similar mini-tripods on our website - adaptalux.com/product/mini-tripod/
These were all shot at around f18 (if my memory serves) unfortunately, the second two crystals are far too deep to get everything in focus without stacking.
Ben - I've asked some long-ish questions via the form on the site about a week ago. Is that the best way, or is there an email address which is better?
I found that in this case, the diffusers caused to many reflections in places that I didn't want them, there will be more mineral shoots in the future though so maybe I'll crack out the diffusers then!
@@Adaptalux Like he said; a sticky roller or a vacuum hose with a brush attachment will help us concentrate more on the subject than your 'cat-haired shirt'!
Amazing video. As a Geologist learning the huge and challenging world of macro photography it's been very helpful. I would add some science tips here:
- Use something as scale, and if you can't, add it after in post (maybe adding a 1mm line)
- Use light similar to daylight (5000 K i think?) in order to don't alter the natural colours, because some minerals can be very similar and the colour is important.
- If you are with some non transparent rocks or minerals try tu use fresh cuts or clean it even with some water (for example a limestone with fossils)
Those tips are useful if your intention is to be more realistic or trying to make scientific photography.
Thanks!
Really interesting to hear what's important to a Geologist, I might implement some of those in the next shoot. I particularly like the idea of a scale for those more scientifically inclined.
My shots are obviously more from a creative photography point of view, but you are spot on with your assessment about colour temperature. If you want accurate colours you have to be as accurate as possible, though there are lots of ways to do this without a specific daylight colour temp. Obviously i'm throwing it off with all of the coloured light, but I'm only having fun.
I'll give my minerals a wash next time too, they have been sat in storage for 2 decades! Maybe a good excuse to get some new ones too!
Yes, having a scale is very important. In general, the natural colors of rocks/crystals are always preferred. Although adding color and saturating color can make a great impression, there is a huge disappointment upon realizing the colors are exaggerated/not real (unless you make it clear about the manipulations).
Hi Fernando, these are all good tips for the crystal business too! Buyers usually overestimate the size of the crystal they're getting so having a scale is especially important. Thank you for the lighting note as I've struggled to replicate daylight in my shots, but is really my personal preference!
Thank you so much for this!! You’re video is giving me life!
I really needed to see this.
I’m going to try and follow everything I learnt from this video.
I can’t wait to see more video’s of you shooting crystals! This is so cool!!
There will be more crystal videos soon! Glad you enjoyed this one!
Thanks so much for this - just the inspiration I needed today!
Glad it sparked some ideas Pam!
I love your videos and lighting! I’m going to order these lights very soon! Paying our home mortgage off this month and going to order the lighting system in celebration! Double Yeah!
Congrats on being mortgage-free Nancy!
Great video Ben. Please do more vids on this subject. So fascinating and inspiring!
Thanks stephen, still got lots left in my collection that should be interesting to shoot, stay tuned!
Awesome video, thank you I have a metaphysical store and need to get better pics than we are getting with a point and shoot. This video sold me on your cool lighting arm attachment thing! Well done!
Glad you found it useful, certainly having some external lighting will help you with your photos!
Tfs I love the light that you are using.
Thanks, we designed it ourselves!
Oh man I just love your videos! You could be such a good teacher!
Love from India.
Thanks Paarth, glad you are enjoying them!
Great video for inspiration and techniques in macro photography... more please!
Don't worry, more coming soon!
Thank you so much for this information.....my best friend has found a new agate in Montana. Working on staking the land claim, been stalling taking pictures because we just can't get the details! So excited to try this soon!!
I hope some of these techniques are helpful to you in capturing your own agate!
I really enjoyed the video, and I would like to see you shoot a geode and a slice of geode if you have one. I would like to see both natural and artistic shots. Thank you.
I don't have other slices than the one you see in the video, but im sure there will be more opportunity for crystal photography soon!
@@Adaptalux I borrowed a couple of geodes, a piece of petrified wood, and I bought an interesting slice of geode to experiment with over the next couple of months. Hopefully, I will get a few decent images from the experiment.
another great video. Its been fun recreating what you are showing. One of these days I will purchase the lighting system, in the meanwhile its been Christmas lights and flashlights in brackets
If it works, it works! Glad you're enjoying the videos!
This was super helpful, as I will be shooting someone's crystal collection soon!
Glad you found it useful, let us know how you get on!
Amazing video. Thank you for this. I am also planning on doing macro shots on my crystals :)
They make for really cool macro photos! Let us know how you get on with your own photos!
Thank you for the video, interesting setup. I liked those little lights also. Only it's not clear how you get the black background.
Thank you for this! Lol not many people teach how to shoot crystals and minerals! 🙌🏾 more videos like this please
I've got lots more crystals to shoot in the future and will be trying some more techniques too.
Adaptalux thank you! What kind of camera are your shooting with? And what kind of light is that you are using?
@@crisharnden The camera is a Nikon D5600 and the lighting is the Adaptalux Studio - adaptalux.com/studio/
Thanks a bunch for your video. It really inspired me to take some interesting photos. with my own crystals.
Glad to be of some inspiration, thanks for watching!
Brilliant. Thank you very much.
Thanks for watching!
Really interesting. Please do some more if possible.
Lots more in the collection for future videos!
I have a small business selling crystals and this has inspired me to get up close and personal with my crystals!! thanks sm :-)
Glad you enjoyed it, there's certainly a lot of interesting angles to be captured with things like this!
Hey it wonderful I really enjoy it... definately going to try this.
Glad you enjoyed the video, let us know how you get on with your own shots!
This is a neat idea. I have several crystals and now I know the 1st thing Im gonna macro shoot when I get the Sony 90mm Macro lens for my A7R III.....which is some time away for now
Have fun when you get your lens, let us know how you get on!
Fantastic good practice tips !!!!
Glad you found the video useful Zoltán!
Really nice video again:) I think I have to put crystals on my macro list now:D
Thanks Jens, I really enjoyed your explainer on of the Macro Room Zoom technique, keep up the good work!
@@Adaptalux Cool:) I was afraid that it might be boring... I am working on a similar video (Everyday objects in macro) right now. Just added the rotation in the beginning of every clip using a 120minute=360° rotation table.
@@anotherperspective3076 Awesome, look forward to seeing the results of that!
It is finished:) maybe you want to take a look
Will do!
Thanks so much! I love it!
Glad you enjoyed the video :)
hi Ben, i enjoyed this video immensely - have you tried or thought about taking pictures of Bizmuth? its colours might make it a good one to think about. Regards Erich
Thanks Erich! I do actually have a little sample of Bizmuth, poor quality I'm sure but it might make an appearance in the next mineral shoot. It's a nightmare to light, but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge!
Researching info for some product photography for my start up crystal business! Not only is this video really insightful, but so are the comments. Interested in the lighting arms and wanted to know if you have an affiliate link I could use to purchase it with so that I can support the channel too! Let me know!
Hi Saara, the lighting products are our own design, no need for an affiliate link - adaptalux.com/
What kind of arm lights are you using? Great video!
Hi thanks for the video. I am taking lots of photo with crystal. Gonna try your method and see how's the result. Thank you very much for the tutorial. Btw what macros lens you are using?
Hey Brian, thanks for watching, its a 100mm f2.8 Tokina lens, pretty good all-rounder!
Lovely pictures & ty for sharing!Where did you get your lights at?!?! I need a set of those!! 🙂
They are our own design. www.adaptalux.com
I have two other questions and one comment about your flexible LED lamps. The first question: Did you do any photo stacking on these shots? The second question: What is the name of that object or arms that you use to in front of the camera to place the pieces? and my comment: I would really like to buy one of those Adaptalux LED arms but they are very expensive. Do you think you can make a cheaper more basic one with simple two lamps with normal color temperature? or to at least lower the prices of the current ones? Thank you.
Thanks for the comment! There's no focus stacking on these, though I would probably recommend trying some if you want a lot of clarity. The clamp is just something I had around the place and we have since added a much better version to our shop, it's called the macro subject holder - adaptalux.com/product/flexible-macro-subject-holder/
Regarding your comments about the LED arms, we really appreciate your interest in our products. We have recently launched a much cheaper version, the Pod Mini that holds only one arm, so two of those and two white arms and you are good to go with the exact setup you describe. As for lowering prices, we currently have a discount running on the website!
Thank you for your reply. I will check your website again :)
@@Adaptalux
Hello I am new at the photo side of this. I dig and sell minerals of all kinds but mostly quartz crystals. Please excuse the lack of knowledge. Can you direct me to some begginer vids of how to shoot let's say a cluster 12"x6". The video her focuses on the very fine detail. I have problems getting the crystals just to show up. Due to the lighting I am sure. Do you have any advice or could you point me to a starting place. Great video keep collecting. Gems and .minerals never get boring
Hiii. Great!!! A question please. What is the name of the device you have to light and where can I find it? Thanks!!!!
Hi Pablo, it's the Adaptalux Studio, you can learn more about it here - adaptalux.com/studio
Hey how do you capture beautiful pic of a Celestine crystal. I'm new to photography, I have a ZV-1 camera
Loved your video! I'm curios who the maker of your lighting unit is? Many Thanks!
Thanks! We make it ourselves! You can find out more info here - adaptalux.com/studio/
It took me a minute, then I realized it was your company. I'm totally going to invest in one of your pro set ups! Keep on making the fantastic tutorial videos, they're super entertaining! 👌🤓
Fantastic video, you have a new subscriber here.
may I suggest a small amount of electrical tape on the crocodile clips?
Good idea, I'll use that next time!
Welcome to the channel!
I'v got 100+lb of small orange garnet Specimens I'm selling and have a d3200 camera with the 18-55 lense it came with but am overwhelmed with the infinite amount of settings, lighting etc. Any tips? And what is that flexible light thing called, thanks and nice video.
Hi there, The lighting is the Adaptalux Studio, it's great for really getting to grips with all of your options. As you can see here, you can see the results live due to the light being continuous. It's very helpful to see how the changes you make to the lighting affect your image - something you don't get with flash until you take a shot. Depending on the kind of shots you want to get, it might be worth taking a look at our "white background product photography" tutorial too, as it will be a great starting point for selling small items - ruclips.net/video/jevtZxbTj7Y/видео.html
Holy smoke rings that expensive but nice. I guess photography is like boats
Can we shoot minerals and crystals with 85mm lens as well?
Yes, 85mm should work well as long as it can get close enough.
hello, thank you so much! What is the name of lens please?
The Lens is a 100mm f2.8 Tokina
Could you put a link up please as to where you got your lights from?
Thanks for that.
We make them! You can find out more info and get some for yourself here - adaptalux.com/studio/
I know this channel is devoted to promoting Adaptalux products and demonstrating how to use them but it would be refreshing to see at least one video where the only solution was Adaptalux.
Hi, thank you for this video! Where can I buy the exact tripod for this camera shown in this video? Thank you
That tripod is a Manfrotto Pixi Evo 2, available in lots of places locally and online, We also sell similar mini-tripods on our website - adaptalux.com/product/mini-tripod/
try using smaller aperture like f10 to make everythin in focus and the crystals to appear sharper
These were all shot at around f18 (if my memory serves) unfortunately, the second two crystals are far too deep to get everything in focus without stacking.
How is the background in the photos black/dark?
Hi Jordie, Great question. We did a video to explain how to get your backgrounds black like these photos. - ruclips.net/video/q9bRp9_CltE/видео.html
Sir , please tell me what Micro lens you have use for that
It's a Tokina 100mm
Ben - I've asked some long-ish questions via the form on the site about a week ago. Is that the best way, or is there an email address which is better?
Hey Mike, I'll check the form is working correctly on the website, in the meantime info@adaptalux.com is the best email to reach us!
what's the camera and lens?
Which lights are u using?
They are our own design, you can learn more about them here - adaptalux.com/
👍
What lens was used for this❓
It's a Tokina 100mm
What is the set up here? camera and lens
It's a Nikon D5600 and a 100mm Tokina lens.
@@Adaptalux Thanks for the reply!
Aaahhhh I thought you had a black sheet somewhere behind there
Check out our video on black backgrounds, there's no need for a backdrop with this much light!
what is the use of this minerals?
Not sure many of them have a use in this form. I collected them as a child to learn more about geology and grow a collection.
May I know what is the name of the light source you used? This one looks practical and works well
Adaptalux studio. You can learn more at adaptalux.com
The beard reminds me of trimming my own beard before eating a soft ice
Yeah...mine definitely needs a trim!
I think the last specimen was aragonite. I think you said raganite
You're right, it's aragonite.
Find it cool blog!
Thanks!
If you ever need any samples of stones let me know!
Thanks for the offer George, I'll do some more in the future i'm sure!
Agate is harder than the alligator clip fyi. No need to wrap it in cloth. Lol
Better safe than sorry, every little mark and scratch shows up on camera!
so sassy..
Diffusion! You should diffuse your light. Other than that, the video is informative....
I found that in this case, the diffusers caused to many reflections in places that I didn't want them, there will be more mineral shoots in the future though so maybe I'll crack out the diffusers then!
Get a sticky roller on that shirt.
The cat hair in my house sticks to everything but the cat.
@@Adaptalux Like he said; a sticky roller or a vacuum hose with a brush attachment will help us concentrate more on the subject than your 'cat-haired shirt'!
I've got a refill for my sicky roller ready for the next video, don't panic!