My first go at macro

Hey there, picked up a macro lens the other day and so today I went out to have my first proper go at macro photography. It was quite alot harder then I thought it would be. I thought myself to have somewhat steady hands, guess I was wrong :P
So I was wondering if maybe you guys had some tips on how to properly brace your body/hold the camera while shooting macro? Or maybe a link to a thread/site with some good pointers for beginners, would be greatly appreciated

Anyway here are some of the photos that I thought turned out semi-decent for a first go:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/99817677@N03/9​705536070/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/99817677@N03/9​705549572/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/99817677@N03/9​702325357/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/99817677@N03/9​702540287/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/99817677@N03/9​705562682/

you're off to a good start there Nicklas! those are some fascinating subjects and your shots definitely are better than my first macro shots. As far as the steady hands go, it's just going to take practice. You can try getting yourself a monopod and that will help, not as much as a tripod of course, but it's a lot smaller and easier to carry/deploy

Hehe thank you Chris! And yeah I guess it will Yeah, can't really see myself hauling my tripod around for these types of shots, a mono sounds like a good idea though. Been thinking about getting one for when I'm out trying to shoot birds, would I be able to get one to fit both types of shooting or would I need two seperate ones?

You're off to a good start !
macro hints and tips link in my signature
Brian v.

That's great, thank you Brian!

Great first shots and welcome to the world of Marco, I;m sure you will enjoy!

Thank you Frank, and so am I

Hi I can't really offer much advice as I'm new to macro too! I find the more you practice the better you get!

I really like your shots! that spider looks like a right beast

Excellent job. Especially the moth close-up. Really like the second Harvestman shot also (technically, not a spider).

Mowglee wrote in post #16279694
So I was wondering if maybe you guys had some tips on how to properly brace your body/hold the camera while shooting macro? O

I seldom use a tripod, but I do try to brace my hands, arms, lens, with anything I can; if shooting critters on the ground, I'll use a rolled up towel, a brick, whatever, or just put the lip of the lens on the surface. Using a flash for a higher shutter speed helps a lot. As my hands get shakier, I've been using AF more frequently, with good results.

LV Moose wrote in post #16281510
Excellent job. Especially the moth close-up. Really like the second Harvestman shot also (technically, not a spider).

Whoops

OrnateWobbegong wrote in post #16281574
Whoops

LOL. Nothing to "whoops" over; just thought you might like to know. I wish we had 'em here. Actually, we might, but I've never come across them. BTW, some glow under UV light. It might be interesting to see if you can light one up some night

really good start! focus and DOF are well achieved

I also don't use tripod/monopod, but I do try to shift my body weight toward almost anything for extra balance. if you can rest the lens over something that will be perfect, if not your arms, if not your shoulders, etc.

Adding a flash will grant you better lighting, providing you have proper diffusion. check the macro rig thread on the macro discussion section.

Depressingly good start, well done.

BasAndrews wrote in post #16282411
Depressingly good start, well done.

Really.

Haha thanks for all the kind words guys, means alot And thank you for all the great tips!

LV Moose wrote in post #16281510
Excellent job. Especially the moth close-up. Really like the second Harvestman shot also (technically, not a spider).

Thanks for pointing that out Moose, it sure is fun to know what it actually is that you've photographed! And that UV light thing sounds really cool, just wish I'd be able to find one again, not sure if I've ever seen/noticed those before I took those pictures lol