G3 Close up help

[phili1]

I have been experimenting with the close up system and I cant make up my mind if the macro setting or manual is better. I am using a Canon 250D close up and even tried to add a Cokin +2 close up to see what happens. I find that you have to let the camera focus first when in macro mode or it is blurred.

The best I can figure is that like I assumed you need a macro rail, which I built but havent used yet.

Now my question is for the guys whos work I have seen and is awsome, how do you keep the bug still, by the time I get it set up its gone. Do you mount them with pins.

Any body who has a good knowledge of close up give me a hint, because this is differeent from my SLR macro lenses.

Thanks.

I took a shot of a fall leaf, please comment.


http://www.pbase.com/image/22563050

[phili1]

Ok I answered a big question is that you need a better then avaiable light source. I took this one with the on board flash at minus 2 stops. I see the difference but still need help on getting bugs to cooperate.

See pic http://www.pbase.com/image/22563937

[Biko]

I find I need an external flash to get a decent shot, moving it about to get the right light.

I always set the camera on F8 to get max DOF, hence need for flash most times, you could play about with white paper/card to bounce more light about.

*how do you keep the bug still* Its luck, I have "chased" them around and got knowhere then they seem to call a truce and sit still and after 20 + shots you get lucky- or not! Its patience and luck.

[civis]

I rarely photograph live bugs, unless they are really slow movers. I prefer to photograph things instead of people or animals, probably due to my intolerant and hostile nature ("Ah, %#%%&@, hold ^##%^ing still already!" as Mr. Hand becomes Mr. Fist). Action photos are something else entirely, and I like shooting them.

You can try:

Instead of comping down the flash to try and avoid overexposed areas, hold a piece (or two) of white tissue paper (the gift-wrap kind, not the personal hygiene kind) in front of the internal flash as a diffuser.

If you want to have more leeway as far as depth of field and focus sensitivity, use a small aperture.

Use additional lights, but diffuse them. Shining them through a white bedsheet or other cloth works pretty well (just don't start a fire!). This probably only applies indoors (but can work fine outdoors).

Mount the camera on a tripod.

[mahanee]

4 me, an easiest insects to get it`s macro is flies and mosquito.. it takes a while standing before get move.
to get flies, u can bait some dead body of animal (it`s stink invites flies)

how to make a bugs stand still ???
well, some people don`t have to chase the bugs .. just keep patience near the latest place where the bug is.. just wait, n believe me it will come back to the flower it sucked before.. usually bees, dragonfly, butterfly acts like it.

[phili1]

Thanks for the replys. I have a difusser for my 540EZ, I will have to practice. It is the only Photography I havent tried and it looks interesting but I think I might be like Civis, I will let you know.