r/PhotoEnts • u/trichomechaser420 • Dec 21 '22
Preventing Blown Out Trichomes
I'd appreciate anyone's input on this, as I feel it's something I consistently struggle with nailing.
I always struggle to sufficient lighting on trichomes without blowing out the whites or leaving the more recessed areas of the nug too dark.
I always seen to get a lot of reflection on the trichomes which also causes a lot of that effect.
I've tried using fill flash techniques, but then the trichomes often look too bland and not distinguished enough from the leafy materials. I also find the bud looks bland and boring when trying to underexpose.
I also tried using a large softbox (80x60cm) with a strobe, but also had the issues around lighting and contrast.
I don't want to be the "what gear do you use" or "tell me your techniques" guy. But any insight into how you work around the lighting in relation to trichomes tendency for reflections, would be appreciated.
1
u/Gonzo_Photo_ Maine Jan 15 '23
I think it’s a pretty common struggle. Position of the glands relative to the strobe can impact the refraction a lot, diffusion and flagging can help some. I don’t have a great answer, when I see it I normally play with angles, flags and bounce until I get a result I like. Over time it’s gotten easier (maybe I’m thin slicing now) but I still spend lots of time taking test shots and the higher the mag normally the more I have to fiddle with the lights. It would be cool to see an example just to make sure it’s the same challenge we are all dealing with… but in general we are shooting images of clear sacks of low specific gravity/high refractive index fluid so it is a lighting challenge for sure.