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UltravioletPhotography

Orchid Ghost Head


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I love the compex structure of orchids, and enjoy trying to photograph them.

 

One of the things that fascinates me is the "head" (the gynostemium and anther cap may be what the botanist would call it - but I'm sure I'll be corrected). I've noticed that this appears to be glowing in UV shots, so I thought I'd try and macro-photograph it. Here's my attempt. Unfortunately none of my UV-frendly lenses (Focotar-2, Cassar S, El NIk 80, El Nik 105) give crisp images in UV at macro ranges, so the quality isn't great. The macro magnification was about 4:1. There is a visible image for comparison, and 3D anaglyphs.

 

UV image: Camera - Sony A6000; Lens - El Nik 80 (provided by Ulf - many thanks) @ f/8; ISO - 100; Filter - Baader U; Lighting - 4 cheap-from-China flashguns (GN 50), modified for UV.

 

Visible image: Camera - Canon EOS 6D II; Lens - El Nik 2.8/50mm N @ F/8; ISO - 100; Lighing - Yongnuo Ring Flash.

 

The UV image makes me think of a ghost head, especally with its hoodie. On the other hand, the visible image makes me think of an angry fish.

 

post-245-0-02692100-1594914344.jpg

 

post-245-0-09494600-1594914345.jpg

 

post-245-0-62018600-1594914342.jpg

 

post-245-0-63140900-1594914345.jpg

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I *does* look like a ghost head! Or maybe Darth Vader? :grin:

And the other one like a manta ray, perhaps.

 

Good work, as always, Bernard.

 

Added: Now the 2nd version appears to be an angry bird.

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Unfortunately none of my UV-frendly lenses (Focotar-2, Cassar S, El NIk 80, El Nik 105) give crisp images in UV at macro ranges

 

Do you increase the edge accutance of details in the converter by using some kind of sharpening tool?

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Unfortunately none of my UV-frendly lenses (Focotar-2, Cassar S, El NIk 80, El Nik 105) give crisp images in UV at macro ranges

 

Do you increase the edge accutance of details in the converter by using some kind of sharpening tool?

 

I haven't used sharpening - I'll have to look into that, it may help.

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These are excellent.

I really hope my flower bloms this year.

 

I have heard Topaz AI sharpen is supposed to be best. I own it as update from licences I bought all most 10 years ago. Still haven't tried it yet.

I only just recently got a computer even close to handling it.

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Bernhard,

I would say they are rather good.

 

You might improve the sharpness slightly by reversing the lens.

These lenses are not completely symmetrical and designed for magnifications <1

Sharpening will improve the images even more.

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Bernhard,

I would say they are rather good.

 

You might improve the sharpness slightly by reversing the lens.

These lenses are not completely symmetrical and designed for magnifications <1

Sharpening will improve the images even more.

 

Hi, Ulf.

 

I do reverse the lens when magnification gets to 1:1. I'm starting to try out sharpening - it certainly makes a difference.

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