First Proper Macro C&C

djd80

Hi All

I have been fascinated by the fantastic macro shots that are often posted here so when my brother was in Boston a few weeks ago I got him to get me an Onlympus Zuiko lens in Hunts Phot and Video for $160 in a sale.

I got to try and take some shots for the first time at the weekend so feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong!

Also should you use manual or auto focus for these type of shots?

helios

Dar, for your first go, they're all quite good. #2 is the best (if a little over-exposed) but you seem to have all the makings of good shots, but you just should watch out for things like exposure and focus. Given its nature, macro takes a bit of practice, but I'd say you're well on your way.

l pearse

l really like your shots dar_d.
Love my macro lens. But christ its difficult photography starting off.
Trial & error. :rolleyes:
Just got tripod as camera shake ruins a lot of good shots.

Do you have Flickr of Pixie site?


http://www.flickr.com/photos/29172058@N07/

http://pix.ie/lpearse

Calina

I love the detail on 4.

not a macro expert myself though.

Carrigman

Not bad at all.

Your best bet is to use manual for macro shots. Also, use a tripod and step the lens down to the smallest aperture you can manage (this will mean slow shutter speeds and hence the need for a tripod).

CraggyIslander

Manual focus is indeed the best as the 'depth of field' is usually very limited in macro.

As a depth of field example: In the second pic, the top half of the bug is sharpish.. the bottom half not so much.

This is related to the aperture carrigman mentions, smaller aperture gives more depth of field and a bigger section of the pic will be sharp. Confusingly an aperture of 32 (the biggest no) is actually the smallest and is the one to aim for to get most of the picture in focus*.

No 1 if sharp will make for a great crop with just part of the flower leaves and the bug (bug is kinda lost as is)

No 4 is the best and has great depth of field

*only using this to explain how to get the biggest area/range of the picture into focus, not as to what to aim for as ultimate macro shot (quite opposite actually.. less in focus, but all pinsharp can be ideal)

djd80

l pearse wrote: »

l

Do you have Flickr of Pixie site?

Here it is,,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dar_d

Ya I found it hard enough getting those shots...but will keep trying anyway. I wasnt using a tripod as you have been suggesting but I will try that..once I but one!

l pearse

dar-d

went into ur flickr site.... very, very nice.

Heading to Lucern in Switzerland in Oct. & ur shots have givin' me a sneak preview of what l can look forward to.

lf ur buying a tripod shop around.
Try camera exchange shop on Georges st.

Good luck.

L pearse

Tactical

The last 2 shots are superb.

Not sure about the first one, just looks like too much going on there really. Second shot could crop nicely as someone else has suggested.

The third shot, I love it to bits with the same for the fourth shot.

Depending on what you're looking for from macro will probably decide which direction you go r.e. depth of field (remember that not all macro has really shallow depth of field, a lot of my work stuff is one at small apetures)

Follow the advice of a tripod. Get the sturdiest you can afford if you're really serious about the macro (I use the Manfrotto 058B), or else make up a base plate and stage for the camera.

Manual focus is probably best but it can be a personal thing. I typically set the lens for 1:1 mag, switch to manual focus and usethe stage with micrometers to adjust focus. Ok, this is pretty expensive stuff for a hobby but I was able to get hold of some equipment that had a suitable 3-axis moving arm and adapt it to take the camera (i.e. I fitted a plate and tripod screw) so I was really lucky.

Back to the pics, great start and I can see only good things comming from your direction.

djd80

Thanks for the replies.

I'll take your advice about the tripod but I'd say it'll be hard to use. Like I was running around the garden like an eegit trying to catch the wasps. if using a tripod do you just have to wait and hope one of them flies onto a leaf you are next too!!

I'll try it anyway!

Tactical

Difficult with the insects in the garden, however it may be worthwhile trying to "encourage" the little beasties with a little jam (perhaps on the rear of the leaf or stalk);)