Between Seasons
Explanation
The strength of this image comes from control and contrast.
The warm tones of the leaf stand out against the cooler background, while the shallow depth of field keeps everything soft except the subject.
The subtle reflection in the ice adds just enough depth without becoming distracting.
The specular highlights help create a more dreamy feel, while everything is placed carefully to guide the eye toward the subject.
The warm tones of the leaf stand out against the cooler background, while the shallow depth of field keeps everything soft except the subject.
The subtle reflection in the ice adds just enough depth without becoming distracting.
The specular highlights help create a more dreamy feel, while everything is placed carefully to guide the eye toward the subject.
Gear Used
– amaran Ray 60c/120c + Peak Battery
– amaran Ace 25c + Grid
– amaran Ace 25c + Grid
Settings
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF 100mm Macro
Aperture: f/4
Focus stacking: ~70 images
Lens: RF 100mm Macro
Aperture: f/4
Focus stacking: ~70 images
Breakdown
I kept the composition simple, getting low to separate the subject from the background and catch a subtle reflection in the ice.
Since it was bright outside, I underexposed by about 3 stops to create space and take control of the light.
I started by lighting the background with a blue tone using the amaran Ray 60c powered by the Peak Battery. It gave me enough power to shape the scene even in bright daylight, and being completely wireless made it easy to place the light exactly where I wanted.
Then I used the amaran Ace 25c with a grid from the right side to focus the light on the subject without spilling it across the scene.
To build depth, I introduced a second light (Ray 120c) placed further back, slightly angled down toward the ice, adding a warmer tone and more separation.
To push the shot further, I carefully placed small snow particles about 1–2 inches behind the subject, and a few closer in front. Moving them too far created shapeless bokeh, so placement was key to keeping the highlights clean and intentional.
I captured around 70 focus bracketed images at f/4 and stacked them in post to keep the background soft while maintaining sharp detail on the leaf and the small clump of ice.
Since it was bright outside, I underexposed by about 3 stops to create space and take control of the light.
I started by lighting the background with a blue tone using the amaran Ray 60c powered by the Peak Battery. It gave me enough power to shape the scene even in bright daylight, and being completely wireless made it easy to place the light exactly where I wanted.
Then I used the amaran Ace 25c with a grid from the right side to focus the light on the subject without spilling it across the scene.
To build depth, I introduced a second light (Ray 120c) placed further back, slightly angled down toward the ice, adding a warmer tone and more separation.
To push the shot further, I carefully placed small snow particles about 1–2 inches behind the subject, and a few closer in front. Moving them too far created shapeless bokeh, so placement was key to keeping the highlights clean and intentional.
I captured around 70 focus bracketed images at f/4 and stacked them in post to keep the background soft while maintaining sharp detail on the leaf and the small clump of ice.
Quick Tip
When creating specular highlights, distance matters more than quantity.
Keep elements close to your subject to maintain shape and avoid messy, undefined bokeh.
Keep elements close to your subject to maintain shape and avoid messy, undefined bokeh.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the subject is already there…
You just need to slow down enough to notice it, and shape it with light.
You just need to slow down enough to notice it, and shape it with light.
