Want to become a pro at macro photography? This episode will help you take the guesswork out of this style of photography (even if you don’t have a macro lens!). These simple exercises will help you understand what you need to know to get the skills you need so that you’re always ready for that close-up!
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Show Notes
Shoutouts
Episode Cover photographer Sue Morris
I’ve been taking photos for many years, more than I care to remember! My parents gave me my first camera, a Kodak Brownie 127, for my 8th birthday. My dad would take the film into work with him to develop it for me – all black and white and I think there were about 12 images to a roll of film. He was a professional photographer, so you could say taking photos is in my genes. Over the years, other things took priority and I just took snapshots of my family with whatever camera happened to be in vogue at the time and that I could afford. Then about 11 years ago, I bought my first DSLR and that ignited my passion all over again.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Morris-Photography-1468036820117228/
Instagram: suemorrisphotography
Photo 293 Macro Photography challenge for beginners and pros
Macro photography is extreme close up photography
GEAR
- Tripod
- A macro lens or DIY alternative
DIY PHONE MACRO
- drop of water on lens
- old lens from reading glasses
- old lens from point and shoot camera
DIY DSLR MACRO
- Reverse a lens to create instant macro
If you have steady hands you can “free lens,” or buy a reverse lens adaptor ring ($10)
SUBJECTS ARE EVERYWHERE!
- Bugs
- Nature
- Glass
- Water
- Fur
- Eyes
- Pets
- Cutlery
- Fruit and veggies
- Grunge
- Lego people
Focus
- Use manual focus for more precise focus
Depth of Field
- Shoot at a narrower DOP to capture more detail
Backgrounds
- DIY backgrounds using iPad or paper
- Use a solid background
- DIY Lightbox or window to backlight objects
- DIY free lens
Lighting
- Continuous or Flash
Macro ideas
- Drops of water
- Flower or anything you want reflected approx 4-6 inches in the background
- Dropper to position the water
- Glycerine creates a thicker droplet (make your own with sugar and water)
- High aperture
- Bright sun hitting droplet will create starbursts
- It’s easier to focus and work using a tripod
- Focus manually because autofocus and macro does your head in
- Fake flowers work well, you can’t tell the difference
- Look for foliage that’s rough or course rather than shiny so the drops have something to grip on to
- You can use anything as a reflection.
- Shoot indoors because wind or a breeze with blow your droplets away and it’s really difficult to focus
