Learning macro?

[TeriD]

Hi, Is there a good site or a good book I can check out that will teach me more with macro? I have a good tripod, cable release and the 60mm macro lens and im thinking thats all I need to get some good shots but im not pleased with how they turn out and could really use some help. Thanks

[TeriD]

I was just reading a little on the macro tips that is on top and I noticed a lot of you suggest using a flash, I have the 430 but really dont know how to use it which is another thing I need to learn. Is it that important to use a flash?

[forsakenme720]

I was just reading a little on the macro tips that is on top and I noticed a lot of you suggest using a flash, I have the 430 but really dont know how to use it which is another thing I need to learn. Is it that important to use a flash?

You really can't shoot macro without a flash. And you're gonna need to ditch the tripod because the bugs aren't going to wait around for you to set it up. Shoot at about a 1/200 shutter, around f11 - f16 aperture, and ISO 100. Manual focus is also necessary. Set the magnification before you go in for the shot and move your body back and forth to focus. That's the easiest way to do it. Hope that helps. If you have any more questions just ask. :)

Dave

[scrumpy]

Hi Teri, as a macro beginner and now realising that speed is everything to get those crisp shots, definitely use flash if you have it. You probably need a bracket as well. Good luck.
David

[dpastern]

Well, my advice for starters is to read through this post:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85004

Set the camera to manual mode if possible, 1/200, f11, ISO 200 if you're using a flash. Adjust the FEC (flash exposure compensation) as needed. I usually start with FEC set to 0. I rarely use a tripod, because it just slows you down. I don't use AF, it's too innaccurate at closer focusing range. I, like others, use the manual focus technique, ie. set the lens to 1:1, then gently rock the body back and forth until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder, preferably the eyes as a general rule. It's generally a good idea in most cases to use flash, because it makes it so much easier to take shots of insects etc at closeup ranges. If you're going to use a flash, it's usually best to get a flash bracket and the Canon offshoe adaptor so that the flash can be repositioned off the hotshoe on the camera. If you're going to use the onboard flash, it works pretty well from my experience using a D60.

I'd recommend starting out with sunning flies, as they're generally not to skittish. Don't let your shadow fall on an insect, it'll usually scare it. Keep movements quiet, slow and deliberated. Learn your insects and arachnids (hang out with us for long enough and you will). Treat your insects and arachnids with respect - ie. never try techniques like refrigerating them to slow them down. If you miss an insect, don't worry, there'll always be more. Avoid windy days, you'll just get frustrated and angry. Keep practicing, keep taking lots and lots and lots of shots - the old saying that practice makes perfect is very true. You will get better, don't be disheartened if it takes a few months, it's all part of the learning process.

I'd really recommend John Shaw's "closeups in nature" - a most excellent read and one of the, if not the, best books on macro photography imho.

And most importantly, ask questions.

Dave

[drifter106]

After reading the above mentioned post I do have a question for I am pretty much in the same boat as the OP. It appears that I will need to get a flash for this type of photography and was hoping that you give me your thoughts on this unit (vivitar 285hv). The link I am providing gives a review of sorts and although it functions pretty much in a manual mode do you think it will suffice. Would like to get something from Canon, not sure what type I need or what would work.

Review for Vivitar 285hv (http://www.popphoto.com/lighting/3983/vivitar-285hv-review.html)

please advise...

john

[DaveBinks]

After reading the above mentioned post I do have a question for I am pretty much in the same boat as the OP. It appears that I will need to get a flash for this type of photography and was hoping that you give me your thoughts on this unit (vivitar 285hv). The link I am providing gives a review of sorts and although it functions pretty much in a manual mode do you think it will suffice. Would like to get something from Canon, not sure what type I need or what would work.



please advise...

john

Hi John,
I haven't used the vivitar 285 myself but had a vivitar 283 for years (very good gun!) however, they do suffer from the disadvantage that they are not Canon dedicated units and will not work in the TTL modes that a dedicated gun will - Canon's 430 ex is a good unit to try (but is probably quite a bit more expensive) - a number of other manufacturers like Sigma and Metz also have Canon dedicated units that may be worth looking at - a lot depends on your budget/what you want to achieve)

[John_B]

TeriD,
Another book suggestion is "The Complete Guide To Close_Up & Macro Photography" by Paul Harcourt Davies was a descent book with great photo examples.

You can of course take macro photo without flash, however you will probably need long exposures to get enough light. For macro photos you really need smaller apertures to get Depth Of Field. Try to get a bug or even a wild flower to not move during long exposure is difficult, for non moving subjects a tripod can really help. You can use higher ISO but then you have noise to worry about. Or you can use a flash (your 430ex should work well), which makes it much easier to capture your subject in macro without tripod. I also agree with dpastern "Treat your insects and arachnids with respect" and his suggestions on photo techniques.
Of course I have found Practice makes Perfect applies to macro photography ;)

[TeriD]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help. As far as what Im trying to shoot is mainly flowers right now, butterflies are to darn fast for me and certain bugs im a little sketish with so I dont want to get to close to them, and maybe thats where the 100mm would of came in but Im stuck with the 60mm right now. Now with flowers and natural light should I still use a flash? and if so where would I point the flash if say im outside and also the little window thing that comes out of the flash, should that be down or inside? sorry dont recall the name of it.

[zacker]

a flash and if possible, block out the sun with something... that is, put your subject in the shade. A fast sp because shake is wayyy magnified and a small Aperture like f11-f16 (like stated above) because the effects of shooting wide open in Macro photography are also magnified. A tripod and release works for ststic images but if your shooting bugs on the run, no tripod for you!!
lol keep at it.

[zacker]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help. As far as what Im trying to shoot is mainly flowers right now, butterflies are to darn fast for me and certain bugs im a little sketish with so I dont want to get to close to them, and maybe thats where the 100mm would of came in but Im stuck with the 60mm right now. Now with flowers and natural light should I still use a flash? and if so where would I point the flash if say im outside and also the little window thing that comes out of the flash, should that be down or inside? sorry dont recall the name of it.

Yes, use the flash... I usually shoot in AV mode at f11 or higher (smaller?) to like f16. Block the sun and shoot with the flash.i just stick the flash right no the camera in the shoe but if ya want better results, get an off shoe cord and then you can direct the light to get more creative. You really dont need to diffuse the flash esp with a canon with TTL.. get a piece of cardboard to use to block out the sunlight.

[Dalantech]

Check out the blog link in my signature, and there are also link on my blog to other resources. Cheaper than a book ;)

[John_B]

TeriD,
I use flash for most of my macro flower photos, its just easier for wild flowers. With the flash you can aim it forward at its lowest point and you should be good. If using a tripod you can try different things like using a reflector etc.. If you had an extension cord for your flash more options would also be available.
The little window thing that comes out of the flash is called the built in wide panel and it is for ultra wide angle lenses up to 14mm (I don't believe the 430ex has a catchlight panel). Of course you can experiment with the wide panel, but its really not made for macro photography. If you find the flash is too strong you can adjust the flash exposure compensation on the camera (or on the flash) or use a diffuser (a cheap way is put a white paper towel over the flash). However if its not windy take some natural light photos, it very possible but you will need longer exposures which makes it more difficult.

[racketman]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help. As far as what Im trying to shoot is mainly flowers right now, butterflies are to darn fast for me and certain bugs im a little sketish with so I dont want to get to close to them, and maybe thats where the 100mm would of came in but Im stuck with the 60mm right now. Now with flowers and natural light should I still use a flash? and if so where would I point the flash if say im outside and also the little window thing that comes out of the flash, should that be down or inside? sorry dont recall the name of it.

60mm macro is a star performer, you just have to be a bit more patient than with a longer lens but on the plus side its lighter and easier to hold steady.

[TeriD]

Wow all this info to shoot macro, lol. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain to me, hope to learn something from all this. Off to look at your blog Dalentech and thanks for the info.

[wuwujohn]

Dalentech, i just read your whole blog. very good stuff. i'm definitely going to try those things out, thanks for sharing!