A visit to the butterfly house

[blevine15]

Still trying to get a handle on this Macro thing. What is the trick to maxing depth of field with limited light. Must I have a flash?

Any points in the right direction would be appreciated.

[blevine15]

One more

[Bald Eagle]

Extremely nice Butterfly shots. when it comes to DOF, you will lose some in Macro.

[Leorooster]

They are all nice shots. The 1st one is the best.

[LazyPhotographer]

Sweet!

[ddelallata]

DOF with macro work will almost be non-existent. The only suggestion is to set your camera to a small aperture (f/22 etc.) You should also try to get all of the subject on the same focal plane...I hope that makes sense . By this I mean to make sure that all of the butterfly's body parts are the same distance from the lens. In picture 1, the right wings were clearly too far away. Have a look at these and hopefully you understand my point.

[Bald Eagle]

I agree, with my Butterfly shots i try to always use a tripod, makes for clearer pics when youre close up. When possible i try to lengthen the exposure just a tad, this is one that is almost lined up focally.

[LadyHawk]

Those are some beautiful shots! Nicely done...

[blevine15]

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you use a flash and how do you apply it if you do?

[Bald Eagle]

Myself, I like to work with existing light when possible, personal preference i guess. I use the built-in flash for fill-in only if necessary.

[Ron Lacey]

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you use a flash and how do you apply it if you do?

I use a pair of flashes mounted on a macro bracket which allows me to stop down to f32 on my 180mm macro lens. Even so the acceptable DoF is quite limited when you get close to 1:1, it's something you have to live with I'm afraid.