My first post, please help.

[pitimpinai]

I first came to this forum to learn to use my new camera. This forum and all your photos intrigue me to no ends.

I also would like to know how you take photos of those tiny creatures. Do you need an external flash unit? I bought one after reading the posts and stickies. I still don't know how to use the Speedlite.

Anyway, here are my first attempts. Both were taken manually and hand-held with Canon 40D with EF 100mm Macro. Please advise. Thank you.

[canonloader]

No advise from me, your already doing better than I am. I like the red stuff. :)

[scot079]

Hey there! You're off to a good start, I like the red stuff too! I'll try and answer some of your questions, but I'm no macro expert. There are plenty of excellent shooters in here that will chime in I'm sure.

I also would like to know how you take photos of those tiny creatures

The best way IMHO is to set your lens to manual focus and spin the focus ring to it's minimum distance. Then move your camera/lens/face back and forth until your subject becomes clear and SNAP. This way you'll get maximum magnification.

Do you need an external flash unit?

Need? no...but you'll soon find that it's much easier to get good photos by providing your own light rather than relying on ambient. Check the "Show Us your Macro Rig" thread at the top of the macro forum page for some great examples. DIY and BIY:-)

Good luck and have fun! IMO, this is the most relaxing/rewarding aspect of photography!

[pitimpinai]

No advise from me, your already doing better than I am. I like the red stuff. :)

Thank you for the comments. I am stepping into this dSLR realm very gingerly - after using a P&S. The red stuff is Prairie Smoke - Geum triflorum, a North American native. Pretty, huh? :)


Hey there! You're off to a good start, I like the red stuff too! I'll try and answer some of your questions, but I'm no macro expert. There are plenty of excellent shooters in here that will chime in I'm sure.



The best way IMHO is to set your lens to manual focus and spin the focus ring to it's minimum distance. Then move your camera/lens/face back and forth until your subject becomes clear and SNAP. This way you'll get maximum magnification.

Oh, that is the easiest explanation to understand so far. I'll try to remember that. I found most previous threads and discussions beyond my comprehension. There has just been a big storm a few minutes ago. Tomorrow morning I'll have a lot of subjects to shoot.

Need? no...but you'll soon find that it's much easier to get good photos by providing your own light rather than relying on ambient. Check the "Show Us your Macro Rig" thread at the top of the macro forum page for some great examples. DIY and BIY:-)

Yes, I saw that thread too. I'll check it again.

Good luck and have fun! IMO, this is the most relaxing/rewarding aspect of photography!

It really is...much less pressure than shooting sports events.
Thank you again for the comments and advice.