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Ronald van der Graaf
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Falling lemon
Falling lemon

The high-end flash (HVL-56AM) has a strobe function meaning it can fire multiple flashes during one exposure.
I set it up to flash with a frequence of 30 hertz, so 30 flashes per second and to stop after 10 flashes.
This makes the total flash period 10/30 = 1/3 second. I set the shutterspeed of the camera to the same value.
I made several objects fall from a hight of about 2,5 meters.
Shots are best taken in a darkish environment so the flash is the only light source on the falling object.
Because the flash fires 10 times in theory you can get the object 10 times in the same frame. But then you have to get everything right:
1. Precise release moment.
2. Allowing time for the object to drop into the frame.
3. Have the object drop more or less straight down.
4. Finish the exposure before the object hits the ground or falls out of the frame.
I managed about 5 exposures.
In order to drop the object synched with the start of the exposure I used a remote control (wired) in combination with a timer delayed exposure. My timer delay (2 secs) gives 6 beeps before the exposure starts. Depending on the air-resistance of the object I let go on the 5th or 6th beep. It takes some practising but you´ll get the hang of it soon.
Camera settings full manual ofcourse.
Manual focus your camera first by holding the object still in the falling trajectory. AF is fast these days, but not that fast.
Exposure should be fully manual to. Shutterspeed is calculated from the flash frequency and number of flashes, it must not be shorter.
The amount of light is determined by the flash. I set mine to flash at 1/32 of maximum power. Times ten for a single exposure makes 10/32 = 1/3 of maximum output.
With this being predetermined you only have your aperature to control the exposure (ISO fixed at 100). Set it by trial and error.
Not perfect yet but it's fun trying.

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Taken on: January 14, 2015
Tags: Everybody's photos tagged with sony sony Everybody's photos tagged with A77 A77 Everybody's photos tagged with HVL-56AM HVL-56AM more » Everybody's photos tagged with flash flash Everybody's photos tagged with strobe strobe « less
Sets appears in:   • Test strobe   
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Camera: Sony SLT-A77V, f/5.6, 0.3 sec, 50mm (=75mm), ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Sony SLT-A77V
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 0.3
Focal Length: 50mm (35mm equivalent: 75mm)
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Return not detected
Exposure Program: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Color Space: sRGB
Software: SLT-A77V v1.07
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Falling lemon

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