Macro and backpain ??

[CyberManiaK]

Well lately that i'm doing more macro.. after 30 minutes shooting, I get backpain... This could be cuz the weight of my camera (60D + DIY bracket+YN560 on wireless trigger+cheap extension tubes + M42 135mm lens or reversed lenses) akwards positions or it's just normal ??

How do you deal with that??

[Idlefrog]

There is not much you can do if the subject is in an awkward position. You could try a monopod to support some of the weight.

[CyberManiaK]

Yup I'm thinking on getting a monopod... But was also wondering that maybe, my back has some sort of injury or something like that. Because I have never experienced backpain... Or could be that its kinda normal until my back gets used to those positions..

So, the backpain on macro can we said is kinda normal ??

[b-rice]

Originally Posted by CyberManiaK

Yup I'm thinking on getting a monopod... But was also wondering that maybe, my back has some sort of injury or something like that. Because I have never experienced backpain... Or could be that its kinda normal until my back gets used to those positions..

So, the backpain on macro can we said is kinda normal ??

I'd say it's normal. I just got started in macro and have felt some back pain from time to time. I think the biggest thing that I have changed is to get as close to the subject as possible by lowering/raising myself with my legs as opposed to hunching over.

[CyberManiaK]

Originally Posted by b-rice

I'd say it's normal. I just got started in macro and have felt some back pain from time to time. I think the biggest thing that I have changed is to get as close to the subject as possible by lowering/raising myself with my legs as opposed to hunching over.

Yup... I think that was the problem haha.... I guess by nature we tend to hunch over. Today I did it with my whole body (lowering/raising) and it is a lot easier, steady and without pain !!

[LordV]

It's all your fault - was going to reply no yesterday morning but managed to pull something in my lower back yesterday whilst photographing now will have to say yes
Brian v.

[calypsob]

Originally Posted by CyberManiaK

Well lately that i'm doing more macro.. after 30 minutes shooting, I get backpain... This could be cuz the weight of my camera (60D + DIY bracket+YN560 on wireless trigger+cheap extension tubes + M42 135mm lens or reversed lenses) akwards positions or it's just normal ??

How do you deal with that??

This is great! Not your injury of course but the fact that you mention this because I have noticed all of the muscles that I don't normally use that get sore when I go out shooting macro. This has been common for me throughout my life in many things, snowboarding for instance uses muscles in the back of your legs that you do not normally use. After the first day of snowboarding in snow season I cant walk because my muscles get so sore. So to get to my point, macro photography is a physically strenuous activity which uses muscles that are under developed in the average human being. If you hurt your back it is because you are out of shape but have no fear there is a remedy. First of all I would wait to do any more macro until you back feels better because it is most likely a muscle and hopefully not a disk. Either way the doctor is going to prescribe to you a series of exercises to keep you back healthy. What many people do not realize is that your core abdominal muscles are actually what prevents you from getting lower and upper back pain. A simple exercise that you can do daily is to lay on your bed and hang your waist over the edge of the bed, using your upper body to balance on the bed lift your legs into the air slowly and bring them back down to the ground. Do this 25 times a day 7 days a week, thats 175 times a week and I guarantee you will be in ship shape and back pain free. The doctor will give you a similar exercise regiment but he will charge you $100. Also remember to stretch before you go out shooting, you can prevent injuries by doing a simple 5 minute stretch by getting your blood flowing into those muscles and tendons so that they can do their job properly. Anyways I hope you feel better and I hope that everyone remembers to stretch and exercise before strenuous activities such as shooting macro, Lol.

[mat vanella]

I've had 1 spinal fusion and am on the waiting list for another. Macro definitely aggravates my back. I use a monopod or tripod when i can, but when possible the easiest way for me is to lay spread out on the ground. i get dirty but also some good shot's. I'd recommend lots of breaks and have a stretch every few minutes.Unfortunately everything i do hurts my back, but you've gotta live don't ya.

[CyberManiaK]

Yeah stretching before and during shooting definitely helps a lot.

Mat..I hope everything goes well on your next surgery. I try the other day to use a tripod but that slows things a lot, and have to be very precise on where I put it.. I'm working on 2:1 or higher mags and feels very complicated to use a tripod.. any tips on that??

[mat vanella]

Yeah i found the tripod a hassle, with the legs bumping the plants and alerting the subject (bugs not plants). If i must use something for low light etc i'll go for the monopod, otherwise handheld all the way. It's much quicker to move around and saves heaps of setup time.

[Snowyman]

I recommend Yoga or Tai Chi. Not only will they help your back, keeping it supple but either will improve your stillness. And then there is a whole world of other physical and mental benefits. Finding the time is a problem but think of the benefits!

Your better half will also appreciate a supple you.