My first macro attempt!

[witchy]

Critiques are welcome.

I need advice on how I could have done these differently. I have a new respect for some of the awesome macro shots I have seen here. It was so much harder than I thought it would be, these were all handheld, I might try the tripod next time. All taken with my new canon 100mm 2.8 macro. All Exif info is still there!

There was a slight breeze outside, so I had a hard time with the focusing.


dietes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/witchy1/dietes12.jpg

daisy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/witchy1/daisy12.jpg

azalea
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/witchy1/azalea12.jpg

lavender
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/witchy1/lavender12.jpg

small fly
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/witchy1/fly12.jpg

[witchy]

Anything? anyone? I would love comments!

These are my first macro shots, so please pick the **** out of them! or tell me what to do to make them better :)

[bmer]

realy like the small fly shot ... just start macro photography to, but I think those are nice shot :)

keep going !

-Mathieu

[martin-images]

I dont no if you are using flash or not, i guess not, on the first shot its to tightly cropped, if you pulled back more it would be more interesting and more dof and mybe a slightly heigher view point, i feel with this i wont to look more inton the flower but cant :-), the second shot is ok, the third is very good use of dof to isolate the seeds it gives it a 3d effect, the forth is , well bad, out of focus or camera shake, the bug one is not very good composition, and bad lighting, but you got the main area, the head in focus, if you didnt use flash on any i would advise to do that, you will get more dof, and better lighting, when you get the right set for your system, but having said all that, youve got to try these things and you certantly tried on theses, keep it up and lets see more
Martin
Take a peek at my macros you will see what i mean
http://martin-images.smugmug.com/gallery/333597/1/26919346

[witchy]

Thanks for taking the time Martin to comment on my pics. No I didn't use a flash. Do you really think #3 is good, I thought that one wasn't too good at all, I wondered if I should have more of the flower in focus?

I know number 4 is terrible! I was having a really hard time with the focusing. I was surprised at how different it is to using normal lenses, I will keep at it and practice more.

The last one was difficult, it was the only insect I could find in my front yard!..A tiny little fly on white painted wood and he was all shadowy.

Thanks again, your honest opinion is appreciated and has been very helpful :)

[martin-images]

Yes i think 3 is very good because it tells the viewer what you was trying to do, the isolation of the seed heads is the main focal point of this picture and everything else falls into place, excellant pic
Martin
Take a look at my new BW SITE
www.digital monochrome.com

[Ballen Photo]

Witchy, Nice first attempts. :D I like the second flower for its detail, and the fly looks pretty good, well, not really,(I hate Flies) but the photo of it does. ;)
-Bruce

[Bald Eagle]

Witchy, i also like #3, it shows exactly what you were aiming for. Tripod, tripod, tripod. those are my 3 rules, i find in Macro photography, for me, it is a very valuable tool. Of course, lack of wind is a great help as well, keep shooting.

[BottomBracket]

Excellent pics! I like the 3rd as well.

[Leorooster]

Nice shots. I think the key is "practice" once you get the right set up.

[witchy]

Thankyou guys, that is very encouraging. I will practice heaps more and use my tripod (where possible) and use a flash. Hopefully one day I will be able to post pics as good as a couple of you guys here do! Thanks again :)