Tips on macro shooting needed.

[WithCerberus]

Hi there. I am new here and need some help.I have recently purchased a Powershot A60 camera and have been playing around with it. I really love taking macro shots of small spiders. I was just wondering if there is any way to increase the macro capability of my camera with added lenses and such things. If I wanted to magnify the subjects to photograph them how could I accomplish that? Would shooting through a hand lense work? Also lighting seems to be quite tricky when shooting so close to the subject, any tips? I am very new to photography so any help would be really appreciated. Here are a few shots I have taken of local spiders with my new camera.

http://textamerica.com/user.images/69/IMG_393969/T40404231139200.jpg
with this one right here I wish I could have really focused in on the spider

http://textamerica.com/user.images/69/IMG_393969/T40404220620380.jpg

http://textamerica.com/user.images/69/IMG_393969/T40404211703460.jpg

Thanks a lot,
Bobby

[Conk]

Using the adapter and macro lens is likely the way to go. using a hand magnifying glass seems like it would be difficult to use but possible.
I have a trick that I've used on my A40 that works very well. I have taken a 10x jewelers loupe (cost 3 bucks) and fixed it to the barrel of the lens with 2 small pieces of tape. I made sure the camera is zoomed in as close as possible and on a macro setting. That way there is no vignetting. Besides, bigger is better. :) When the loupe is affixed to the lens you cannot zoom in or out. It is a very sharp dof so you must use the lcd screen to view what you are taking and move the camera in and out taking multiple shots.
Here is an example of the setup and a couple photos taken using it.
http://www.adimaging.com/cpig/data/3026/13A40_with_loupe_002.jpg?7503
http://www.pbase.com/image/18093082/large.jpg
http://www.adimaging.com/cpig/data/3026/13macro_spider.jpg?2645

[WithCerberus]

Those are some really great looking pics. why pay the $20 for the adapter and the $80 bucks for the macro lense when I can get pics like that for $3? 8) Where can I pick one of those jewelers loupes at? I'm guessing a jewelry shop but I thought I'd ask. Thanks for the great tip!
Bobby

[Conk]

Thanks Bobby
I picked up mine at an tool supply store called Princess Auto. I got it for removing slivers beleive it or not. I have no idea where you might get one in the U.S. .
If you really want one and can't find one just pm or e-mail me and maybe I can mail you one.

[Lorna]

I'm new in this forum (also a newbie in photography) and I'm looking over all topics related to A40. Flowers are one of my photo-favorites. I have taken several close-ups (using the built-in zoom), but they all look so-so compared to your yellow flower photo.
Any more tips ? :lol:
Btw, how do I include my sample flower photo in my message? Appreciate it you can give tips on improving the photo. (I have to find another flower, though, because the roses have wilted already.)
Thanks ! :lol: