My first macro(ish) pics

[The Tea Boy]

Hi guys after seeing all of the macro pics on here, i though id have a go at looking at the other world. So I brought some macro lens things (+2, +3 and +4) and thought id give it a go. so here the results. C+C please.

Matt

[Gemm]

There are certain aspects that are essential in macro, e.g. sharpness, lighting, accurate focusing....etc, and I'm afraid these images are lacking them. They need to be dead sharp for the maximum impact. Lighting has to be absolutely right (your images are under-exposed too). Focusing just has to be spot on. Even 1mm off makes the image a failure. So I would try again considering these points. It is very hard without the right equipment too (e.g. flash, tripod, etc), but practice definitely helps. Hope this helps.

EDIT: Looking at the EXIF, it says the first 3 images were taken with flash but I guess it was a on-camera flash? They are usually useless in macro as the lens will be obstructing the flash (although I've seen people making a DIY attachment to make it work).

Edited by Gemm on Friday 12th June 10:25

[The Tea Boy]

Gemm,
Thanks for the feedback, this is the kind of thing im looking for, i know i could deffo do with a ring flash or off camera flash so will be looking at these after my jollies to France, also first time using manual focus as the auto focus seems to be ste when shooting close up. also when I find a new Job i will hopefully be in a position to buy some decent camera stuff!!(see my now the hard work starts thread)

Regards
Matt

[Gemm]

Personally I'm a fan of using a flash(es) for insect images. But many do it without. Tripod would be beneficial but it's not always easy to use it for insect shots. But you will definitely need a good daylight and watch out for the exposure.

As for the focusing, I actually use a lot of AF for macro shots with small adjustments with MF. You'll get to know the best suited methods for yourself as you shoot more. There are also techniques of how you hold the camera; how you breathe when shooting; how you move the camera backwards and forwards to adjust the focus, etc. You will also notice how you approach the insect (and you have to change the approach depending on the insect types!) becomes important. Good luck!

[4hero]

Insects are tricky subjects Matt, I've seen a lot worse for a first attempt! Not used a full set of filters myself, only the +4 which was ok for the price.

A couple of pointers which may help.

Keep your elbows towards the centre of your chest area, and use instead of a tripod. Hold your breath for the second or so when you are taking the shot.

Lighting is key to macro, and there are lots of cheap ways to help with your onboard flash.

Gary fong popup diffuser

Google "diy onboard flash diffuser"

Google "diy onboard ring flash"

Good luck!

[selwonk]

4hero said:

Gary fong popup diffuser

Interesting! I'll have a look at that myself.

Slightly OT, but has anybody any opinion on the Lightsphere?

Cheers.

Edited by selwonk on Friday 12th June 14:21

[selwonk]

The pop-up diffuser looks to be £3.99 on Amazon too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-up-Flash-Diffuser-Olym...

[james_tigerwoods]

selwonk said:

The pop-up diffuser looks to be £3.99 on Amazon too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-up-Flash-Diffuser-Olym...

THat looks nice - however - what's good for a Nikon Speedlight SB600?

[andy-xr]

james_tigerwoods said:

selwonk said:

The pop-up diffuser looks to be £3.99 on Amazon too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-up-Flash-Diffuser-Olym...

THat looks nice - however - what's good for a Nikon Speedlight SB600?

Stofen Omni bounce is worth a look, but probably not for macro work

[selwonk]

Ta! I'll have a look at that...